Indonesia - Borobudur

  We stayed at Manohara hotel located near Borobudur temple. This is a model of Borobudur.  In the background on the left, you can see part of the real temple.

Let's go visit a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Java, Indonesia.

Many local groups, some students, like to take photos with white foreigners.

Borobudur was built in the 9th century.

The temple's architecture reflects Indian influences of Buddhism as well as Hinduism.

It is a Mahayana Buddhist temple.

 

It laid hidden for centuries under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth.

The monument is equipped with a good drainage system.

More than 1600 carved stone panels on the four lower levels tell stories and teach lessons.

The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms.

Many statues of various Buddhas.

A source of exhibits for museums and income for thieves, parts of sculptures were looted.

 

The Jataka stories on some panels tell about the previous lives of Buddha, some in animal form.

The stupas on the circular platforms on the top 3 levels of the temple.

We bought a ticket for sunrise viewing (IDR230,000 - about US$23)

Look at the view.

Don't look at me, look at my background.

Inside each stupa is a full-sized stone Buddha statue.

Exploring the temple a little again after watching sunrise.