BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Borobudur is the one of the 'must see' sites for all visitors to Jogja. It is a magnificent Buddhist monument constructed between 750 and 850 AD when Central Java was still a Buddhist kingdom. Long abandoned, the first rediscovery and appreciation of Borobudur began in 1815 under Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who was the Let. Governor of Java during the brief time the British ruled Indonesia. Total reconstruction of the thousands of stones and reliefs took place under the Indonesian government who, with the assistance of UNESCO, completed a 10-year restoration project in 1984. Today, Borobudur is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site with seven levels and 1,460 carved stone reliefs telling the story of the Buddha and representing the steps from the earthly realm to Nirvana. Borobudur is best seen in the early morning or at twilight. Visitors can hire guides, who speak several foreign languages, at the site for a thorough appreciation of the reliefs. In the Borobudur Park complex are two museums: Borobudur Ship Museum (Samudra Raksa Museum Kapal) and Karmawibhangga Archaeological Museum, Click on "Museums" for further information.
It's a pity that people don't spend more time in the countryside when they visit Borobudur monument. Tourists have the habit of staying a couple of hours and bussing out again. And many of us who live here – weary of the ever-aggressive vendors at the monument – prefer to spend our time in other pursuits. It's too bad because there's plenty to see and do in the area. The bonus is no city pollution and noise!
At Muntilan, both sides of the main road (Jalan Magelang) are lined with shops selling large and small stone sculptures, begging to be explored. In less than an hour from Jogja, you turn left toward Mungkid and are immediately surrounded by verdant rice fields. Leaving the chaos of the traffic behind, a sense of calm and peacefulness immediately pervades.

On the road to Borobudur there are a couple of large silver shops – the sort that tour buses frequent – which could save a trip south to Kota Gede if time doesn't permit doing both. Next is Candi Mendut, an 8th century Mahayana Buddhist temple and Candi Pawon, an 8th century Buddhist temple believed to be dedicated to Kuvera, god of wealth. And then Taman Anggrek, a large garden selling orchids, just across the street from the enormous two-story H. Widayat Museum & Gallery. Borodudur is only a hop, skip and a jump further down the road.
Also available in the area are river rafting, meditation tours and excellent views of Merapi. Stopping off for a sunset drink at Amanjiwa Resort would be an excellent way to end the day.