Borobudur

travel wonder in Indonesia

Why Borobudur

is special

It is the world's largest Buddhist stupa. It's ten stories high and measures over 120 meters (400 feet) per side.

Borobudur was

built, abandoned

and then reclaimed

It was constructed around the 8th century and, centuries later, was abandoned. Eventually, accumulated dirt and volcanic ash half buried Borobudur and wild vegetation covered the rest.

A British colonial officer came upon the semi-hidden Borobudur in 1814. A minor restoration was made in the early 1900s. However, it was never repaired to a respectable degree until 1984, the year UNESCO finished its decade-long project. Borobudur was literally taken apart and reassembled stone block by stone block.

Captivating design

of Borobudur

Borobudur has nine concentric terraces. The six bottom ones are square, the three top ones are round.

The square terraces are trimmed with over 1000 Buddhist relief panels. They depict Buddhism scenes and are the greatest treasure of Borobudur.

Bell-shaped stupas

The round terraces are garnished with over 70 bell shaped stupas (see photo). Originally, each housed a statue of Buddha (and some still do).

Prayer ritual

Buddhist pilgrims have a praying ritual. The worshippers walk clockwise around Borobudur, one terrace at a time, starting at the bottom. Reaching the top of the monument is symbolic of attaining Nirvana.

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Wonders of the World

I hope your Indonesia travel dreams come true - and that 

my Borobudur page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications