Borobudur, The Biggest Buddhist Temple in The World

Borobudur temple is the world's biggest Buddhist temple in the world located in Magelang, Central Java. The temple widely considered to be one of the world's seven wonders. This ancient site built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom. The architects of Borobudur was Gunadharma. Little is known about Gunadharma. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The temple's design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. Borobudur is the icon of Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Borobodur Northwest View

Prince Siddhartha Gautama became anascetic hermit

Borobudur covers enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 metres. The temple is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stoneart of this monument has no equal. Borobudur was built without using any kind of cement or mortar. The structure of Borobudur is like a set of massive interlocking blocks held together without any glue.

Stairs of Borobudur

A Buddha statue with the hand position of dharmachakra mudra

Queen Maya riding horse carriage retreating to Lumbini  to give birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama

Borobudur was abandoned at 14th century because decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the UNESCO and Indonesian government. Borobudur temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage by Buddhists in Indonesia especially to celebrate Vesak.

Buddhist Monks Praying at Borobudur

The Mural On The Wall of Borobudur

Some useful tips and informations about hotels near to Borobudur:
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Karimunjawa: The Beauty of Tropical Islands

Karimunjawa is an archipelago of 27 islands in the Java Sea, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Jepara. The name of Karimunjawa in Javanese means "a stone throw from Java". The islands have a total area of 78 km². The main island is Karimun (2,700 ha) and the second-largest island is Kemujan (1,400 ha). Some of the islands have been declared as a marine reserve, the Karimunjawa National Park in 2001. Only five of the islands are populated and mostly by local traditional fisherman. The Karimunjawa islands administratively part of Jepara district (kabupaten) of Central Java province.

Karimunjawa Map

Karimunjawa Beach

Karimunjawa is an affordable holiday destination for marine lover because relatively close to Java island that make Karimunjawa more accessible. Fast boat from Semarang cut the length of the trip to half of usual ferry ship from Jepara. It takes only 3.5 hours. 

Karimunjawa Beach

Karimunjawa is a beautiful tropical islands. The weather is warm, the sky is sunny, the water is very clear, and the surrounding is very remarkable. If you want to get burned by the sun, white sandy beach is very awesome. Chocolate skin will be yours at the end of your holiday.

Swimming with the Sharks in Karimunjawa

If you want more adventure you can also swim with the sharks. It the most popular activity to do here. Get your memorable pictures and upload it on your facebook, twitter, or google+ with the sharks around you in the conservatory sharks pool.
 

Karimunjawa Sunset

Diving or snorkeling is a must to do for marine lover. If you are not a good diver or swimmer, glass bottom boat is the solution for you and you can enjoy marine life in deeper water.

Karimunjawa Glass Bottom Boat

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Dieng Plateau, Abode of the Gods

Dieng Plateau sitting up in the mountains about 150 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, around 150 kilometers southwest of Semarang, and 26 kilometers north of Wonosobo. With 2,093 above sea level, average temperature ranging from 10 degrees Celcius to 15 degrees Celcius. The name of Dieng which is literally derived from sansekerta word: "Di" means highland or mountain and "Hyang" means Heaven. Therefore, Dieng can be interpreted as a mountain range where god and goddess resides, or "Abode of the Gods". Dieng Plateau is a misty location that consists of small ancient temples set in the remarkable volcanic landscape, colored lakes, "mirror" lake, craters, sulphurous springs, and geothermal activities.

Colored Lake at Dieng Plateau

Old Hindu's Temples at Dieng Plateau

If you want to transport back to ancient times, Dieng Plateau is the right place. The temples in Dieng Plateau are the oldest Hindu's temples in Indonesia. The temples are remnants from the glorious period of the Hindu empire in Java dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. From the bubbling mud holes, brightly colored sulphur lakes and thick mist surrounding the plateau, visitors will easily understand why the ancient Javanese considered this place to be the seat of supernatural powers.

The Beauty of Colored Lake at Dieng Plateau

Each of the temple is named with epic tale figures of the Mahabarata such as Bima, Gatotkaca, Arjuna, and Srikandi. It is believed that these temples used to serve as residences of Hindu priests who would spread Hindu teachings.

Beautiful Sky at Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau is the largest vegetable producer in Central Java. Potatoes are the main commodity as well as carrots, cabbage, tobacco, mushroom, purwaceng and also carica or mountain papaya.

Beautiful Panorama at Dieng Plateau

Unique Sky at Dieng Plateau

Sikidang Crater at Dieng Plateau

Some tips and information about hotels near to Dieng Plateau:
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Mount Bromo, Beautiful Sunrise in Volcano

Found some 4 hours drive via Surabaya, the capital of East Java Province, Mount Bromo is part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park which covers a massive section of 800 square kilometres. The name of Bromo derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. At 2392 meters above the sea level, Mount Bromo is smaller when compared to some volcanoes within Indonesia, but this spectacular Mount  Bromo will not likely dissatisfy with its magnificent vistas and also remarkable panoramas.

Panorama at Bromo

Fire from The Earth at Bromo

Crater at Bromo

From a vantage point in Mount Penanjakan (2, 770 meters above sea level), 2.5 hours from Malang,  tourists from all over the world come to see the sunrise over Mount Bromo. From this position the vista is spectacular. Mount Bromo is in the middle of a vast plain called "Sea of Sand". The best views from Mount Bromo to the Sea of Sand below and surrounding volcanoes are at sunrise. Depending on the degree of volcanic activity. the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology and Disaster Hazard Mitigation sometimes issues warnings against visiting Mount Bromo.

Beautiful Sky at Bromo

Horse at Bromo

The particular eerie surroundings possesses spurned plenty of stories and also myths. Mount Bromo possesses unique value for Tengger people who believe this was a site where a fearless prince sacrificed their life for his family. The people right here appease this Gods yearly at the annual Kasada festival where offerings of vegetables, chickens, and money are thrown into the crater of the volcano.

Bromo after Sands Rain

Look Semeru Top from Bromo

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