Borobudur is the largest Buddhist complex on earth, lost for about a thousand years, it was rediscovered in the 1800′s and has been well restored; it is now Indonesia’s biggest tourist attraction and the crowds can be huge. However; it does not seem to be well known in the West and so as an Occidental you too can be part of the attractions… We have been ‘snapped’ all afternoon, approached by many English teachers on behalf of their students and I must gave signed at least 30 autographs… All good natured so its quite good fun.

We stayed at the Menohara Hotel, which is on the Borobudur complex and affords a wonderfully peaceful place away from the crowds, despite only being a few hundred yards removed. Staying here also allows you entry to the temple before the general public opening times – which is worth the price of the stay alone… Check the web for prices, but it’s very reasonable at about £50/night and they can arrange to collect you from the airport as well – which saves a lot of haggling and hassle.

Click here for more details – of the whole site and the hotel.

Updated: January 2010