Ancient Temples of Indonesia

Our day of ‘templing’ took us to two ancient 9th century temples built for both Buddhist and Hindu gods. Both were restored very well and seemed to be well cared for. The craftsmanship and layout were very interesting. I particularly like Borobudor’s Buddhas inside the bells. After seeing numerous Angkor temples over the years, I can see the similarities and differences of the two S.E. Asian cultures play out in the temple carvings. As they say, “Same same but different.” Thankfully we were traveling during the off season, so crowds weren’t too big of a deal. Both temples are about an hour from Yogyakarta, a small (by Indonesia standards) city in central Java.

Tourists watch sunrise over Boroduor Temple

Tourists watch sunrise over Borobudor Temple.

Sunrise over Borobudor Temple, Indonesia.

Tourists watch sunrise over Boroduor Temple.

One of many Indonesian volcanoes lets off some steam.

Mist shrouds Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Sunrise over the jungle.

Borobudur Temple, Indonesia, a Buddhist temple built in the 9th century has been near completely restored.

Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Inexplicably, only foreigners were forced to wear a sarong…

Each bell contained a buddha, Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Large relief carvings at Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Prambanan Temple, Indonesia, a Hindu temple constructed in the late 850’s.

Prambanan Temple, Indonesia. I love finding the carver’s jokes and playfulness at large temple complexes.

Prambanan Temple, Indonesia.

Piles of stone lay around Prambanan Temple, Indonesia. I’m not sure if these were ‘left over’ pieces or other structures that haven’t been rebuilt yet.