A challenging route to Borobudur's Buddhist temple<\/p>\n
By Ahmad Solikhan<\/p>\n
MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): Borobudur temple, one of the
\nseven wonders of the world, has been visited by millions of
\npeople.<\/p>\n
However, for most people the real meaning of the monument,
\nbuilt in the eighth century during the Syailendra dynasty,
\nremains obscure.<\/p>\n
Its approximately 1,500-meter-long walls are adorned by no
\nless than 1,460 reliefs depicting tales related to human lives.
\nExamining these relief to gain a better understanding of this
\nBuddhist temple might take longer than a week. Thus, many people
\nopt for the easier appreciation of its exterior textural beauty
\nand the surrounding landscape, rather than dwelling on the
\nseemingly boring texts of the reliefs.<\/p>\n
One's appreciation of Borobudur's splendor will likely be
\nenhanced by taking part in special programs such as the Borobudur
\nTrek, arranged by a travel agency in Prawirataman, Yogyakarta,
\nfor US$25 per person. The trek unveils the enchanting panorama en
\nroute to the temple.<\/p>\n
The challenging journey starts from Suralaya on Menoreh hill
\nin Kulonprogo regency.<\/p>\n
An orientation briefing by the guide is given 30 minutes prior
\nto departure, so trekkers are recommended to arrive early. Those
\ntaking part in the trek are also recommended to bring along
\nsnacks and drinks, as they will walk quite a distance before
\narriving at a food stall.<\/p>\n
The adventure begins at 4 a.m., with the trekkers being taken
\nby minibus from Yogyakarta to Suralaya. From there they take a
\nstony footpath from the hill, where clean air is assured. The
\nwalk along the path is highlighted by the spectacular sight of
\ngreen expanses of paddy fields, with mountains and dense fog
\npartly obscuring the sunrise.<\/p>\n
The seven-kilometer route, taking about 90 minutes to walk,
\noffers a splendid view of the sun climbing behind Mt. Merapi and
\nMt. Merbabu, the mountains bordering Yogyakarta and Central Java.
\nShrouded in mist, the summits of Mt. Sumbing, Mt. Slamet and Mt.
\nSindoro add to the early morning beauty.<\/p>\n
From a distance, the figure of the gigantic Borobudur temple,
\ndesigned by Mpu (master craftsman) Gunadharma, is seen blanketed
\nby the morning mist.<\/p>\n
Suralaya is at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.
\nVillagers in Gerbosari, Samigaluh (Kulonprogo), believe that the
\nspirit of Gunadharma lies sleeping on Menoreh hill.<\/p>\n
The trekkers continue walking on the pathway, the local
\npeople's main route for collecting cattle feed and firewood.
\nAfter four kilometers, the guide leads you to a small stall set
\nup by the travel agency. Sweet tea served in earthenware cups and
\ntraditional foods like boiled bananas and sweet potatoes are
\nserved on banana leaves.<\/p>\n
This stall, built and furnished by the agency, is managed by
\nlocal residents. Minah, 40, a housewife with two children who
\nattends the stall, said the travel agency supplied all the money
\nto buy the food, and that she earned between Rp 5,000 and Rp
\n10,000 for every Rp 50,000 in capital provided by the agency.<\/p>\n
The trekkers descend from Suralaya half an hour later,
\nreaching Borobudur at exactly 8 a.m. They are given 90 minutes to
\nenjoy the temple complex, being charged extra if they ask to
\nspend more time at the temple.<\/p>\n
Most of those who have made the trek have nothing but good
\nthings to say about the experience.<\/p>\n
Ole Thomas, 28, of Norway described the panorama from Menoreh
\nhill as "superb". The landscape reminded him of a previous trip
\nto Mt. Bromo in East Java. "I've never seen such a great
\nlandscape in Norway," he said.<\/p>\n
Monique van Buuren, 25, and Rudi van Eno, 35, of Holland said
\nBorobudur looked even more wonderful from Suralaya. "The white
\nfog and green woods enhance its appeal. I'll be back some time
\nlater," remarked Van Buuren, who resides in California.<\/p>\n
The trekking program was started five years ago by Gembong
\nSigit, 30, when he led a group of local and foreign tourists to
\nthe temple. Attracted by the beauty of Menoreh, he walked the
\nroute several times, discovering the beauty of the surrounding
\nland at dawn.<\/p>\n
This prompted him to open a travel bureau in Prawirataman,
\noffering people the opportunity to visit Borobudur via the rural
\nroute.<\/p>\n
"I decided to launch the Borobudur trekking package," said
\nSigit, who also runs the nonprofit organization Anak Wayang,
\nwhich helps neglected children.<\/p>\n
Sigit's trekking package has also provided job opportunities
\nfor local residents, who sell the tourists souvenirs.<\/p>\n
The regional administration has so far not shown an interest
\nin opening up this route to Borobudur by providing adequate
\ninfrastructure.<\/p>",
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