BOROBUDUR TEMPLE: THE BREAK OF DAWN AT INDONESIA’S ICON OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
No two sunsets are the same. And I guess the same holds true for sunrise.
There
would be less comparison for me when we speak of sunrise, as seldom do I wake
up that early to witness the break of dawn and feel the warmth of the morning
rays. And to
visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Borobudur Temple in Central Java,
Indonesia is one willing exception of my extended slumber. Call time was
3:30AM. And at 4:30AM, we were at
Manohara Hotel grounds for the special registration of sunrise viewing before
the regular guests are allowed to enter.
It
was all worth it.
In
a few concrete steps, we reached the central dome at the top in time for the
skies to clear and provide a panoramic and dramatic backdrop of famed mountains. Perforated stupas surround the dome where
each contains a Buddha statue. This is
the second time I have visited the temple and in both visit, I failed to
capture a Buddha seated inside a stupa.
Most say, you just have to touch the Buddha, make a wish and it will
come true. I lost another chance once
again as I completely forgot about it (regardless if it’s a myth or not). But the truth is, being there for the second
time with friends is already more than enough to be granted another wish.
This
visit is certainly one of my most memorable sunrise viewings to date. There may only be a few instances but all those
are certainly worth it.
GET TO KNOW BOROBUDUR
TEMPLE
Every
Asian history book will always tell the story of how this biggest Buddhist
monument was built. The temple sits on a
hilltop overlooking green fields, distant hills and famed volcanoes. In a symmetrical structure, our guide informed
us that the temple covers an enormous area of 123 x 123 meters. As we move from one platform to the other,
noticeable are the relief panels and Buddha statues.
What
makes this temple amazing? It was built
without using any kind of cement or mortar.
The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held
together without any glue. It was rediscovered in 1815 buried under volcanic
ash. It was then restored to what it is
today – one of the world’s most valuable treasures.
Undeniably
a work of art in itself, the stone carvings in the temple on layered platforms
made of bas-relief represent images from the life of Buddha. Scholars claim that this is the largest and
most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world.
THE SUNRISE EXPERIENCE
Because
sunrise viewing is rare for me. It has
to be captured and immortalized in the form of postcard-worthy photos. Every corner of the temple is photogenic and
though there are less number of tourists as the viewing time is relatively
exclusive and expensive, the challenge to find that perfect spot do exist. And it pays to have a great travel buddy who
knows your demanding image requirements.
There
is no better way to understand Indonesian culture and heritage than to visit
this iconic landmark. And it is even
made more special because the backdrop of a sunrise gives a fresh start of a
day and a moment to remember.
Where
We Stayed?
A
comfort sleep and a conditioned physique is what we need to be able to explore
Borobudur Temple on a very unlikely hour for a group who are used to sleeping
for longer hours. Very close to
Borobudur Temple and at the heart of the city of Magelang, we stayed at the ATRIA HOTEL MAGELANG.
Atria
Hotel Magelang is a modern 4-star hotel in Magelang, Indonesia. The hotel has spacious and fully-equipped
rooms, gastronomic proposals of the Pamiluto Restaurant and the Truntum Lobby
Bar, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa and personalized service.
I
was assigned to a 28-square meter Deluxe Room, which has the same service as a
superior room and that includes an ironing board, bench and full bathroom
amenities. (click to check other room types and rates).
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE RATES
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE RATES
Ticket Prices for Borobudur Temple:
Regular:
(Open: 06:00-17:00)
International:
USD20/pax
Domestic:
IDR30K/pax
Sunrise
(Open: 4:30AM to 7:00PM)
International:
IDR400K/pax
Domestic: IDR270K/pax
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| THIS TRIP IS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF INDONESIA |
1 comments
Amazing! :)
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