Borobudur Temple

Overlooking the fertile valley of Magelang and facing the volcano Merapi, 40 km north from the province of Jogjakarta, stands a breathtaking monument that was built during the 8th century by the Bouddhist dynasty of Sailendra. This is the most prestigious monument in Indonesia, and the world’s largest Buddhist temple. The different levels of the monument symbolizes the different levels of wisdom we have to go through during life until reaching the enlightenment of Buddha, symbolized by the spectacular upper terraces. The global architecture (obvious when seen from the air) is actually a mandala (sacred diagrams initiating people with spiritual awareness). Borobudur is the place where you may find a new vision of the world and yourself.
Some said the monument was discovered by the Dutch Cornelius De Houtman in 1817 with most of its side covered with soil but the people of Jogjakarta were well aware of its existence. The Dutch military engineer was deputed by Raffless to investigate this discovery but the first major conservation step was taken in 1874 by draining the sunken area with sand by Kinsbergen. The major conservation action took place in between 1907-1911 leaded by the Thedar van Earp. He reconstructed the upper round terrace by using many new stones. But still, the monument was deteriorating and it was only in 1975-1984 that UNESCO came to rescue and sponsor the restoration and conservation of the monument. This was a huge work: millions stones were taken piece by piece and cleaned carefully. New foundation was put on as well. The result is one of the most ambitious and successful restoration ever. A must to see for any serious traveler.