Semarang, Java, Indonesia and Borobudur Buddhist Complex

Rick and I did separate excursions in Semarang, Java.  He did the included tour of the central city while I went to the Buddhist complex at Borobodur. Semarang is a northern port city in central Java with a population of 1.8 million.  The capital of Java is Jakarta, on the western side of the island.

Most of the photos below are from the Sam Po Kong temple.  It was established by the Chinese Muslim explorer Zheng He.  The last photo in the group shows a typical toilet in Indonesia, a unisex hole in the ground!

Dancers outside the ship

Dome Christian Church in Semarang

Sam Po Long temple complex

Figures of Chinese warriors near the temple

Statue of Zheng He, Chinese
Muslim explorer who visited
Java in early 1400s

Sam Po Kong Muslim Temple

Indonesian toilet -- water from the bucket is used to flush!

Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. It is located about 60 miles south of Semarang.  It was built over a 100 year period from ~800-899 AD as a monument to the Buddha and consists of 9 stacked platforms, 6 square and 3 circular, topped by a central dome.  The circular levels contain bell-shaped structures called stupas -- there is a stone Buddha inside of each stupa.  The complex contains 2672 carved reliefs on the interior walls and 504 Buddha statues (many now without their heads).  It stands 95 feet tall and is constructed of dark colored stones fitted together without any mortar.  As you make your way up the platforms, you are moving closer to Nirvana, a place of peace, happiness and enlightenment.  It was very special to see such an impressive and beautiful monument to the Buddha.

Most Buddhists left the island of Java several hundred years ago, and the predominant religion is now Islam.

Arriving at Borobudur

Lush tropical area surrounding Borobudur

Example of carved relief on the temple walls

Looking up from the lower levels. Many of the Buddhas'
heads have been removed by earlier visitors.

Stupas on the upper platforms

Buddha in the "no fear" hand position (mudra)

 Outside Borobudur

A final look at Borobudur