Borobudur Sunrise and Candirejo Village , Borobudur Indonesia, Java

Arrive before sunrise to Borobudur, a Buddhist temple built sometime between AD750-850 by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty, that is situated on a forested plateau surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks, including the highly active Gunung Merapi. The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise, particularly in July and August when the sun rises majestically from in between the two volcanic peaks that tower over the eastern horizon.

After witnessing the sunrise and explore the temple in the misty morning light, head back to your hotel for breakfast and take a few hours to rest and recover from the early start. In the afternoon, visit Candirejo, a traditional Javanese village in a beautiful natural setting. Traditional Javanese culture is still very prominent here, displayed through traditional houses, plantation resources, performance art, farming and local food. You will see the villagers going about their daily lives and have the chance to mingle with them and participate in their daily social activities. You will then take a ride in an “Andong”, a traditional Yogyakartan horse-drawn carriage.