In the heat of equatorial Indonesia, deep within lush landscapes, hides some of the most impressive ancient structures in the world. The Hindu and Buddhist temples of this island nation were painstakingly crafted with stone so they would stand forever.
Put on a ceremonial sarong, quiet your mind and enjoy spirituality etched in stone that has been handed down through the ages. An overview of the most amazing temples in Indonesia.
Ratu Boko Temple
Standing on the southern side of Central Java, the true ruins of Ratu Boko Temple are perched high on a plateau. Bring water and be prepared for lots of stairs in the heat. The crumbled remains of the structure suggest that the site was a fortified castle or mansion for the royal families of either the Sailendra or Mataram Kingdoms. There is a ruined outer wall, a dry moat, and, at the highest point in the area, a lookout pavilion. If you climb up to the pavilion yourself, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view with a clean look at the nearby Prambanan temple with Mount Merapi. The sunset views are stunning.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
The cool air and fog relieve hot travelers ascending Bali island’s central mountains. Up here, you’ll find the impressive Lake Bratan nestled among peaks. The shore-side Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has been serving the Hindu residents of the area since 1633. The temple is built to praise and give offerings to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes, rivers, and water. The goddess and Lake Bratan are what give life to crops on the island through a series of irrigation canals. Descend the mountain on the canal and you’ll find a series of smaller temples all dedicated to the water that feeds thirsty crops.
Read more: Six tips for enjoying a rainy day in Bali
Pura Besakih
Bali is an island unto itself amongst the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. The island is still Hindu whereas the majority of the archipelago is now Muslim. Pura Besakih is the Hindu island’s largest, most important and holiest temple. Sitting 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) up on slopes of massive Mount Agung in the eastern part of the island, the temple is worth a visit just for the view of the lush, rolling countryside and the towering volcano above. There are 23 related temples that make up Pura Besakih but make sure to visit the largest and most impressive - Pura Besakih Agung. Be prepared for a bombardment of downtrodden locals begging for your rupiah on the way to the temple.
Prambanan
The largest Hindu temple in all of Indonesia sits in the middle of the now-Muslim island of Java. Often referred to as the Hindu Masterpiece, this incomparable Temple is still being reconstructed. In fact, that’s the first thing you’ll notice as you walk into the park of Prambanan as the stone ruins of 224 outer temples lay scattered. As you ascend into the center of the temple area, you’ll find eight major and eight minor temples. These ornately carved spires praise Trimurti, or the expression of God as Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Marvel at the preservation of this mid-9th-century construction.
Read more: Places to visit in Makassar, Indonesia
Borobudur
Borobudur in Central Java is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. And the structure is here to stay. Borobudur has survived volcanic eruptions of Gunung Merapi, terrorist bombings and the earthquake of 2006. Rising high above the breathtakingly green rice fields and their accompanying kampung, or rice villages, this monumental structure can make Indonesia’s other temples look pedestrian. It looks like an ornately carved pyramid with fortified walls surrounding the bottom and five stories worth of statues ascending to the top. In fact, the central dome is crowned by an impressive 72 Buddha statues. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the monument is that it was built by hand in the 9th century. And visitors agree - it looks like it will stand forever.
Source Touropia
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