Hello, PikiranMedia’s Friends! Imagine traveling back in time, experiencing the grandeur of Candi Borobudur with its magnificent structures and rich cultural heritage. Candi Borobudur is one of the most iconic attractions of Indonesia, located in the Central Java region, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Borobudur Temple is no doubt one of the most awe-inspiring ancient structures the world has ever known.
Discovering the Grandeur of Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur, which means “Buddhist Monastery on the Hill,” holds the record as the largest Buddhist temple in the world, boasting 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries, at a time when Buddhism was the dominant religion in Indonesia. The temple was abandoned in the 14th century, and it was only in the early 19th century when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then governor of Java, began to restore it.
Nowadays, Borobudur Temple remains a remarkable accomplishment of ancient engineering and architecture. The temple was built with exact precision and without the use of any cement. The massive complex consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, each platform representing a different stage of the journey of the Buddhist soul to enlightenment.
Each platform has several levels, and visitors can walk around the platforms and climb the stairs to reach the top. As you walk along the platforms, you’ll see thousands of relief panels depicting the life of Gautama Buddha and his teachings, crafted by the skillful hands of ancient Javanese artists. The intricate details, delicate curves, and rich symbolism of the panels will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of the artistic and architectural skills of the ancients.
Experience the Sunrise at Candi Borobudur
If you want to enjoy Candi Borobudur’s beauty to its fullest, you should consider visiting at sunrise. It is an unforgettable experience watching the sunrise over the temple, casting an ethereal glow over the intricate panels as they come to life with a golden hue. You’ll also avoid the heat and the crowds that usually gather later in the day.
There are guided tours that start as early as 4 am, allowing you to watch the sunrise from the temple’s top platform. If you’re up for an adventure, try hiking up the nearby hills, such as Punthuk Setumbu, where you can enjoy an even more spectacular view of the temple and the surrounding mountains.
Discover the Surrounding Temples and Attractions
After you’ve explored Candi Borobudur to your heart’s content, you might want to check out the surrounding temples and attractions. Nearby, you’ll find Candi Mendut, another Buddhist temple that houses a massive Buddha statue, and Candi Pawon, a smaller temple that is believed to serve as storage for Buddhist offerings.
You can also visit the nearby villages to explore the traditional Javanese way of life, such as Kampoeng Batik Laweyan, a village famous for its beautiful batik cloth, and Kampoeng Seni Kalimantan Giriloyo, a village where you can watch the traditional wayang kulit puppet show.
Tips for Visiting Candi Borobudur
If you’re planning to visit Candi Borobudur, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as it can get hot and sunny
- Bring your own water and snacks, as there are limited vendors and facilities inside the temple
- Climb the temple carefully and mindfully, as the stairs can be steep and slippery
- Respect the temple as a sacred site, and avoid touching or climbing on the statues and panels
Conclusion
Candi Borobudur is not just a temple or a tourist attraction – it is a living testament to the rich history, culture, and spirituality of Indonesia. Visiting the temple is not just a journey through time and space – it is also an opportunity to open your heart and mind to the wisdom and beauty of the ancients. We hope this article has inspired you to add Candi Borobudur to your travel wishlist – who knows, you might even discover something miraculous along the way.
Goodbye, and see you in another interesting article!