Borobudur Temple

Visit the colossal Borobudur Temple, which UNESCO calls “one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world.”

A masterpiece of the Shaliendra dynasty, whose 8th-century reign ushered in a Javanese cultural renaissance, Borobudur is a massive pyramid that rises up from the green plains like the neighboring volcanoes. From its 150,000-square-foot base, we have a chance to climb up the six tiers to the top. Moving from bottom to top, note how the volcanic-rock carvings progress from depictions of the world of desire, to the world of forms, and reaching the pinnacle in the world of formlessness—the realm of nirvana in Buddhist ideology. The top level is dotted with 72 small latticework stupas, each with a statue of Buddha inside, which we can see through the grates.

We'll leave the complex and stop for a short visit at a family-run rengginang bakery. Rengginang is a traditional cracker-like snack made of sticky rice, and can have either a sweet or salty flavor. During our time at the bakery, we'll see how the crackers are made and have a chance to sample them ourselves, perhaps as the locals do with a cup of Java coffee.Read more