visit Borobudur, Java

We’ve been in Borobudur for about half an hour when two young girls approach and request we take a photograph with them. Reluctantly, we oblige and as we stand, slightly perplexed, to pose for the photo (wondering if we’ve been mistaken for a celebrity), other passers by form a queue - they all want a picture.

Java is one of the world’s most populated islands, but it seems that within the densely packed megacities, Westerners are a rare sight. However, where there are a lot of people there is human ingenuity through ancient wonders and artistic flair. It’s something that can be felt in the peace surrounding 9th century Buddhist temple Borobudur - the world's largest.

Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. It is Mahāyāna Buddhist and was built in the 9th century, Sir Stamford Raffles sparked global interest in the temple in 1814 when he was told of its location by locals. At the time he was the British ruler of Java.

The temple follows the Javanese Buddhist architectural style which blends Indonesian indigenous tradition, focused on ancestor worship, and the Buddhist concept of achieving nirvana. It demonstrated the influences of Gupta art showing India’s influence on the region.

The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally included 504 Buddha statues.

Borobudur was likely abandoned in the 14th century following the decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java. Since it’s “rediscovery” in 1814 it has received several restorations - the largest was between 1975 and 1982 after it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Borobudur is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction - it ranks with Bagan, in Myanmar, and Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, as one of South East Asia’s great archeological sites.

‘Nusantara’ in our book club picks is a collection of fairy tales from the countries around the Nusantara Straits, including Java. Check out our photo journal for Sabah (Borneo) and photo journal for Penang for other regions whose cultural myths feature.

For more on the world famous Buddhist temples check out our photo journal for Angkor and photo journal for Bangkok.