May 13, 2009

#20 - Borobodur and Prambanan - Java, Indonesia


The island of Java in Indonesia is home to two of the largest brick monuments outside of the Pyramids. Prambanan (above) near Yogyakarta, is a Hindu temple built around 850 AD, with 224 shrines dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.


Borobudur is the more spectacular site and one of the largest monuments in the world with 1,400 Buddhas in eight foot stone bells. It was built originally as a sort of Buddhist Mecca around 750 AD. Both sites have been destroyed by earthquakes and completely rebuilt several times. Spend the afternoon here as the views and the energy are great.

You can easily see both on a great one day trip from Bali flying Denpasar to Yogyakarta on eastern Java.

Best Time to Go: April to October during the dry season, when the humidity is lower

How Long to Stay: 1-2 days

General Costs: Medium because of airfare to the island

What To Do: Visit Prambanan and Borobodur, Stay for a night in Yogyakarta
UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes - both Prambanan and Borobodur are on the list
Weather: Hot and humid
Language: Javanese

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