Bygone Buddhism in Borobudur…

Hey Gringos…

Feeling somewhat adventurous, Emma and I decided to brave an early morning, to view the sunrise over Borobudur Temple, from Punthuk Setumbu, and then go on to visit said temple. Our driver came to collect us at 4.00AM, and to our amazement, I was actually up on time!

We were met by another British couple who were anxious to get off, but we were delayed, as a third couple at the next door guesthouse had slept in (it later emerged they were from Poland, had flown into South East Asia the prior night, and had perhaps bitten off a bit more than they could chew, when considering jet lag from Europe).

As it transpired, it made no difference that they had slept in and caused us all a delay in departure – the weather was against us – cloud cover prevented a glimpse of the sunrise:-

None the less, we had bought a Tour ticket which also took us to a (mediocre) breakfast (although the Java Coffee was good), and then on to the Borobudur Temple. Borobodur is an early Buddhist Temple, constructed in the 9th Century, which stood deserted and overgrown with foliage for 800 years, following the decline of Buddhism, and a volcanic eruption, which covered the Temple in volcanic ash.

Borobodur was ‘re-discovered’ in 1814 by Sir Stamford Raffles, following tip offs he had picked up from local people, that there existed a mysterious ruin with statues that stood abandoned. Once located, Raffles set about archeological endeavours, so as to reveal its structure. Since that time, subsequent volcanic eruptions have also necessitated further restoration work, to preserve the Temple.

Custom dictates that a visitor is to circle each level of the Temple clockwise, until you reach the top. To do so apparently ensures religious enlightenment. I can’t honestly state that any such epiphany was afforded myself personally, but irrespective of that fact, the architecture was hugely impressive, and Emma and I enjoyed our visit;-

In the afternoon, back at the Homestay, Emma caught an afternoon siesta. We were both aware that we had booked a night trek up the volcano Mount Merapi, so as to witness the sunrise from the top of it, and were due to be collected at 22.30 for purpose.

I popped out to the balcony for a coffee, where I met a Dutch woman, named Kim, who is one of those people who impresses me hugely by travelling alone. I’m not convinced I could do this trip on my own to be honest, and I’m a bloke.