Borobudur, built in the 9th century, is now surrounded by verdant rice paddies and low jungle clad hills. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, rising to the central dome, so be prepared to climb. At the top, in the morning, people jockey for position to photograph the sunrise. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa.

Borobudur is a mandala, symbolizing the universe. It is a square with four entry points and a circular center point. Working from the exterior to the interior, three zones of consciousness are represented, with the central sphere representing Nirvana. Each tier is decorated with 2,672 relief panels depicting various scenes representing the state of the human condition. In total there are 504 Buddha statues.   

For breakfast or accommodation try Bukit Dagi, with its open-air restaurant that faces the temple. Tables were set out on the grass where you can take in the views. There are five chalets on the property with floor to ceiling windows facing the temple. Book ahead. borobudurpark.com

To read the story in Asian Journeys go to: https://asianjourneys.com.sg/eMagazine/singapore/2019-12-01/page-1#book/11

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