MOST BEAUTIFUL place on Earth? You MUST Visit! (Java, Indonesia)

Living the Jo Life
11 Feb 202415:47

TLDRJoin us on an exhilarating journey through Java, Indonesia, where we explore the ancient Borobudur Buddhist Temple, experience the awe-inspiring eruption of Mount Merapi, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Prambanan Temple and Candi Sewu. From off-road adventures to witnessing natural phenomena, this trip offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Takeaways

  • 🏰 Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, was built in the 8th or 9th century and features 504 Buddhist statues, with about half missing their heads due to earthquakes.
  • 💰 The entrance fee for Borobudur Temple is 35 Australian dollars for adults, with an additional $10 to walk to the top where the stupa is located.
  • 🌋 Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia, with the last major eruption occurring in 2010, causing over 300 deaths and 300,000 evacuations.
  • 🚙 A jeep tour around Mount Merapi offers close-up views of the active volcano and insights into the destruction caused by past eruptions.
  • 🌄 Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and the second largest in Southeast Asia, with beautiful architecture and carvings.
  • 🎶 The video features a humorous and dramatic proposal attempt at Borobudur Temple, with the couple's interaction described as 'Indodrama'.
  • 🐎 The narrator's experience with horse riding includes a funny anecdote about getting horse slobber on them and their fear of horses.
  • 🛍️ There are separate market sections for international and domestic tourists near Borobudur Temple, with the international section being more expensive.
  • 🚶‍♂️ The exit from the temple is a long walk, which can lead to being lost, so it's advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time to find the car.
  • 🏞️ The countryside and small villages around Mount Merapi provide a scenic backdrop for the jeep tour, adding to the overall experience.
  • 🌄 The Candi Sewu temple complex, located near Prambanan Temple, offers a magical view as the sun sets behind it and is a peaceful spot to admire the surroundings.

Q & A

  • Where is the Borobudur Temple located?

    -The Borobudur Temple is located in Central Java, Indonesia, about one hour outside of Yogyakarta.

  • When was the Borobudur Temple built?

    -The Borobudur Temple was built in the 8th or 9th century.

  • How tall is the Borobudur Temple?

    -The Borobudur Temple is 35 meters tall.

  • How many Buddhist statues are there in the Borobudur Temple complex?

    -There are a total of 504 Buddhist statues in the temple complex.

  • Why are some of the Buddha statues missing their heads in the Borobudur Temple?

    -Approximately half of the Buddha statues are missing their heads because the neck of the statue is the weakest point, and many earthquakes and tremors have caused the heads to fall off over the years.

  • What is the cost to enter and see the Borobudur Temple?

    -Tickets to enter and see the Borobudur Temple cost 35 Australian dollars per adult.

  • What is the significance of Mount Merapi in Indonesia?

    -Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia for the last 500 years and has been responsible for significant eruptions, including one in 2010 that resulted in over 300 deaths and the evacuation of more than 300,000 people.

  • What is the Prambanan Temple and its significance?

    -The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and the second largest Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia after Angkor Wat. It dates back to the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • What is the Candi Sewu temple complex?

    -The Candi Sewu is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, located about 800 meters north of the Prambanan Temple.

  • What activity did the travelers participate in involving a jeep and Mount Merapi?

    -The travelers participated in a jeep tour around the active Mount Merapi volcano, which included a 4x4 bashing activity in a river below the mountain.

  • What was the condition of a house that was affected by the 2010 volcanic eruption?

    -The house was left with just the walls standing, as it was affected by the volcanic ash which was over 500 degrees Celsius. Some of the walls have also fallen down.

Outlines

00:00

🏯 Exploring Borobudur Temple and Volcanic Adventure

The video begins with an exciting exploration of the Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, built in the 8th or 9th century and standing at 35 meters tall with 504 Buddhist statues. The temple's structure resembles a pyramid with five layers and a stupa on top. Sadly, many statues have lost their heads due to the weak points in their necks and the impact of earthquakes. The cost to enter the temple is 35 Australian dollars for adults, with an additional 10 dollars to walk to the top. The video captures a humorous moment of a potential proposal at the temple, followed by a market section that differentiates between international and domestic tourists. The narrator then describes their experience of witnessing a volcanic eruption at Mount Merapi, an active volcano, which was an unexpected and awe-inspiring sight.

05:02

🌋 A Must-Visit: Jeep Tour Around Mount Merapi

The narrator strongly recommends visiting the location when in Java, particularly Jogjakarta. They provide a pin to the location in the video description and thank a friend for the recommendation. The video then transitions to a thrilling jeep tour around the actively erupting Mount Merapi. The narrator expresses a mix of excitement and fear as they drive towards the volcano, noting the presence of 29 jeep companies and 850 Jeeps conducting tours. They discuss the devastating impact of the 2010 volcanic eruption, which created a river of lava and destroyed a village. The narrator reflects on the tragedy and the resilience of the local community, observing the effects of the ash and lava on the environment and local structures. Batu Alien, a volcanic rock with an alien-like shape, is highlighted for its spectacular views of Mount Merapi. The video also shows a bunker used for escaping volcanic eruptions, with remnants of lava from the 2006 eruption that tragically claimed two lives.

10:13

🚙 4x4 Bashing and Visiting Prambanan Temple

The video continues with the narrator recounting a fun-filled and informative day, recommending a particular tour company for those interested in an up-close experience of the volcano. After a scenic drive through the countryside and villages, the group arrives at the Prambanan Temple, a Hindu temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the steep entry fee of $100 for three people, the narrator describes the temple as more spectacular than the morning's visit to the Buddhist temple. The complex dates back to the 9th century and features intricate carvings and tall structures, with the tallest reaching 47 meters. The narrator explores the temple's interior, admiring the carvings of Hindu gods and the high ceilings. They also visit the Candi Sewu, the second-largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, located near Prambanan, and enjoy the serene gardens and the magical view of the temple at sunset.

15:22

🎤 Off-Camera Fun and Personal Moments

The video concludes with some light-hearted and personal moments off-camera. The narrator is seen enjoying their time and playfully questions their word choice, 'enjoining,' which they admit is likely only used when speaking to a camera. The video ends on a humorous note with the narrator joking about being videoed and referencing the embarrassment felt when parents embarrass their children in public.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs and stupas. In the video, the presenter visits this temple and describes its construction, which is similar to a pyramid with five distinct layers, culminating in a large stupa on top. The temple's historical and cultural significance is emphasized, making it a central theme of the video.

💡Four-wheel drive

The term 'four-wheel drive' refers to a vehicle system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, offering improved traction and control, particularly on rough or slippery terrain. In the context of the video, the presenter uses a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the rugged paths leading to the Borobudur Temple and other attractions, highlighting the adventurous aspect of the travel experience.

💡Active volcano

An active volcano is one that is currently erupting or showing signs of potential eruption. In the video, the presenter visits Mount Merapi, an active volcano in Java, Indonesia, which is known for its frequent eruptions. The excitement and awe of witnessing an active volcanic eruption first-hand is a significant part of the video's narrative, emphasizing the natural beauty and power of the Earth.

💡Buddhist statues

Buddhist statues are artistic representations of Buddha, typically used for religious veneration and as a focal point for meditation and reflection. In the video, the Borobudur Temple is noted for its 504 Buddhist statues, many of which have lost their heads due to natural disasters. These statues are not only a key feature of the temple but also serve as a testament to the historical and spiritual significance of the site.

💡Eruption

An eruption refers to the explosive or effusive release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano. In the video, the presenter is thrilled to witness a small eruption of Mount Merapi, which is described as one of the most beautiful sights they have ever seen. The eruption is a central event in the video, showcasing the raw power and beauty of nature.

💡Market section

The market section mentioned in the video refers to the area outside the Borobudur Temple where various shops and vendors sell souvenirs, local handicrafts, and other items to tourists. The presenter notes the existence of two separate sections for international and domestic tourists, highlighting the commercial aspect of tourism at such historical sites.

💡Jeep tour

A jeep tour is a type of guided tour where visitors ride in open-top jeeps to explore and sightsee, often used in areas with rugged or off-road terrain. In the video, the presenter goes on a jeep tour around Mount Merapi, which includes driving through a river and getting close to the volcanic landscape. This activity adds an element of excitement and adventure to the travel experience.

💡Prambanan Temple

The Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Central Java, Indonesia, and is the largest Hindu temple in the country. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the video, the presenter visits this temple complex, noting its architectural beauty and historical significance. The temple's intricate carvings and the serene atmosphere of the site are highlighted, contrasting with the earlier visit to the Buddhist Borobudur Temple.

💡Candi Sewu

Candi Sewu is a Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia, and is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in the country. In the video, the presenter mentions this site as a place of beauty and tranquility, particularly during sunset. The temple's peaceful setting and its significance in the context of the day's exploration of religious sites in Java are emphasized.

💡Volcanic ash

Volcanic ash is a type of tephra, or pyroclastic material, that is expelled during a volcanic eruption and consists of fine particles of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. In the video, the presenter discusses the impact of volcanic ash from Mount Merapi's eruptions, including the destruction of villages and the melting of non-biodegradable materials like plastic. This serves as a reminder of the destructive power of volcanic eruptions and the importance of environmental conservation.

💡Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a past society that are inherited with its traditions, language, and customs. The video showcases several cultural heritage sites in Java, including the Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Candi Sewu. These sites represent the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of preserving and appreciating these landmarks for future generations.

Highlights

Exploring the magnificent Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world built in the 8th or 9th century.

Experiencing the unique structure of Borobudur Temple, designed with five different layers and a large stupa on top.

Discovering the history behind the missing heads of the Buddha statues at Borobudur, a result of earthquakes and tremors.

Witnessing a dramatic proposal at Borobudur Temple, adding a personal touch to the historical experience.

Visiting the bustling market section at the exit of Borobudur Temple, offering a mix of international and local products.

Experiencing the thrilling four-wheel drive adventure leading to the active Mount Merapi volcano.

Witnessing the awe-inspiring eruption of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.

Learning about the devastating effects of the 2010 volcanic eruption, which caused the loss of lives and displacement of communities.

Engaging in an informative and fun Jeep tour around the volcanic areas, offering close-up views of the volcanic activities.

Observing the impact of volcanic ash on the environment, including the non-biodegradable plastic items that survived high temperatures.

Visiting the Prambanan Temple, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia.

Marveling at the intricate carvings and the architectural beauty of the Prambanan Temple, showcasing the rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the Candi Sewu, the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, set against the backdrop of the sunset.

Enjoying a peaceful afternoon at the temple complexes, surrounded by beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere.

Reflecting on the day's adventure, combining education on historical and geological wonders with exciting outdoor activities.