During this trip, we flew to Yogyakarta (a.k.a. Jogjakarta) on the Western side of Java from Jakarta. We were going to see a couple of the most famous temples in Java - Borobudur and Prambadan.
Below is a map showing a few of the places that we visited in relation to Yogyakarta.
To look up these temples, go to:
http://candi.pnri.go.id/jawa_tengah_yogyakarta/index_e.htm
Candis (pronounced CHAN-Dees) is the word for Temple. So, we actually visited Candis Borobodur and Candis Prambanan.
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The following is information on the Borobodur Temple from http://www.buddhanet.net/boro.htm
The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.
The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular stories, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.
For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching.
Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; the highest level, in which the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.
It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left and keeping the edifice to the right while either chanting or meditating. In total, Borobodur represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva's life which he or she must develop to become a Buddha or an awakened one.
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Our first night we decided to stay at the hotel on the grounds of Borobodur. This is the ONLY hotel that is on the grounds and has access to the park before opening hours. The hotel is nothing to write home about but they do have something that know one else has - they offer a sunrise package that allows you to climb to the top of the Borobudur temple and catch the sun as it rises behind Mount Merapi before anyone else can get into the park.
At 4:00 a.m. the following morning, we were told to meet in the lobby so that we could gather in one place before heading off to the temple. We were given cups of hot tea, a brochure, and a souvenir flashlight to guide us on our way down VERY dark and winding pathways.
When we got into the park, we started negotiating very steep and uneven steps. Each step had a different rise to it so you never knew if it was going to be a small step or a huge one. A lot of the time, it felt like you were going up on hands and knees, they were so steep. To top it off, you could not see where you were going because it was so dark. The flashlights only helped for the step you were on. Add to all this, a heavy backpack filled with camera gear and a huge tripod and you are literally dragging yourself up the steps into the unknown.
I thought I would pass out before I got to the top. That is a lot of climbing in hot, sticky, humid air! But just LOOK at what we got to see! We were at the top for about 30 minutes watching as the sky slowly started turning from black to color. That is Mt. Merapi in the background.
In addition to the gorgeous sunrise, we were greeted with a blanket of mist hovering over the towns and jungle. It really was mystical!
Here, Bill took a break from the sunrise and was focusing on one of the many stupas - they are the bell-like structures found all over the temple.
Inside many of the stupas are sitting Buddhas. It is VERY hard to not only get a picture of them but to get the sunrise bathing the sitting Buddha as well. Bill took these wonderful shots of the Buddhas.
Leading up (or down) according to your perspective are the many steps. I thought that this was very interesting as above the temple structure, you see the mountains and mist (Heaven?) and below (Heaven's Arches) is the bright greens of earth.
This is looking up from one of the many layers of walkways surrounding the temple. Notice how many Buddhas there are and how many do not have heads!
This picture starts to show you the overall mass of this place. Up at the top, center, you see a large rounded stone. This is the top of the temple Stupa.
After the sunrise, the park opened its doors and the floodgates opened as well. Within minutes, what was relatively empty was filled with people.
Just look at the size of this place! That is Bill in the lower left hand side.
After spending a couple of hours on the grounds, we started walking back to have breakfast at the hotel. I spotted this little guy hiding in the leaves.
We had had rain the night before and it still clung to the flowers. The sun had not dried it off yet.
This bumble bee is about the size of a large walnut! I caught him going into the flower to gather the pollen and nectar. Just look at his wings!
Here he is, drunk on all that nectar! Look at his back!
Also, note all the ants on this plant. They loved it!
This is another little bee. He is pretty with his little striped bottom. He matches the flower!
The hotel grounds had several water gardens. These lilies were sunning themselves.
We don't know what they are called but we were told they are a fruit "But you can not eat it!" These things are very heavy about 5 - 7 pounds - very solid. They grow from the side of the tree just like this. They are about 8 to 10 inches in diameter for the largest ones.
This purple lily has a little fly visiting inside.
At a Buddhist center, there were these beautiful green leaves growing up out of one of their water gardens. I just love the pattern and symmetry they make.
Later on during the trip, we drove up towards Mt. Merapi. There was a viewing stand there so that you could look over the Yogyakarta area as well as back up the mountain. This flower was the brightest thing around us!
Lilies at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Yogyakarta where we spent the majority of our time. This place is gorgeous!
This is the top of the Buddhist center. It is all out of copper and very ornate.
Some ornate lion statues
A Wooden Bell
Afterwards, we went across the street to see the Mendut Temple. ~~~~~~~~
The following information on the Mendut Temple was from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendut
Mendut is a ninth century Buddhist temple, located in Mendut village, Mungkid sub-district, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The temple located about three kilometres east from Borobudur. Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon, all of which are Buddhist temples, are located in one straight line. There is a mutual religious relationship between the three temples, although the exact ritual process is unknown.
History
Built around early ninth century AD, Mendut is the oldest among the three temple together with Pawon and Borobudur. According to Karang Tengah inscription, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of SailendraVenuvana which means "bamboo forest". A Dutch archaeologist JG de Casparis has connected the temple mentioned in Karang Tengah inscription with Mendut temple. dynasty. The inscription dated 824 AD mentioned that King Indra of Sailendra has built a sacred building named
In 1836 it was discovered as a ruins covered with bushes. The restoration of this temple was started at 1897 and it was finished at 1925. Until now the top of the roof part is still unfinished yet, because some of its original stones are lost. Some archaeologist who had conducted research on this temple such as JG de Casparis, Theodoor van Erp, and Arisatya Yogaswara.
For additional information about Mendut Temple, go to:
http://candi.pnri.go.id/jawa_tengah_yogyakarta/index_e.htm
~~~~~~~~I saw this Buddhist priest cross over the grass and sat down and was watching these little girls play on the roots hanging from the massive tree.
This crazy rooster was rooting around the grounds of the temple. He is really bright and cheery!
Inside Mendut temple, there are several Buddhas. It is VERY dark in there with light coming from a very small and narrow doorway. I count myself lucky that I even got this shot.
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The following information on Prambanan Temple came from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan
Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Central Java in Indonesia, located approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.
History
It was built around 850 CE (Common Era) by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty, or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya Dynasty. Not long after its construction, the temple was abandoned and began to deteriorate. Reconstruction of the compound began in 1918. The main building was completed in around 1953. Much of the original stonework has been stolen and reused at remote construction sites. A temple will only be rebuilt if at least 75% of the original stones are available, and therefore only the foundation walls of most of the smaller shrines are now visible and with no plans for their reconstruction.
The temple was damaged during the earthquake in Java in 2006. Early photos suggest that although the complex appears to be structurally intact, damage is significant. Large pieces of debris, including carvings, were scattered over the ground. The temple has been closed to the public until damage can be fully assessed. The head of Yogyakarta Archaeological Conservation Agency stated that: "it will take months to identify the precise damage". However, some weeks later in 2006 the site re-opened for visitors. The immediate surroundings of the Hindu temples remain off-limits for safety reasons.
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Below are pictures taken at Prambanan. The entire area was mostly fenced off due to the fallen structures caused by the earthquake in 2006. There are a few areas that you can take pictures without the scene being ruined by scaffolding.
People picnicking on the grass outside of the temple structures.
By the time we made it to Prambanan, it was in the worst heat of the day. We walked around for a while but the stones of the temple just absorbed the heat so that we were literally being baked. After taking the shot of the picnickers, the sky started getting really dark and a rain storm started up. We ran to a nearby restaurant and ended up having a very nice lunch. I think lunch came to a total of $7.00 for both of us - that included 2 beers!
After the rain let up and we finished lunch, we heard music coming from down the path. We came across this group of men dancing. The music came from local Javanese musicians and a singer. The men seemed like they were in a trance. There were even some that were peeling the husk off of a coconut and one that was peeling the bark off of a tree branch with their bare teeth! The music would go along quietly for a while and then all of a sudden in unison, the men would start dancing very quickly in circles. The bells tied around their legs were making a beautiful sound. Just as quickly, they would all stop and start dancing slowly again. There seemed to be two types of dancers - Ones with bells on their legs and another group that had simpler costumes on but had definite makeup on. Their movements were more rhythmic and not frantic.
Look at the concentration on this guy's face!
In the background, you can see the guy pulling the bark of the branch with his teeth!
After leaving Prambanan, we headed off towards Kalasan Temple. While we were walking to the temple we passed by this grandfather and his granddaughter sitting on their stoop. I asked if I could take a picture and this is what I got!
This is a bowl of chicklets!
Here are the chicklets with their mom.
Kalasan Temple
For more information on Kalasan Temple, go to:
http://candi.pnri.go.id/jawa_tengah_yogyakarta/index_e.htm
Plaoson Temple
For more information of Plaoson Temple, go to:
http://candi.pnri.go.id/jawa_tengah_yogyakarta/index_e.htm
Temple crown
This is the Sambisari Temple. You can see how far down they had to excavate in order to find it.
For more information of Sambisari Temple, go to:
http://candi.pnri.go.id/jawa_tengah_yogyakarta/index_e.htm
These items were cataloged and are awaiting reconstruction.
Imagine this sight! We were driving down the road and got passed by this motorcycle hauling - of all things - a huge basket filled to overflowing of ducks! I pity the poor ducks on the bottom!
These people go out and cut as much grass as they can carry to use for their stoves. This is the one of the things that they burn every day for heat and cooking.
Here is another woman hauling wood. How would you like to collect wood like that?
When we got towards the top of the road leading to Mt. Merapi, there was a tiny little tourist stop that sold pictures and what-nots showing Mt. Merapi before it erupted and then during the eruption in 2006. The mountain in the background is Mt. Merapi. The building on the bottom right hand side was totally covered with lava. You can still see the burn marks and the destruction of where the lava flowed.
After the eruption, the lava stream left behind a very deep cut of cooled lava that they now mine for sand. Below, you see the trucks winding back and forth through the lava field. We were looking at it from the top of the lava canyon way down below. The trucks look like toys. I really liked the colors!
After leaving the top of the Mt. Merapi road, we took a scenic drive. We passed this farmer driving his Water Buffalo back home. We tried to get the driver to stop but he just slowed down. When I tried to open the door, he had it locked and I couldn't get it unlocked. This was the only shot I could get. I really wanted that shot too! You rarely see farmers with Water Buffalo anymore. The small tractors and rototillers have taken their place.
This shot cracks me up. It looks like the children are in the cage, and very happy about it as well!
We stopped for lunch at this restaurant. It is a seafood restaurant that will grill anything you want - crab, giant prawns, fresh exotic fish!
Here is my lunch! I thought he was too pretty to eat but I ordered him anyway. (I liked the Red Snapper better though.)
Our plates were green banana fronds. The little dishes held hot, hotter, and really hot sauces along with a dish of fresh roasted peanuts!
Here is my pretty fish, fresh from the grill.
This was the view from our table. Below, there was a crazy young rooster - it still had fuzz instead of feathers and was scrawny. He was running around trying to catch his lunch when all of a sudden, he spied a butterfly. That rooster was jumping and running and jumping yet again trying to catch that butterfly! He even jumped up on the hay stack shown below, thinking that he could get high enough to catch it. I thought I would die laughing at him he was so funny. He was almost frantic in his pursuit!
After lunch. we left Yogyakarta to go to the coast. We passed this young man driving this really nice car. He was all smiles when we went past!
This picture was taken through the windshield while moving. I wanted to show the scene that was happening on the street, even if it was not the best photographically!
How would you like to haul all this?
I love her concentration!
We finally arrived at the beach. This place was gorgeous!
We took a pony cart up and down the beach. I loved it but I felt a little guilty for the poor pony having to drag two big Americans along in wet sand.
These kids were having a blast! And look at those waves! They said that this beach is one of the most dangerous beaches around due to undertows.
I just love this silhouette!
This picture is timeless to me. Look at the horse drawn carriages going up and down the beach. It looks like it could be in the 1800's.
This is a picture of the village just outside of the beach town. The red and white flag is for an up-coming election.
We came up behind this truck. It was filled to the rafters and beyond. The guys were very excited when they saw that we wanted to take their picture. Bill finally took this one. We both tried but since we passed them and Bill was on the left side of the vehicle, he got to claim the prize!
These women were hard at work planting new rice.
Finally... we were back at our hotel - the Hyatt Regency. They had a wonderful outdoor lounge, surrounded by Coi ponds. The Coi were ferocious in wanting to be fed!
This is the detail of the roof section of the outdoor lounge. It is all carved and gilded. It is very beautiful!
Here is one of the interconnected Coi ponds. Just look at those fish! They were stalking me!
The instrument in the foreground is one used in Javanese music. Someone plays this every evening during your stay.
Here are my Coi babies! I used to feed them every chance I got. They actually would recognize me and follow me around. Here I am feeding them.
Just look at those mouths! They would literally jump up on the edge of the pond - out of the water - to try to be the first one to get a piece of bread!
This is a picture of the pompous grass in front of one of their waterfalls.
A pretty yellow butterfly.
This is the Golf Course. It is gorgeous! Each player gets his own Caddy - the girls in Yellow/Green
The entire golf course was maintained by these women. They would literally sweep the entire course with their brooms to get up leaves, grass and twigs. 
