Dating back to the 9th century, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, Borobudur, should be on every traveller’s must–see list.
Located in central Java in Indonesia, Borobudur dates to the 9th century, when craftsmen spent years completing the largest ensemble of Buddhist reliefs on Earth.
If you can time your visit to coincide with Vesak – a celebration commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on May 10 – even better. Borobudur is still a pilgrimage site today, with thousands of tourists climbing and circumambulating the stone structure, best visited at sunrise.
On Vesak, monks gather to meditate around the World Heritage- listed structure, with paper lanterns released into the night sky as a glowing o ering of sorts. If you’re visiting at this special time, check in to nearby Amanjiwo resort – its Borobudur Suites have views over the monument they’re named after.
