The largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur is a colossal 9th-century monument that rises from the lush Kedu Plain of Central Java like a stone mountain dedicated to enlightenment. Built from over two million blocks of volcanic stone, the temple consists of nine stacked platforms — six square and three circular — topped by a central dome, forming a massive three-dimensional mandala visible from the sky. As pilgrims and visitors ascend through the levels, they pass 2,672 carved relief panels and 504 Buddha statues that guide them on a symbolic journey from the earthly realm of desire through the world of forms to the formless realm of ultimate spiritual release. From the top platform, 72 perforated bell-shaped stupas each shelter a serene Buddha statue gazing out over a sea of morning mist and the volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu on the horizon.

Pro tip: Book the sunrise tour and arrive in darkness — watching Borobudur emerge from the pre-dawn mist as the first golden light illuminates the Buddha statues is one of the most transcendent experiences in Southeast Asia.