Located in Central Java of Indonesia is the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan – a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known to be the largest Hindu temple complex in South East Asia and it was built around the 9th century by rulers of the Mataram or the Sanjaya dynasty. The place is located near the city of Yogyakarta which has an airport and is well connected.
The temple complex has more than 237 temples but most of them are in ruins now. The Candi Prambanan is the most visited temple and the largest one here. It is dedicated to the three main deities of the Hindus-Candi Siva,Candi Brahma and Candi Vishnu. Most of the temples in Prambanam are off limits to touristers these days due to security issues. You should also check out the Candi Lumbung and Candi Bubrah, which are Buddhist temples located near these temples. The Candi Sewu is another Buddhist temple complex with intricate relief work and beautiful designs that is located about a kilometer from the Hindu temples.
(Image courtesy of ^riza^)
Borobudur is a ninth century Buddhist temple complex in the Megalang, a region in the Java island of Indonesia. The temple complex was established by the Sailendra kingdom rulers over a period of about eighty years. The temple complex is known for its intricately carved reliefs and motifs and was made entirely of volcanic rock. Another notable feature of this place is the temple complex covers a distance of five kilometers end to end and the 504 Buddha statues on the platforms. This UNESCO World Heritage center is one of Indonesia’s most visited monument and the nearest airport is located at Yogyakarta and Solo.
The stupa consists of six levels and statues of Buddha depicting the six different postures of Buddha are depicted in a beautiful manner. The stupa was constructed on the lines of the same architectural plans as seen on many Cambodian Hindu temples in Angkor Wat . The main dome on the top of the stupa is perhaps the most interesting part in this Buddhist temple complex as it is surrounded by 72 peforated stupas with idols of Buddha inside them!
(Image courtesy of jmhullot)
Surabaya, the capital of the East Java province and the second largest city in Indonesia lies on the edge of the Madura straits. the city is also called the City of Heroes as the Battle of Surabaya, the battle that got Indonesia its freedom, was fought here. The name of the city is said to have originated from the words sura(which means a shark) and baya(meaning a crocodile) which according to legends are said to have fought to prove who the most powerful creature was.
Surabaya houses the fleets of the Indonesian Navy and is an important port. The city has a number of places of interest and the Submarine monument is one among them. The Maritime museum was actually a Russian submarine that was called Pasopati. The Mpu Tantular Museum has some ancient artifacts that reflect the Javanese tradition. Surabaya is also known for the Bonbin Surabaya which is credited to be the largest zoo in Southeast Asia. The Grand mosque of Surabaya which is the largest mosque in Java and the Cheng Ho mosque which is a unique example of Chinese architecture in Islamic tradition are other places of interest.
