Tips to beat the crowd, Borobudur Sunrise tour

 The Borobudur temple is built on top of a hill with stepped pyramidal shape. The temple is in the shape of a traditional Buddhist mandala. The construction of Borobudur temple is divided into three zones of consciousness and central sphere representing unconsciousness or Nirvana. The bell-shaped stupas adapted the Buddhism concept which is reflection of the Universe.

Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in Indonesia. It is located in Mungkid, Magelang. It is about 42km from Yogyakarta (Jogyakarta). Open daily from Monday to Sunday at 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.


Notes to Travelers 

1) Borobudur at sunrise is a preferred choice among 27 world tourist destination as a must visit before you die ~ CNN

2) Manohara Hotel offers its visitor special pass to enter the monument early in the morning (at approx. 4.30 am before public visit) through the special passage to the Borobudur.

During our visit, we stayed at Cempaka Villa Guesthouse , about 10 minutes walk to the Borobudur. We purchased the entrance pass through the Guesthouse and they send us to the hotel. The entrance pass for adult - foreigner IDR 380,000 and domestic IDR 250,000 and children is half of the price. Touch light is loaned for the visitor.

3)  Why we choose to visit the temple in 4.00 am ?


Breathtaking scenery
As the mist begins to lift, the Sun's ray penetrating into thick atmosphere and we enjoyed to see

 

Not crowded by locals 
Most importantly, there will be less visitors during this tranquil moment. In case you are not aware of, there are 255 million population in Indonesia, the fourth most populous country after China, India and United States.


No rain in the morning
The weather in Borobudur generally fall into wet weather (from November to March) and July and August are the driest months in Borobudur. In December, it is recommended to visit the temple and others attraction places in the morning session, normally rainfall in the afternoon as according to the locals.


4) What to bring with you

Umbrella
Snacks
Water
Sarong (Hotel will provide a sarong to cover your leg for modesty reason )


5) Souvenir

Don't forget to claim your complimentary drink (tea / coffee) and light snacks at the entrance of the Manohara hotel (inclusive in the Sunrise package). Also a complimentary gift from the hotel when you return the touch light.

* The above information is valid during my time of visit.  

Candi Prambanan, Yogyakarta

Our 2015 year-end holiday, we managed to travel to the most beautiful temple in central Jawa, Candi Prambanan or Candi Rara Jonggrang (Candi means temple in English) and Borobudur in Jogyakarta. It is about 15 minutes' drive from Adisucipto International Airport to Prambanan.

Prambanan is a Hindu temple constructed in the 9th century. The architecture reminiscent of Angkor Wat.


This year (2015) is toughest year for all of us in Malaysia, as the Ringgit has depreciated so much ~ 35% to USD. I am so grateful that we still able to glue to our travel plan, and spend the little money and time to travel inside Asian, and had been to the sacred site, Angkor Wat and Borobudur.  

We went to Prambanan on Sunday, 2 hours drive from Borobudur (include traffic jam).  
The time that we arrived, around noon, the place is crowded with local peoples.

Notes to Travelers

i) We managed to get entrance ticket via travel agency through the help from the driver. Thus, we got 10% discount on the adult ticket.


Skywatch Friday

A place must visit before you die ~ Borobudur

Across the three provinces of Java, there are hundred of temples showing that once powerful and prosperous kingdoms existed in Asia, just like the Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Borobudur is built in the highlands and surrounded by mountains and hills. This Buddhist temple have been built between end of 7th century. Borobudur is located in Magelang, Central Java. The monument consists of nine stacked platforms, six in square and three circular platforms, topped by a central dome.

One day in Angkor Thom : Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm is famous and unique for the ancient trees literally growing out of the ruins which have nearly swallowing the carved stone galleries and towers with its giant roots. It is also the place where Angelina Jolie ‘Tomb Raider’ film was made and thus this place made known to the world. The conservation and restoration of Ta Prohm is a partnership project between India and Cambodia.

Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. To preserve the temple and also the trees (500+ years old!), super awesome isn't it. But just removed the growing ruins which will damage/collapsed the temple.

“The tree is not damaging the structure at all. It’s actually holding the structure.”

It’s all a matter of perspective.

What is in my thought is that the principle they are held to be in line with religious belief in Hinduism, i.e. to achieve the balanced of the universe, to unify the nature and temple into a single entity. I have strong feelings about the Ta Prohm temple. I felt the tranquility and so touched when seeing those giant tree roots engulfing the temple (to protect instead) and saw the tiny butterflies fluttering through the breezing air. 

The photo took on June 2015, just realized that it was same angle with the images on the Postcard. Roots and temple are there, just the proper wooden walkway was laid. 

Do you spot that someone is peeking out ?

Further reading :  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Wat  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Thom , Bayon Temple  and Ta Prohm Temple

One day in Angkor Thom: Bayon Temple

Next stop inside Angkor Thom, after entering from South Gate you will see the Bayon Temple.

Bayon temple gives me a zen feeling when I was standing there looking straight at the temple. It is well known for its enigmatic stone carved faces on four sides. Each side represents a humanity value, which are 慈(Cí)、悲(bēi)、喜(xǐ)、舍 (shě)(Love, Compassion, Joy and Give). Each face looked out in four different directions to symbolize the omniscience (all-seeing) of the Buddha. The Ushnisha* and closed eyes represent the attainment of the Buddha's enlightenment.

 The stone carved faces seems to overwhelm the whole landscape.  

Bayon temple has not only one, but many (some sources saying 50 towers) of huge stone-carved-4-faces nearby each other. You can see the faces at every turn. They each measures four metres high. Each of them are oriented toward the four directions of the compass (such clever). All stone faces have the same calming smile that brings comfort  and peace to your heart. Closed eyes remind us to focus and take notice of self.

The stone carved faces uplifts the entire landscape.

Bayon is rich in decoration, and the stone sculpture called the 'bas-reliefs' on the exterior walls at the lower and upper levels are outstanding (see photo below). 

In my view the best time for a great photo is at the start of sunrise and sunset where there are low exposure.

Notes to Travelers for Visiting Bayon 

1) Things to do in Bayon

A great place to watch sunrise. 

Buddha has a saying "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decrease when being shared. ",

because….

When the sunlight hits each of the monuments, they 'lit up' as the tip of the monument  

* The ushnisha is a three-dimensional oval shaped like carving, at the top the Buddha’s head. It symbolizes his attainment of reliance in the spiritual guide.

Further reading :  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Wat  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Thom , Bayon Temple  and Ta Prohm Temple

One day in Angkor : Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom translates to the Great Imperial City. 

One of the important records made by the Chinese emissary Zhou Daguan 周达观（约1266年-1346年）, 《真腊风土记》 in his visit end of the 13th century, which being used as a guideline for all the researchers and even for the Cambodian. 

In one of the records made by Zhou Daguan described that the houses being large and spacious with carved walls and painted images of the Buddha.

" Ordinary families have houses, but nothing else by way of tables, chairs, jars, or buckets. They use an earthenware pot to cook rice in, and make sauce with an earthenware saucepan. For a stove they sink three stones into the ground, and use coconut husks as spoons. When serving rice they use earthenware or copper dishes from China; sauce comes in a small bowl made from the leaves of a tree, which doesn't leak even when it is full of liquid. They also make spoons from the leaves of the nypa palm, which they spoon liquid into their mouths with, and throw away after using. Even when they are making offerings to the gods and to Buddha, they do things the same way. They also have an earthenware vessel on one side which they fill with water and dip their hands in. They do this because they eat rice just with their hands, and it sticks in their hands and won't come off without water. "  

(Extract from pages 76-77 of A Record of Cambodia: the Land and its People by Zhou Daguan, translated by Peter Harris)

South Gate is the best preserved and busiest gate. The East Gate and the Victory Gate on the east are much quieter. 

You will need to pass through this gorgeous gate to enter into Angkor Thom

Notes for Travelers to Angkor Thom  

1) Hindu myth

Cross a wide causeway flanked by 54 devas (deity) and 54 asuras (demons) pulling on a giant snake in a representation of the Hindu myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The devas and demons cooperate to create the nectar of life.

2) Riding an elephant

An elephant ride from South Gate to Bayon cost US$10 per person and trip to Bakheng cost US$20 per person. Each elephant can take 2 adults. 

Further reading :  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Wat  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Thom , Bayon Temple  and Ta Prohm Temple

What to see in Angkor ? Angkor Wat

We took Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) to Siem Reap, 2 hours flight journey to Cambodia for a short getaway.

Angkor is one of the most important archaeological and architectural site of Asia. In case you are not aware of, the Cambodian flag features Angkor Wat on its country flag.

Angkor Wat (translates to City Temple) is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed between year 1113 and 1150 by Suryavarman II. Cambodians refer the monument Angkor Wat as Small Imperial City. The temple was built honors dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu (preserver of the Universe) rather than to the King. It is also symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology. 

Notes to Travelers visiting Angkor

1) Angkor Pass 

I bought a three-day pass (valid in 7 days) to explore the Angkor temples, which costs me US $40. A single-day pass is available for US $20 or a week-long pass can be purchased for US $60. Children below 12 years old is Free-of-Charge.

Do remember to carry along the Pass with you as there will be a checking point at entrance of each temple. 

2) How to get there ? 

We (2 adults & 2 children) get a driver and local tour guide (English speaker) for our first day visit and the Tut-tut for the second day. 

3) Expenses in Angkor (for reference only)

• Driver & Van (8 pax) (from the Lucky Mall) = $40 Full day or $8 Half Day ; Tour guide (English speaker)  = $39 
• Tut-tut = $15 Full day
• Lunch inside the Angkor compound = $5-10 / meal  
• Coconut drink = $1 

4) Things to do in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat faces to the west. The temple is better visited in the afternoon/ evening for sun set instead sunrise. However, the temple is closed at 5.30 pm. After 5.30pm , the security guard will rushed the visitors out from the Angkor Wat temple. 

Reflection of Angkor Wat in the calm water. 

Further reading :  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Wat  

Notes to travelers to Angkor Thom , Bayon Temple  and Ta Prohm Temple

Mount Kinabalu Peaks

I'm digging out one of my postcard collection of Mount Kinabalu and thought to make some research about the peaks. I've not climbing mountain since I met an accident and hurtled my knee some years back. So only see the peaks directly from the postcard :p   

Here are some famous peaks...

Low's Peak (4,095.2m)

Highest point of Mount Kinabalu. The peak is easy to identify when you are standing on the summit plateau. 

Donkey's Ear Peak (4,054m)

The peak is easy to be recognize by its distinctive shape that looks like donkey ears. However, the twin peak landmark has been destroyed due to the tremors on June 5,2015 with the top of one of the peaks falling off. 

South Peak (3,933m)

The most famous landmark of Mount Kinabalu. It's called as Seringgit Puncak by the locals, the peak is on our RM1 ringgit paper notes.

St John's Peak (4,090.7m)

It is the second highest peak of Mount Kinabalu. There is a visual illustration on the rock face. Some people commented that they can see the Orang Utan face on it. 

Victoria's Peak (4,090m)

This peak easily to be differentiate from other peaks with a horn or stub sticking out. 

Low's Gully (named after Hugh Low)

About 1,800m deep, is one of the least explored and most inhospitable places on earth (Source: Wiki).

Climbing trail of Mount Kinabalu.

   

Stay safe Sabah !

We are feeling so sadden to hear the news about an earthquake hit Ranau (approx. 20km from the Mount Kinabalu park) on June 5,2015 at 7.15am with the tremors felt in Tambunan, Pedalaman, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu and Kota Belud.

We were taught since young in school that we are NOT living in a location that prone to earthquake. We shall change our perspective in the aftermath of the Sabah quake and to be conscious about how and what to do when an earthquake strikes. 'It's not the shaking that hurts. It's the stuff that falls on your head'. The most quake-related injuries and deaths are caused by the collapsing building, flying glass/ stone and falling objects. 

Japan-Talk shared tips on things-to-know to survive earthquake in Japan which may also applicable for other nations. Japanese people are trained in earthquake survivor skill from childhood   
(1) Hid under a sturdy object like desk or table 
(2) Don't rush out of building (as sign, wall, other object may fall) , seek for wide open area 
(3) Turn off gas and stove 
(4) Open the door to secure exist 
(5) Taking cover outside (protect your head)

Shuijo Castle, Okinawa Islands

photo by Satoshi Kobashigawa

Shuri Castle was originally built in the late 1300s and played an 

integral role in the political unification of the island.

However, wars and fires destroyed the castle many times. 

The current buildings are reconstructions dating from 1992.

Quedlinburg, Germany

Quedlinburg is a town located north of the Harz mountains, in the Land of Sachsen-Anhalt, was a capital of the East Franconian German Empire at the time of the Saxonian-Ottonian ruling dynasty. 

It has been a prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages. 

In 1994 the medieval court and the old town were included on the UNESCO world heritage list. The number and high quality of the timber-framed buildings make Quedlinburg an exceptional example of a medieval European town. 

The Collegiate Church of St Servatius is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.

Seokguram Grotto's Temple

This is how the exterior of Seokguram Grotto looks alike.
Can you see the little hill behind the temple.

There is where the Buddha is placed.

Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto during grand mending in 1913.

The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex. It lies four kilometers east of the temple on Mt. Tohamsan, in Gyeongju, South Korea. It is classified as National Treasure No. 24 by the South Korean government.

Sakyamuni (Main Buddha) in Seokguram Grotto, National Treasure No.24.

India began a tradition of carving the image of Buddha in stone, holy images, and stupas into the cliff walls and natural caves. This practice was transferred to China and then Korea.

Deva Kings

Seokgullo (Road toward Seokguram Grotto)

Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, Gyeongju Bus Terminal, or Gyeongju Station
Take Bus 10 or 11 at the opposite side of the station/terminal.
Get off at Bulguksa Temple.
Take the Seokguram tour busfrom Bulguksa Temple to Sukgulam Grotto.
Fares = 1500 won (for 1 way)

Petäjävesi Old Church

Petäjävesi Old Church in central Finland, was built of logs between 1763 and 1765. This Lutheran country church is a typical example of an architectural tradition that is unique to eastern Scandinavia. It combines the Renaissance conception of a centrally planned church with older forms deriving from Gothic groin vaults.

This is a detail of the decoration of this old wooden church. The church is still in use during summertime, many couples want to be married there.

Love the matched stamp and card !!

Zhouzhuang Water Town 周庄 , Venice of Orient

Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, situated in Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. The town is situated between Suzhou and Shanghai, 30 km the southeast of Suzhou and 60 km the southwest of Shanghai.

Dubbed 'Venice of the East', this town boasts the best water town preserved in China. The town has a history of over 900 years and most of residencies and houses in the town were built in Ming (1368-1644) or Qing Dynasties (1644-1911).The rivers and streams in Zhouzhuang crisscross the town and are spanned by 14 stone-arch bridges constructed in Yuan (1271-1368), Ming, and Qing Dynasties.