The Sacred sunrise of Borobudur, Indonesia

Catching the sunrise from the top of Borobudur temple is among the most dazzling things to do in Indonesia. The Mahayana Buddhist temple was built in 9^th century with a layout to resemble a mandala. The giant stupa at the very centre is surrounded by seventy two small stupas. Rays of sunlight pierce through the whole of the stupas and the gap between each of them, creating a glimmering image that lingers.

The Borobudur Park welcomes visitors from as early as 4.30 am. The hike to the top is quite light, and the wait for the sunrise will be more than worthy. On Vesak Day every year there will be a ceremony in the evening where thousands of lanterns are flown to the sky. Its magic is incomparable.

Now, where to stay to access the Borobudur?

Amanjiwo

For unbeatable luxury, Amanjiwo has 36 suites with terrazzo flooring, limestone walls, high ceiling, and domed roofs to resemble the stupas of Borobudur. It is located within a natural amphitheatre with the gracious Menoreh hills rising behind. The entrance will lead to the semi open main lobby that will frame the Borobudur temple perfectly. Mornings are usually dramatically misty. Service is Aman resorts style, and it means another level of impeccability. Starts at a cool US$950++ a night including transfers from and to airports in Solo and Yogyakarta.

Plataran Borobudur

Situated in the town of Magelang, Plataran Borobudur is a mere fifteen minutes drive to Borobudur Park. The pictures in the website will show how close and visible the Borobudur Temple is from this resort, and no Photoshop work is involved. The wooden deck above the lobby also offers a mesmerizing sunset view of Borobudur Temple. The villas – starting at US$350++ a night – are rather rustic, and separated with each other in a good distance to keep a sense of privacy. The colonial Patio Restaurant serves only two kinds of menu: delicious, and more delicious. Around two hours drive from Yogyakarta’s international airport.

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Perfect choice for those who want to catch the Borobudur sunrise then spend the rest of the stay in the city. Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of the whole island of Java where students from all over the country study arts. The Hyatt Regency resort has a nine-hole golf course designed by Fisette Golf Design, and landscaped by Tongg, Clark & McCelvey. The main building resembles the Borobudur Temple. It has an open air Panorama Teras restaurant on the seventh floor that gives an uninterrupted view over the mountains.

Mesa Stila

It is hidden in a twenty-two hectares of gardens and coffee plantation, and best access from the city of Semarang. Mesa Stila can access Borobudur Temple in around an hour. The rest of the stay will revolve around healthy lifestyle. Mesa Stila offers three, five, and seven nights of cleansing retreat that includes daily 50-minute massage, access to the hammam, and one time of 75-minute truly Turkish hammam experience. There are retreats for fitness and weight management as well. Food is all health-oriented without sacrificing the flavours and taste. Don’t forget to check out their Yoga Retreat schedule with visiting Yoga Master.

Ve Handojo

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!