In the quiet dawn of a new day in Indonesia, I found myself at Borobudur Temple, the ancient temple with a story to tell. It was an early start, and we joined a small group of fellow travelers, all eager to witness the sunrise. Borobudur Temple is famous not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a perfect spot for sunrise viewing when in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The air was crisp, and the sky still wore a blanket of darkness as we arrived at Borobudur. There was a sense of calm in the air, a kind of stillness that you don’t often find in bustling tourist spots.The temple itself was a massive structure, built with stone steps leading to the top. It was a bit of a climb, but nothing too strenuous. As we made our way up, I couldn’t help but notice the intricate carvings on the stone walls, each telling its own little story.
We reached the top tier while the sky was still dim. We took our spots along the edge, sitting quietly, each lost in our thoughts. The horizon began to lighten, and the anticipation grew. The sun began to rise from behind the distant hills, painting the sky with gentle hues of orange and pink. It was a gradual process, not a sudden burst of light.
As the sun’s rays touched the ancient stones of Borobudur Temple, it was as if the temple itself woke up. The carvings, once hidden in the darkness, became clear. They depicted scenes from a long-lost time—Buddha in meditation, intricate patterns, and statues that seemed to watch over us.
As the sun continued its ascent, the temple and its surroundings came to life. Birds chirped, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees. It was a simple joy, a moment of peace in a world that often rushes by. As the sun took its place in the sky, we began our descent from the temple. The experience had been a reminder of the beauty of simplicity, of the wonder that can be found in a quiet sunrise. As part of the entry ticket to the temple, free coffee and local cakes are given to tourists, a nice snack to end the blended experience of history and nature.
Borobudur’s sunrise was not flashy or extravagant, but it was a memory that every traveler would cherish. It was a moment of stillness and beauty in a world that sometimes forgets to slow down and appreciate the simple things. As I left the temple that morning, I carried with me the warmth of the sun and the tranquility of Borobudur Temple‘s ancient stones
