Java Pt 1

February 24, 2026

Today we arrived in Semerang, Central Java. Our tour took us to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site. Fortunately, we had a police escort both ways or this would have taken much longer in the hilly terrain.

The temple was started in the 8th century CE, but was abandoned in the 11th century mainly due to volcanic activity from nearby Mt. Merapi. A 2010 eruption killed over 300 people. The temple was re-discovered in 1814 thru the efforts of the British governor general of Java at the time.

Prior to COVID, the temple had 40-50,000 visitors a day. Since 2023, the government has set a limit of 4,000 visitors a day. Visitors must also don special slippers to reduce wear on the temple stairways. Bonus: they are yours to keep.

Our temple guide provided excellent commentary about the temple and the symbolism of the relief carvings. Unfortunately, those videos won’t load in the blog. However, I can try to send them via text or email if you are interested. Contact me at: stxtigers69@gmail.com or 303.591.6244.

The lower five levels are square and have the relief carvings about Buddha and his life. The top four levels are circular and have the stupas (bell-like structures) each containing a statue of the Buddha. In the pictures, you will notice that some buddhas are missing their heads; this is due to earthquake activity but also theft. Recovery of some heads has been sporadic; many are still in private collections and Western museums.

Even with handrails in most locations, climbing/descending the stairs to the different levels is tricky business. The special slippers don’t help. And the builders didn’t keep the step heights uniform. That’s enough complaining. This is an awe-inspiring structure and spiritual place to visit. Enjoy the temple pictures and the koi pond at the visitor’s center entrance.

Next: Jakarta