Out of Norm Travels - 2012 Indonesia Yogjakarta Photo trip - Temples, Waterfalls & Traditional Performances

Borobudur Temple is one of the most well-known Buddhist UNESCO heritage site in the world - it dates back to 8th century. Other than Great Wall of China (that was completed earlier in June), this is also on my "must-see" places. Borobudur itself has 6  platforms topped by three circular platforms. Walking around the thousands of relief panels & Buddha statutes, I am both marveled and humbled by the breath-taking view of the magnificent and spectacular monument. I can only imagine and wonder how long it took for craftsmen long gone to build such a beautiful piece of artwork. It is with effort that you climb up the structure and definitely one to be undertaken when you go to Borobudur although walking and climbing can be quite hot by late morning/early afternoon. Plenty of water & an unhurried mind is required to take in its full beauty. 

 

Another UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan Temples was built about 1 century later (i.e. 9th century) is also in Central Java. Also known as Candi Prambanan or Candi Rara Jonggrang, it is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Walking on its grounds at sunset is one of life's most enchanting walks and should be undertaken if you happen to be at the area during that crucial hour.

If you are game for a trek after the 2 temples including a little adventure, Kedung Kayang Waterfalls can be accessed after an hour's trek. Like all waterfalls, the refreshing water that greets you at the end of the trek made all the stress of trekking worth its weight in gold. The 30-40m drop makes this waterfall particularly beautiful for photography even if you happen to come down in the later part of the day. The walk down is peppered with rice fields, unspoiled terrain and typical cool air of the mountains and countryside. 


Traditional performances that I caught during this trip included a Wayang kulit performance & the Ramayana Ballet.  Wayang kulit is a unique form of theatre employing light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen. The plays are invariably based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. UNESCO designated wayang kulit, a shadow puppet theatre and the best known of the Indonesian wayang, as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7 November 2003 (Info from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayang) . 

Wayang Kulit

Gamelan Musician

Master & young apprentice

The Ramayana Ballet on the other hand, is based on an epic Hindu poem, the story of model king Rama was adapted to become an important local dance, encompassing the Javanese style, culture and music. Whilst the story originated in India, the Javanese version is truly representative of the local art and culture. More in-depth information of this beautiful piece of performance art is available at http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/performance/ramayana-ballet/. 

Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!