Borobudur Temple

Borobudur - It as a very interesting 1 1/2 hrs drive from Jogja to Borobudur.   We had a tour guide and driver all to ourself  - it was good.    

On the way to Borobudur Temple

Motorbikes everywhere...

 

Upon reaching Borobudur it was a spectacular site to behold, the biggest Buddhist temple of the world built around the 8th century. This temple is structured from about 55,000 sqm andesite stone (volcanic rock) and structured without any adhesive. This temple was buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th Century, which took 10 years with donations from UNESCO. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, are host to 2,672 relief carvins, 504 statues of Buddha and 72 stupas surrounding the main dome, each containing a statue of Buddha.

 

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur performance

Another Borobudur performances....

More like lego in children's play...maybe the biggest and ancient Lego ever built. Just beware of the many touts plying everything from T-shirts, Kris (traditional knife), wooden puppets, etc.

Borobudur Temple view from afar...

Climbing up the Borobudur Temple

There are many Buddhist carvings all around the temple. The carvings along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world desires, pilgrims spiral up each level, passing through different realms to reach nirvana at the top.

Carvings on the wall

that's Joe and I

View from the Top

Another beautiful view from the Top

Taman Sari/Water Castle - Quite a disappointment as it was dilapidated and badly need renovations and restorations to her previous glory. Built in 1758, it used as a splendid pleasure park of the Sultans and Royal families. Place of errie ruins, underground passages and a large subterranean mosque.

Me and the Tour Guide a the entrance

dilapidated water castle

Royal swimming pool ???

Entrance to the underground mosque

Ngasem/Bird Market - This is the oldest bird market in Jogyakarta and been operating since 1809.

So many people in the Bird Market

Batik Factory - Indonesia traditional art, Batik textil printing and the word 'batik' origins is Javanese and from Jogja.

Kota Edge/Silver Town - Visted a Silver making factory. This town is famous as the producer of fine burnished silver.