Millymin's Travel Log: III : Traces of Indonesia

One of the tips that I might share would be:* Whenever you visit UNESCO places, remember your student ID. It might help you to save a sum. Just like what I did and FYI, I was no longer a student that time :P
CANDI BOROBUDUR

The temple located in Magelang, Java Tengah which everyone is talking about & famous for. Its a must to visit. I believe regardless which website you surf, whenever you google for Yogjakarta, Borobudur comes with it. Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century measuring 123 x 123 meters. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Can you feel the excitement of seeing the Borobudur temple from afar like I do? Well, the entrance alone cost me USD11. Hence, besides Rupiah, do spare some US dollars too. Anyway, they accept Rupiah as well, hence there is nothing to be worried. According to our tour guide, this corner would allow us to have the best shot of the temple.

Gosh! I actually visited this place 6 months ago, that was when I still have my long fringe. How much am missing it now.

A tour guide is needed in order to understand the place better and a tour guide would cost 75, 000 Rupiah.

Lion Gate Guardian

The weather was being really nice to us. The dark clouds were seen afar but not a drop of rain until upon leaving. Well, this Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. I didn't expect myself being able to visit one of the World Wonder Heritages :)

The overall architecture is amusing. Don't you think so? Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. According to Lambang, our tour guide, he mentioned that there were sculptures of Karma Sutra as well. They actually covered it up as this place is open to the public as it is not suitable for kids.

The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Actually there is a long history on this temple. It is actually a Buddhist temple. Borobudur lay hidden for centuries under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth. The center of power moved to East Java region and a series of volcanic eruptions took place.

It is believed that, by standing at the lowest platform and you stretch your hands. If you are able to touch the Buddha's statue and make a wish, your wish would come true. Don't know how true it is but I managed to touch :)

Can you spot Sleeping Buddha?

Some of the Buddhas' head were stolen, some with arms gone too.

Just like those you seen in postcards.

This is when I blame my camera's function known as "Auto Focus".

Borobudur differs markedly with the general design of other structures built for this purpose. Instead of building on a flat surface, Borobudur is built on a natural hill.