Conceived as a Buddhist vision of the cosmos in stone, Borobudur sits on a hill looking across misty plains to the mountains beyond.
It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, made from over two million stones. It features exquisite reliefs carved in stone, as well as its famous bell-shaped stupas, each containing statues of Buddha gazing serenely into the distance.
Sunrises and sunsets are extremely special here – the temple silhouetted against an orange streaked sky is an extraordinary sight. There is a surcharge to visit at these times, but it’s worth the price.
Consider visiting during Vesak, a Buddhist Festival held here every May. When night falls, a procession of saffron-robed monks walk five miles from Mendut Temple to Borobudur, carrying candles. The temple is illuminated especially, and after an evening of chanting and praying, the monks release candle-lit lanterns into the night.