Candi Borobudur
I didn't know anything about Yogyakarta except that it is an old city in Indonesia, probably similar to Vigan, in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. And Borobudur Temple is probably the most popular destination in this Indonesian district. Quick googling of the place instantly made me want to see it, too. So when the visit to this cultural place was brought up after one of our sessions for SRSC SEA + China (work), I was game, even it that meant we need to shell out US$10 to cover half the entrance fee because the office can only cover the other half.
In the midst of our tight schedule, we managed to squeeze in going to Borobudur Temple. We had to wake up early (call time was 5am!) and just asked the hotel to pack breakfast for us. We split in two groups–those who preferred not to go to Borobudur and those who wanted to go. We agreed to just meet at the second site of field visit after the 1st set of activities.
Travel from our hotel in Malioboro to the temple took one hour. We arrived at Borobudur a little past 6am. Our colleagues who already went there told us to schedule our trip earlier so we could catch the sunrise, but 5am seem to be our maximum capacity already. 😁 But anyway, when we got there, the sky was a little bit dim, it was cloudy. We only had an hour to explore the place, and I was tasked to look over/join/accompany our delegates from China, so I wasn't really able to roam around freely.
Built in the 18th century, Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. Borobudur is inscribed in the World Heritage List as a cultural site with exceptional and universal value. Intricately engraved in the temple's walls are depictions of how the people in the 18th century lived. Inside each bell-shaped structure is a statue of Buddha. It is believed that if you are able to touch or reach the Buddha inside, you are entitled to a wish.
Borobudur is located in a vast park. The compound even has a museum. Too bad we didn't have the luxury of time to check it out.
And here's the only solo photo I had of Borobudur, and a very flattering one at that. Friends said di man lang daw ako nag-lipstick and wala daw bang blower sa hotel. 😆😆
In the midst of our tight schedule, we managed to squeeze in going to Borobudur Temple. We had to wake up early (call time was 5am!) and just asked the hotel to pack breakfast for us. We split in two groups–those who preferred not to go to Borobudur and those who wanted to go. We agreed to just meet at the second site of field visit after the 1st set of activities.
Travel from our hotel in Malioboro to the temple took one hour. We arrived at Borobudur a little past 6am. Our colleagues who already went there told us to schedule our trip earlier so we could catch the sunrise, but 5am seem to be our maximum capacity already. 😁 But anyway, when we got there, the sky was a little bit dim, it was cloudy. We only had an hour to explore the place, and I was tasked to look over/join/accompany our delegates from China, so I wasn't really able to roam around freely.
I thought our schedule was early enough, but I was wrong. When we got there, the place is already teeming with local and foreign visitors.
No sunrise for us, but it was just fine because this was the view surrounding the temple once you start climbing to the top. Thick mist blankets the low lying areas surrounding the great Buddhist temple, which adds the mysterious feel of the temple.
Built in the 18th century, Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. Borobudur is inscribed in the World Heritage List as a cultural site with exceptional and universal value. Intricately engraved in the temple's walls are depictions of how the people in the 18th century lived. Inside each bell-shaped structure is a statue of Buddha. It is believed that if you are able to touch or reach the Buddha inside, you are entitled to a wish.
DO NOT CLIMB ONTO THE CONES, it is prohibited. Just try reaching it from where you're standing.
There are a lot of fruit trees all over the place. This one here is "cermai." In Cagayan, we call it "caramel". The tree bears small yellow-green sour fruit usually soaked in vinegar for several days before eaten.
On the way out, you'll have to go through a maze that is the souvenir shops. Very strategic really. This one below, sold by one of the shops, caught my eye. I wonder if they have a mask festival, too, or something.
And here's the only solo photo I had of Borobudur, and a very flattering one at that. Friends said di man lang daw ako nag-lipstick and wala daw bang blower sa hotel. 😆😆
