sunrise breakfast at Borobudur

Borobudur is an UNESCO World Heritage site, an eighth century Buddhist temple on a hilltop in central Java. Both immense in size and intricate in design — there are hundreds of stone carvings depicting the life of the Buddha (see one set illustrated above), Borobudur is the single most popular tourist destination in Indonesia.

Here's the best way to visit Borobudur. Stay at Amanjiwo, an incredible luxury resort located due south of the temple where you can have a view of Borobudur from your guestroom. Take advantage of Amanjiwo's "Mystical Element" sunrise tour. We received a wake-up call at 4:15 a.m. this morning and had a light breakfast at the hotel before being driven to the temple. Our guide led us up to the top of the temple where we awaited the dawning of the new day. Once the sun had risen over these ancient stones, we were able to appreciate the temple and learn about its history, architecture, and carvings before the tour busses arrived by the dozens.

After the tour, we were taken to a hilltop with a view of the temple where we were served a picnic breakfast that Amanjiwo had prepared for us. Amanjiwo is a member of Virtuoso; book through any Virtuoso travel consultant to receive complimentary daily breakfast, one free luncheon, and an upgraded room if available at check-in.


Amanjiwo (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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