By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Indonesia is made up of more than ten thousand islands, and its cultural diversity gives each city a unique character, but undoubtedly the brightest star is Yogyakarta, located in the central-southern part of Java Island.
Indonesia is made up of more than ten thousand islands, and its cultural diversity gives each city a unique character, but undoubtedly the brightest star is Yogyakarta, located in the central-southern part of Java Island.
Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s brightest star (Photo / MOOK, the same below)
Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Borobudur and Prambanan, are located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, drawing global attention to the city. As more people visit, they discover that this ancient capital itself is equally captivating.
Borobudur.
1. Borobudur: Measuring reverence for the divine step by step
Borobudur is located 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world today. Built in the 9th century, the temple’s layout is inspired by the image of Mount Meru—the supreme cosmic mountain in Buddhist and Hindu worldviews. The structure consists of nine levels, stacked higher and higher until the central stupa at the top reaches 35 meters.
Borobudur is located 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world today. Built in the 9th century, the temple’s layout is inspired by the image of Mount Meru—the supreme cosmic mountain in Buddhist and Hindu worldviews. The structure consists of nine levels, stacked higher and higher until the central stupa at the top reaches 35 meters.
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world today
The main structure of the temple is a solid stone construction, with six square levels at the bottom and three circular levels above, reflecting the Buddhist cosmology of the square earth and round heaven. The 2nd to 6th levels above represent the realm of form (Kamadhatu), while the 7th to 9th levels, symbolizing the formless realm (Arupadhatu), consist of about 72 bell-shaped stupas surrounding the central stupa at the very top, which symbolizes the Buddha’s nirvana.
Borobudur was built in the 9th century
From the top of the temple, the surrounding view is a vast expanse of flat woodland. The top is dotted with niches and Buddha statues, set against the expansive blue sky and green landscape, offering surprising photo opportunities from every angle. Additionally, the sunrise at Borobudur is spectacular and has been ranked by CNN as one of the 27 breathtaking sights you must see in your lifetime.
The reliefs of Borobudur
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