The Borobudur: Buddhist magnificence nearby the gateway of East Java (Yogyakarta) has long been hidden from the public eye. Where culture, food and authentic Indonesian experiences are found around every corner in Yogyakarta, this religious site really puts other temples with Buddhism into oblivion  yes, we are talking about the world’s biggest monument of its kind. Looming out of a patchwork of bottle-green paddies and swaying palm tops, this colossal Buddhist relic is one of the continent’s marvels. After the decline of Buddhism and the shift of power to East Java, the monument was abandoned soon after its completion. For centuries the complex laid forgotten, buried under layers of volcanic ash. It is an almost must-do and when you only have half a day to spare, this Borobudur experience will certainly leave you awe-struck.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Yogyakarta; your English speaking guide and dedicated driver will meet you either in the morning or in the afternoon for bringing you to one of Indonesia’s most impressive monuments. Constructed around 800 AD, the Borobudur is located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of your overnight city. En route, your guide will provide you with ample information about Indonesia and what soon appears from behind the horizon. The contours of this inscribed by UNESCO in 1982- marvel of the ancient world once was the centre point of Buddhism in the region. After the decline of Buddhism and the shift of power to East Java, the monument was abandoned soon after its completion. For centuries the complex laid forgotten, buried under layers of volcanic ash. It goes beyond saying that climbing up the Borobudur with magnificent views over the Menoreh Mountains are a given, where you get an up-and-close insight of the 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues; all this aside from the central dome which is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues. Whether you come early in the morning or at sunset, the Borobudur is a testimony of superb craftsmanship in the heart of Java.
Before heading back to Yogyakarta, we include visits to two nearby temples  the Pawon and the Mendut Temple. According to the records after major restauration took place, archaeologists found a correlation between these two local temples and the Borobudur as they are constructed in a straight line. However, further research remains inconclusive of the actual connecting between these three relics of the ancient world.
Customers will be brought back to their booked hotel after 4 hours of seeing more of what lies beyond the Yogyakarta city borders.