Borobudur, located in Magelang, Central Java, is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist temple built around 800AD. Composed of around 6 levels, each level has a story to tell about Buddha and his teachings. At the top of the temple, there are several cone shaped structures, wherein you can find a life sized stone scuplture of Buddha. It is said that if you touch this idol and make a wish, then your wish will come true. At the top of the temple, you can see from miles around and you can just sit in a corner and contemplate on life.
After visiting the temple, you might want to look at the souvenir shops outside the main gates. Within these stalls you will find a variety of souvenirs to choose from. There are silver replicas of Borobudur, t shirts, pens, paintings, weird masks, etc. And if you fail to visit these stalls, there are a lot of hawkers that will flock to you, making you "kulit" until you buy from them. Buti na lang, I look like an Indonesian so they did not flock to me like they did with the Caucasians. The hassles of being white!
Borobudur is definitely a place to visit and should be in your itinerary when you are in Indonesia. Buddha bless you!
Info: Entrance fee is Rp9,000 per person. If you have a camera, you have to pay additional Rp 1,000 and Rp 2,000 for a videocam. Oh, and in case they ask you where you're from, just tell them that you're from Jakarta or something. They have a different charge for orang asing (foreigners) and I'm sure its more expensive than the rates I have mentioned. You can also get a tour guide for around Rp 50,000. But make sure your guide's English is really good.
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