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Home , Derawan Islands, Komodo (island), Komodo National Park, Krakatoa, Lorentz National Park, Muara Takus

World Heritage Sites in

Site name Entered

Borobudur Compounds 1991

Prambanan Temple Compounds 1991

Komodo National Park 1991

Ujung Kulon National Park 1991

Sangiran Early Man Site 1996

Lorentz National Park 1999

Tropical Heritage of 2004 The Cultural Landscape of Province: the System as a Manifestation of 2012 the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy

Tentative list of Indonesia Banda Ancient City Bawomataluo Site Belgica Fort Besakih Betung Kerihun National Park (Transborder Rainforest Heritage of ) Elephant Cave Great Mosque of Demak Gunongan Historical Park Compound Site Muarajambi Temple Compound Ngada traditional house and megalithic complex Complex Prehistoric Cave Sites in Maros-Pangkep Pulau Penyengat Complex Temple Complex Hindu Temple Taka Bonerate National Park Tana Toraja Traditional Settlement Ancient City Waruga Burial Complex Palace Complex

Sites that have been nominated in the past Lore Lindu NP Maros Prehistoric Cave Toraja

Java (October 2009) The Indonesian of holds three cultural WHS, among which is the iconic . I visited all three sites on daytrips from Yogyakarta, a city that in its Sultan's Palace () also has a monument worthy of WH status.

. Borobudur . Early Man Site .

Borobudur

The Borobudur Temple Compounds is a ninth century complex. It was built on several levels around a natural hill.

Borobudur is built as a single large , and when viewed from above takes the form of a giant tantric Buddhist , simultaneously representing the and the nature of mind. The foundation is a square. It has nine platforms, of which the lower six are square and the upper three are circular.

The upper platform features seventy-two small surrounding one large central stupa. Each stupa is bell-shaped and pierced by numerous decorative openings. Statues of the Buddha sit inside the pierced enclosures.

The site was rediscovered in the , and restored in the early 20th. In 1973 a major renovation took place that was funded by UNESCO.

Two smaller Buddhist , Pawan and , are part of the designated area too.

Year Decision Comments

1991 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Visit October 2009

Together with the Taj Mahal and Angkor, the Borobudur is probably one of the three most iconic WHS. I visited it at sunset. At first I was amazed that the monument cannot be seen from the road - I had always thought that it is very big? Also, when I finally got it in my view, it looked much less spectacular than I had imagined. Most of the stones are dark from exposure to the

elements. I climbed the monument by going round clockwise at every level. That's when the site certainly started to grow on me. The sheer number of carvings into the walls, and their little details, kept me interested layer after layer. At some points there are whole reliefs, like paintings, displaying parts of a boddhisatva's life or a historic scene. The top, the central stupa surrounded by little stupas, is where all the visitors congregate. It looks a completely different place than the levels below. It's a fine spot to relax after the climb, and to contemplate all that you've seen underway. There are great views over the surrounding fields and mountains too.

Picture Gallery

Reviews

Jorge Sanchez (Spain): Malioboro Street is the most centrically and famous in Yogyakarta. I found a hostel in that same street for three nights. I administrated the three days as follows: The first day I went to the beach Parangtritis and was familiarized with the city of Yogyakarta, visiting the Sultan Palace and other tourists’ attractions. The second day I visited by bus the fabulous Borobudur site, with well over 500 statues devoted to Buddha, plus 72 stupas. And the third day I travelled to Prambanan to admire the Hindu temples complex (about 200). The fourth day I travelled by bus and then boat to Bali Island. Needless to say that the most fantastic place that I visited based in Yogyakarta, was, with much difference, Borobudur. Date posted: August 2013 Bessel vdK (USA): THis is one of the most gorgeous sites in the world, particularly during sunrise. I went three mornings in a row- its irresistible - with the smoke of an active vulcano, the Mirapi, in the distance, and the gog over the tropical landscape of , with hundreds of serene Buddhas watching - glorious! Date posted: November 2012 Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang (Indonesia): One of the most beautiful WHS. So grand and full of lovely details in its wall. The best time to see it from above is in the early morning when you could see the sun rise... and as the fog descending, you could see the Temple as if it's rising from the cloud...

Date posted: August 2008 (): One of the most beautiful Buddhist Temple in the world. The stone carvings stories surround temple will remind you that life is beautiful.

Come early morning or late afternoon and you will get one of the most beautiful pictures of the monument uncomparable to other beautiful monuments in the world

INDONESIA SAFE ! - COME AND VISIT THE TEMPLE : )

(): Awesome experience. I had a local guide built into my girlfriend as she is from indonesia. Even though i still found a little off putting the constant hounding by the people at the start and when you return, selling their wares. I think this pressure selling takes away from the experience there. Even my partner hated that as well. I even tried to pretend i was french instead but that made the guy talk in french instead. Great views and experience. I am glad i have been. One less wonder to see in my life. corinne (): hi i'm doing an assignment on the Borobudur Temple and i need some help with some answers because i can't seem to find them on the internet. does anyone know why the Borobudur Temple was once abandoned?? and any other information about what happens/happened there before the Temple was rediscovered... thankyou very much. Date posted: February 2006 HYOKA YUITI (JAPAN): I arrive at here! Over the clear sea and sky. ( where once fire and corpes. On the top floor ,we can feel some peaceful harmony from statues, which are still meditating. Each of them send the original waves to this quiet space.

Those who seek peace and happiness,Please set out pilgrimage to this monument. Borobudur is the intermediate museum to show us his simplest discovery. Solutions of the time are here! (Stay near the site. Visit eary in the morning.

I recomend Borobudur , through our atomic war experinces.

Mohan Rao Gunti (India): The Temple of Borobudur

One of the Ancient , not to be missed in life time. A wonderful creation with beautifully architectured with a blend of true culture.

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.

This coming 26-29 september 2004 Indonesia Tourism Board along with Event Organizer Pacto Covex are organising a special event called Royal Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo [TIME] 2004 at Yogyakarta, the city of Borobudur. Royal TIME 2004 is a strategic international event that will help showcase Yogyakarta and Java to the international tourism market.

So, Selamat Datang!, welcome to Yogyakarta! Hope you enjoy your stay there and trust you will enjoy TIME 2004 and the Javanese way of life. Finally, you are guaranteed to receive warm hospitality and a genuine welcome from the people of Yogyakarta and are proud to show their heritage to the world.

jenny (NL): One of the most beautiful spots I've visited so far... Take your time to scroll around, have a look at the relief on the walls, see the immense beautify of the surrounding by entering the highest level; is this the ?

Don't book a tour from Yogya, try to get there earlier than the others. Charter a taxi, there are smaller ancient sites in the surrounding, off the beaten track.

Enjoy! www.ikreis.net

Alex (New Zealand): Living in Indonesia and travelling around to see some of the volcanoes such as Krataua and Merapi were always great. But I would have to say that the trip I went on to the Borobudur Temple is one I remember the clearest.

It is a really good idea to get a local tourist guide to go around the temple area with you so you really get to learn what the place is all about.

Arif (Indonesia): The temple is located at Borobudur District, South of Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia.

Borobudur was built by Sanmaratungga in the , and belongs to Buddha . Borobudur was revealed by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles in 1814. The temple was found in ruined condition and was buried.

The overall height was 42 meters, but was only 34.5 meters after restoration, and had the dimension of 123 x 123 meters (15,129 square meters). There were 10 floors. The first floor up to the sixth floor was square form, the seventh to the tenth floor were round form.

(http://www.emp.pdx.edu/htliono/borobudu.html)

Mark (USA): Borobudur presents an evolution of Buddhist thought on the ascending levels of the monument, culminating in the stark, austere landscape of the summit, which is barren of reliefs pertaining to any of the known . On the lower levels, scholars have indeed identified the text sources for various, but not all, of the 1300 bas-reliefs above the monument's hidden base. Perhaps the best on-line resource for gaining access to the Buddhist texts behind Borobudur's reliefs is to be found at www.borobudur.tv

Willem-Jan van der Meer (The ): The Borodudur Temple was discovered by a dutch general in the 19th century. With dutch funds it has been reconstructed. Due to terrorist attacks in the 1990's it is still under construction. The Borobudur is a breathtaking experience. It's a must to visit the biggest temple under the equator. .

Prambanan

Prambanan Temple Compounds is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. The temple complex dates from the 10th century, and is dedicated to .

Next to the main complex (called Loro Joggrang), the Buddhist Candi and the temples of Lumbumg, Burah and Asu also are part of this WHS.

Year Decision Comments

1991 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Visit October 2009

To beat the heat, clouds and crowds, I already arrived at the of Prambanan before 8 a.m. The souvenir hawkers even hadn't unpacked their stalls. The Prambanan Temple Compounds covers quite a large area. It includes 3 other temples besides the main Prambanan Hindu temple. Entrance costs 11 US dollar (or 110.000 rupiah) for foreigners. I arrived from Yogyakarta by using the convenient and relatively new TransYogya minibus (costing 3,000 rupiah / 0.20 EUR).

Right away you notice the damage that has been done by the earthquake in 2006. The large Brahma temple is completely covered in scaffoldings. Also about half of the main compound is off limits to visitors. Constantly you hear the noise of chiselling, made by the many labourers on site. Sadly, this unfortunate circumstance takes away part of the beauty of this site. At the back of the grounds, about 15 minutes walk from the main temple, lies the Buddhist Cadi Sewu. "She's a beauty", two Australian tourists called out when I met them on my way in. And indeed, this might be the best sight on display at the moment. It has a lot of damage too, but there are enough little ornaments still to enjoy.

Picture Gallery

Reviews

Jorge Sanchez (Spain): Malioboro Street is the most centrically and famous in Yogyakarta. I found a hostel in that same street for three nights. I administrated the three days as follows: The first day I went to the beach Parangtritis and was familiarized with the city of Yogyakarta, visiting the Sultan Palace and other tourists’ attractions. The second day I visited by bus the fabulous Borobudur site, with well over 500 statues devoted to Buddha, plus 72 stupas. And the third day I travelled to Prambanan to admire the Hindu temples complex (about 200). Having been the previous day in Borobudur, Prambanan did not impact me so much. I appreciated the complex but stayed there less time than in Borobudur. In my opinion, Prambanan is a small brother of Borobudur. I organized by myself all the excursions by local buses, without buying any tour to the tourists agencies. The fourth day I travelled by bus and then boat to Bali Island. Date posted: October 2013 Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero (The ): Prambanan Temple Compounds got inscribed under two criteria: as a masterpiece of human creative genius, and as an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble that represents a significant stage in human history (i.e., spread of Hinduism in the East). It happens to be the biggest and most extensive Hindu religious site in the predominantly Islamic country.

Prambanan, on one hand, may look quite similar to Angkor . True enough, they are both intended as Hindu temples. From afar, these two may even look like asparagus tips :p In closer inspection, however, the temples in Prambanan are a totally different architectural masterpiece that is unique in its own way. In fact, Prambanan was built over 300 years earlier (9th century vs. 12th century). On the other hand, Prambanan still faces yet another challenge: it is often overshadowed nowadays by the more famous Borobudur given their close proximity to each other. But, in ancient times, the former might have looked far more impressive in terms of lay-out, scale of construction, and even its setting. After all, the construction of Prambanan can largely be seen as a response of the Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty to the Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty's Borobudur.

Often really crowded throughout the day, I visited Prambanan late in the afternoon instead so as to have better appreciation of the place when there would be lesser tourists getting in the way of my lens (it turned out later on to be an uncalculated risk as it rained some few minutes after!). One thing that I noticed immediately upon entering the gate is its vast, well- manicured yard. Not long from there, and I started seeing the magnitude of the damages this site had to endure: endless -- and now meaningless -- piles of rubble scattered everywhere.

The Prambanan archeaological site (or what remains of it) is pretty small and easily explorable. It has to be understood that temples currently standing in the compound hardly make up 15% of what used to be there. Originally, more than 240 temples comprise the compound, yet only a handful remains today. Throughout many centuries, earthquakes (the last strong one being the May 2006 shake) and several bouts of volcanic eruptions of Mt. Merapi further added damages to the already abandoned and neglected royal religious site since the early 10th century. So, yes, it was relatively short lived as an active place of worship.

Its central main towers are almost total reconstructions via anastylosis, and Indonesia is proud that it was all their efforts (together with the Brits!). Nevertheless, strict measures are still being observed such as prohibiting public access to the temples' interiors. The management body no longer plans to reconstruct all of the temples - the tons of rubble are there to act as a reminder of the site's painful history in confronting the destructive forces of nature. Moreoever, some stones are already missing as locals used them in building their houses nearby, rendring massive rehabilitation a definite impossibility.

It being a Trimurti site, Prambanan is dedicated to the highest three Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The commanding 47-metre high Shiva temple (or Loro Jonggrang), the largest in the area, lies at the center. Here, a local myth is also highly intertwined with Prambanan: Loro Jonggrang is a legendary Javanese princess, and it is believed that she is depicted in a statue inside the Shiva temple; hence, the Shiva temple is often referred to by locals as Loro Jonggrang temple as well. This legend is worth knowing when visiting this temple. The carvings and reliefs in the temples are quite different from those that I have seen in Angkor, though both depict Hindu characters,icons, and stories. I can say that the images and artworks there are more "pure" in the Hindu sense of the word; in contrast, Angkorian art is made in the image of the Khmers.

Prambanan never failed to enchant me. Despite only having a little more than an hour for this site (thanks to the rain!), it left a lasting impression on me: the temple compound is really simple -- and it may not even boast much given the state it is in right now -- but it never fails to assert its right as a 'classic' monument the world will forever be proud of.

On a separate day, I also went to the nearby ruins of the 8th-century Ratu Boko Palace. Actually, it happens to be on the tetative list of Indonesia for a possible inclussion to the WHS list, too! Ratu Boko (I'll be writing a separate note for this site as it deserves one of its own!) is nestled in the Boko Hills, some 3km from Prambanan temple compounds. Given its altitude of 196 metres, the site offers a commanding view of the Prambanan plains and townscape, with Mt. Merapi as the background. In the evening, the beautifully glittering Prambanan temple dominates the skyline, subtly suggesting that it is there to stay and that it will never be forgotten again.

Oh, lastly, one thing that can really surprise a bit is how Indonesians usually ask to take photos of/with foreigners, and I was not an exception even in Borobudur. As a traveler, it's part of the local charm of the place, I would say. Date posted: July 2013 Briliana Rohima (Indonesia): have been living at Yogyakarta city for about 8 years, I went to Prambanan Temple for the first time at 2009. It was very easy to go there, used Yogyakarta Trans Bus in the evening to see sunset there. Yogyakarta is hot city, so better to prepare sunblock or go there in the morning/ evening. It was a dance, dance which is just showed at every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night, take place on the outdoor stage use Prambanan temple as the background. The next my visitation time is at outdoor stage of Prambanan, it was night but no Ramayana dance performed. I went there to see the eclipse. Prambanan temple was full of light and I saw it at the distance. It was unforgettable moment in my life. Date posted: February 2012 Sergio (Indonesia): The Prambanan Temple complex helps us to illustrate the glorious past of the ancient Javanese Kingdom. The grandeur of the temples, the sophisticated stone engraving and the mystical atmosphere surrounding the precinct are not to be missed! Date posted: February 2010 Bava (India): I made a visit to Prambanan in the month of Sep 2005. This place was so beautiful with greenary around the temple compound. It was a Wonderful temple with great architecture. The Ramayana Ballot dance was awesome and worth to watch. Would love to revisit this temple if I get a chance.

I also made a visit to Borobudur temple. Both these places smells like heaven on earth. I enjoyed my stay in Yogyakarta(Jogja town). Lots of wonderful memories stay in my mind about this temple. If you get a chance do visit this temple and other places in Yogyakarta.. Date posted: September 2009 Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang (Indonesia): The site area is quite simple, and offer a lovely atmosphere. Especially in the late afternoon. When I was there (Dec 2007), one of the three temples is under renovation for the badly damaged parts after the earthquake.. so I do hope it is a much better site now. Date posted: August 2008 Geoff Doiron (USA): I visited Prambanan in 1991 as well as Borobudor as part of my stay in Yogjakarta.

Having traveled or lived through parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Micronesia and other islands over the past 12 years, to this day have found Prambanan and Yogjakarta to be one of the most mystical places I have visited thus far.

If you have the opportunity to do so, please do not miss this incredible city and its amazing spots. Further if the ballet is playing at the temple (I forget the formal name) do not miss it; this will make your experience unforgettable.

Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park was founded in order to protect the resident giant lizards, the "Komodo dragons". Open grass-woodland savannah covers some 70% of the park.

The last surviving population of the world's largest lizard, which is estimated at around 5,700 individuals, is distributed across the islands of Komodo (2,900), (900), Gili Motong (fewer than 100) and in certain coastal regions of . western and northern .

The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. The national park was founded in 1980. Later it was dedicated to protecting other species than the dragon as well, including marine species. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin.

Year Decision Comments

1991 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Jorge Sanchez (Spain): I flew from Bali to , in Flores Island, together with an American traveller from Chicago. We traveller together because we wanted to share expenses to visit the Komodo National Park. Firs, in Bali, we asked for boats getting to Komodo, but there were only expensive cruises. It was much cheaper to fly to Flores islands and there to arrange an excursion by boat to Komodo and Rinca islands. Just in front of Labuan Bajo airport there was a hotel called Exotic, where for a double room we did not pay very much. The atmosphere and the foodin that hotel were lovely and we both felt very satisfied with the service. Everybody wanted to sell us a tour to see the Komodo dragons, but finally we bought it through the hotel Exotic.

For a very fair price we obtained two days excursion to Komodo and Rinca Island plus meals, drinks and a guide. In every island we would be assigned another local guide, because it is forbidden to walk alone in the islands of Komodo plus Rinca, apart from dangerous. The first day we visited Komodo Island and saw many dragons. They looked peaceful, but we were advised not to go very close to them because if they start running they would cath us and that could be lethal. I remembered that the previous day, in the plane from Bali to Flores, there were two passengers, working in Komodo Park, that came from a hospital in Bali because a few days earlier had been attacked by the dragons and one of them had lost a leg. The only defense that had the guardian who came with us, was a stick. Even in case of danger the guardians were not allowed to kill the dragon. The second day we navigated to the second island, called Rinca. There we saw many more dragons. The islands plus the boat journey itself was fantastic. Indeed, for my friend, a consumate traveller, that excursion was one of the dearest in his life. The next day we flew back to Bali. Date posted: July 2013 John Booth (New Zealand): I travelled to the islands of Komodo and Rinca by boat from the port of Labuanbajo on Flores Island. Before landing on Komodo I spotted three dragons marching along the beach towards the jetty. This was just the beginning of an interesting day on the island. After a briefing as to the fierceness of the dragons, I was escorted on a hike through the savannah-like landscape. Along the way found juvenile dragons living up trees, and fully grown ones on the ground. Also saw examples of the dragon's prey : deer, and pigs. At Pink Beach on Komodo Island spent some time snokelling and admiring the colourful fish and that are part of this WHS. On Rinca Island it was another hike to see more of the dragons, both juvenile and adult as well as their prey. It was a revalation to learn how such benign looking creatures can become such lethal killing machines. Date posted: June 2013 Daniel D Sutjianto (Indonesia): My visit to Komodo National Park is one of the best experiences that I ever had. It is the only place in the world where we can find the giant lizard Komodo (Varanus Komodoensis) in their habitat. The adult size can be measured until 3 meters ! Actually The Park is also famous for its underwater scenery. Within less than 60 minutes traveling between one dive site to another, we can find different kind of fishes, different kind of panorama. Based in my experience, I do know now that it is very crucial to preserve our nature for our future generation. Date posted: December 2008

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park contains the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Java and is also one of only two homes of the critically endangered . The park is located at the western-most tip of Java.

The area is covered with lowland rainforest, swamps, and grasslands. The peninsula has islands and coral reefs.

The National Park includes the volcanic island group of and other islands . including , Handeuleum and Peucang on the . Krakatoa is part of the Pacific . It suffered a major eruption in 1883, when the combined effects of pyroclastic flows, volcanic ashes, and had disastrous results in the region. The official death toll recorded by the Dutch authorities was 36,417, although some sources put the estimate at more than 120,000.

Year Decision Comments

1991 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang (Indonesia): Ujung Kulon National Park is one of many Indonesian Beauty. Yet, it takes quite an effort to get there, thus make the park has not been visited as often as it should be.

There are many ways of actually embracing it. Island Hopping, trekking, canoeing & snorkling in and around those small islands. Not to mention spending the night in a simple lodging and have to bring or prepare our own food while there.

Although it is said that the park is the home of the one-horned rhinoceros, but it is not easy to find and see one. Yet many other inhabitants are very easy to find and see.

Ujung Kulon experience is really a great one! Date posted: July 2010 Nurvitria Mumpuniarti (Indonesia): Ujung Kulon is Fantastic! You wouldn't get enough of it in spite the fact that you had everything in it : Rainforest, Corals, Mesmerizing Seaview, vast of biological diversity. All. You name it.

Just back from Ujung Kulon yesterday and my feet's still soaring but my heart is still pounding with happiness. I may didn't go on it's best condition this late December. It's raining every now and then, I hardly get the sunset which supposed to be spectacular. Please come at mid-year, when the weather is quite pleasant.

I went all the places by boat and trekking. Get a bus or drive from to Desa Sumur. From Desa Sumur get a 3 hours boat trip to Laban. On the way you could see TamanJaya village, the very west village on Java Island. From Laban go across the rainforest to Pos Karang Ranjang. On rainy season the track might be hellish : thick mud and water to your knees all the way. On dry season it'd be FINE I believe. From Pos Karang Ranjang go further to Cibondawoh beach through another Rainforest. Cibondawoh Beach is astounding with it's high ,blue water, and pearly beach. That's the end of day 1.

The next day, prepare for a long journey on the seaside. 13 km walking on the seaside from Cibondawoh to Cikeusik. and go further to Pos Cibunar through rocks, rainforest and plain green grass fields. the view along the way is astounding.totally amazing. at Cibunar, you could go snorkeling or have a bath at Cibunar river.

Go further through the great rainforest to Pos Cidaon, where you could see wild bulls on its vast grass field. Further is the primadona of Ujung Kulon : Peucang Island. Have a 1/2 boat trip from Cidaun, and go snorkel at Peucang. You could see quite great corals with its varies kinds of fishes. Though it may not as good as Lombok's or Bunaken, it offers great sites for snorkeling after long walk through Rainforest. Luckily though it was raining but at the time I landed at Peucang the sun is shining--great for snorkeling, though, temporarily.

Peucang Island can also be reached easily by boat from Carita or Labuan. But Trekking was helluva experience, I'm telling you.

Peucang is our last resort. We went back to Labuan, Desa Sumur by long boat trip--in quite a storm. We then go back to Jakarta, and me, further to Bandung, where I come from.

Must Bring Items : Camera! with wide and long zoom, Snorkeling equipment, swimsuit, raincoat, rainforest equipment, binoculars, medicines, bugs repellent and use a good mountain sandals. Mine's broken into pieces yesterday.

Have fun! Date posted: January 2006