Java in Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, Borobudur. Dating back to the 9th century, the temple is located in the middle of Java on the lush and rural Kedu Plain rimmed with active volcanoes, including the awe-inspiring Mount Merapi which broods and billows away in the distance. As if all of this was not enough, adding a stay at the stunning Amanjiwo to the mix was enough to leave us speechless.

Experiencing UNESCO World Heritage Borobudur is often the compelling reason to travel to this exotic part of the world, although there are plenty of other fantastic experiences on offer here. Borobudur was built in the 9th century and is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. It measures 123 metres square, with different levels that head towards the stupa at the top. There are 72 impressive stupas positioned at the top of the temple, but the true highlight for us was the intricate bas reliefs meticulously carved over centuries into the walls of the temple as you make your way from the top to the bottom.

Borobudur in the early dawn mist seems a fitting way to soak up the mystical atmosphere of this special place. Arrange, if you can, access to the temple before the sun rises (and for Amanjiwo guests, your stay comes with exclusive access) and head to the top to watch the sun rise revealing the misty plains below and a ring of jaw-dropping volcanoes. Then make your way from the top to the bottom to reveal the bas reliefs below.

We recommend combining this experience with a visit to Selogriyo. Around 40 minutes drive from Borobudur, the scenery offers a stunning mix of lush rice terraces, small villages and a vista of volcanoes. Arrive at a small village which seems largely untouched by tourism, then continue on foot through rice terraces to rival any you might have seen in Ubud and some of the best we have seen anywhere in the world, until you arrive at the diminutive Hindu temple, Selogriyo, at the top.

The perfect place to stay is the stunning Amanjiwo. Meaning peaceful soul, the hotel sits at the base of the lush and densely vegetated Menorah Hills and looks out over working rice terraces to a magical view of Borobudur. Perfectly complementing the landscape and Borobudur, this Edward Tuttle designed hotel has been created from huge limestone slabs and reflects the design of the temple with the restaurant located in a huge stupa shaped salon with two crescent shaped tiers fanning out below housing the 36 suites here. The atmosphere is one of serenity, peace and exclusivity - we recommend the Borobudur pool suites which have magical views across the rice paddies to Borobudur.

For more information about experiencing Java, Borobudur and Amanjiwo, contact us. As always, we would love to hear from you!