It was time to begin the crazyyy trek across Java. From Yogyakarta, we would minibus our way to the end of Java. And the pitstops, were absolutely breathtaking.
We opted to go with a tour company as it really saved us a lot of trouble finding transportation and accomodation, and still left enough freedom to do what we wanted. It was the most time effective way of going about this too, and time was precious.
So I packed my 40 litre rucksack about halfway (to leave room for gifts) threw on my climbing shoes and was ready to really get my Indiana Jones on. And let me tell you, did I ever. So 4am arrives, I have my daily banana pancakes and jump on the minibus. It is here I meet the two craziest Swedish girls. They became our travelling buddies for the rest of the Java trek, and I even had a random surprise encounter with them later on in the trip! More on this when Bali comes into play.
Many Swedish sing-a-longs, bumpy roads and chocolate crispy banana chips later, we arrive at the first destination; Borobudur. Check any travel book, this is a must see. Infact, it is the single most visited destination in Indonesia, and a UNESCO world heritage site. And for good reason.
Borobudur
Borobudur is a Buddhist monument built in the 9th century. It was a site frequented by the Buddhist population on Java during the Sailendra dynasty. Pilgrimages were held here, and the centuries old stories were engraved into the entire structure's reliefs. Every wall tells a story, and this was the part I was most fascinated by.
By the 14th century after the decline of Buddhism and Hinduism in Java and the rise of Islam, this monumental structure was left to be buried in volcanic ash and jungle. In 1814 it was rediscovered by the British ruler of Java (the British occupation was very brief, the Dutch then took over). As time passed it was restored gradually until 1975 when the Indonesian government and UNESCO completely restored the structure $7 million later.
I am lucky enough to have seen this historic treasure. Here are a few pictures that attempt to capture its amazing presence in the heart of the Javanese rainforest.
Prambanan
While Borobudur remains the stronghold of the Buddhist religion in Java, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple. Hinduism in Java was widespread until the 14th century and has since retreated. However, most stories told in the Wayang (shadow puppet) theater performances around Indonesia are representations of the classical Indian Hindu epics "The Mahabarata" and "The Ramayana". To this day this remains crucial to Indonesian culture, and the entire island of Bali retains its Hindu origins.
Also built in the 9th century, and also discovered by a British surveyor, Pramaban was found in ruins. To this day only the largest structures remain after restoration efforts, since much of the stone for the smaller structures were used over the centuries by looters for their own construction purposes. In 2006 an earthquake further damaged the temple, and restoration efforts are still under way. Despite all this, the view waiting for me was equally as breathtaking as Borobudur.
Prambanan was built as a monument to Trimurti, the three expressions of God, the creator (Brahma), the sustainer (Vishnu) and the destroyer (Shiva). Equally as detailed with relief carvings covering the entire temple (though far more damaged) it truly is remarkable to see how much time and effort was put into its construction.
Have a look:
Experiences in between
This would feel incomplete if I didn't mention the experiences in between. That is the best part of travelling and really is what makes your trip your own. As mentioned we reached all these sites in minibus. Having had stomach troubles throughout the duration of the trip you can only imagine how comfortable it was for me that stopping was not an option.
Another memorable experience was meeting other travelers at all the markets and Warungs (small food booths). It was so exciting hearing the stories everyone had to tell, and learning where everyone was from. It was amazing just how many French speaking people I came across, and this has reignited my desire to learn to speak French.
Aside from meeting other people, it was amazing how many times I really was learning more about myself. When you are standing on a 1100 year old temple, with a tropical breeze and the distant sounds of nature, you can't help but have a moment. You have these amazing realizations and powerful feelings surge through you, and you really feel alive. Nothing is better than that feeling.
=) More to come.
