Go on a study trip through Indonesia, the largest island nation in the world! Tourism is an important source of income for the country. Attractions such as Bali, the world heritage site Borobudur, Prambanan and various seaside resorts such as Pangandaran or other cultural places such as Bandung and Cirebon attract tourists from all over the world! Visit the most important cities of Indonesia, such as the capital Jabotabek (Jakarta) with the Museum National Indonesia, the Monas Museum of Indonesian, the National Monument, the Presidential Palace, the fountain, the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah theme park or the lily pond in the Botanical Garden in Bogor; the city of Bandung with the waterfalls of Maribaya, the geological museum, the administration building of the government and many volcanoes; Medan with the international airport, the Great Mosque or the Central Business District, and the city of Surabaya with the City Hall, the Hall of Youth, the Red Bridge, the Monument of Resistance or the beach promenade. Enjoy Indonesia on a tour and get to know this unique culture!
Borobudur temple complex
Borobudur is one of the most important destinations for study trips to Java. The largest Buddhist temple in the world is on the south coast of the Indonesian island, about 40 km from the city of Jogjakarta. After centuries of decay, the complex was uncovered from 1973 to 1984 and partially restored. Borobudur has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an important monument of a high culture since 1991 and is visited by millions of people from all over the world every year.
Borobudur as a place of prayer and living space
The construction of the Borobudur temple complex is attributed to the Sailendra dynasty. The main temples were probably built between 750 and 850. They are dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, one of the historical religious trends in Java. The huge facility stands in the Kendu Valley, which is framed by volcanoes and the Menoreh Mountains.
The temple complex is divided into six square levels and three circular terraces with 72 smaller stupas and an eight meter high main stupa in the center of the highest terrace. The base of the temple is 120 mx 120 m, the total height 40 m.
The ascending levels symbolize the areas of Buddhist cosmology: Kamadhatu, Rupadhatu, Arupadhatu and the peak of enlightenment. The levels are decorated with different Buddha statues. A bas-relief on the Rupadhatu Plain of five kilometers in length shows the life of Siddharta Gautama (Buddha).
There is an archeology museum on the site, in which the meaning of the individual levels, reliefs and Buddha statues are explained in detail. Also worth seeing is the exhibition of valuable exhibits that tell vividly about the life of the Javanese in the 9th century.
Travel to Borobudur
A flourishing tourism industry has developed around the temple complex. In the nearby Borobudur Village there is a modern bus terminal with parking spaces for coaches and taxis that bring guests from all over Java and cruise ships.
Well-trained guides lead groups and individual guests through the facility for a small fee. The temple city is particularly fascinating at sunrise and at dusk. Then many believers of different denominations come to prayers.
Individualists often hike along the ancient pilgrimage route from Borobudur to Pawon and Mendet, where two other Buddhist temples from the same dynasty are located. The smaller temples are in an exact east-west axis with Borobudur.
The heart of Bali
Impressive experiences in the spiritual center of Southeast Asia
The island’s cultural heart is in Bali, the spiritual capital in the middle of Bali. Here you will find direct access to the spirit and culture of Bali. In the middle of the most beautiful rice fields on the continent there are countless ancient monuments and hidden temples.
Ubud is the spiritual center of the island, this spirituality and the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – make the island more than just a “fun-in-the-sun” vacation spot.
Countless temples, the monkey forest and excursions into the surrounding area
The most famous sights of Ubud, besides the important palace Puri Saren and the “Monkey Forest”, in which more than 340 macaques live, especially the artists’ quarter. Stone carving, wood carving, painting and textile art can be found on every corner of the former Balinese prince’s seat.
The surrounding area also has a lot to offer: Central Bali, for example, has the still active volcanoes, which are always worth a day trip from Bali. In the unique Balinese religion, the so-called Agama Hindu Dharma, volcanoes are the seats of the gods and accordingly play an important role in the lives of the locals.
Culture in Ubud
The rich and diverse culture of Bali takes place at all levels of local life, especially in the island’s religious and artistic center – Ubud. Ornate flower petal sacrificial switches made of bamboo are placed on every path and in front of every house in the small Balinese town. Joyfully dressed and seemingly friendly, processions pull the ornate main streets along the decorated main streets towards the water as part of gigantic ceremonies in order to drive the bad spirits back into the sea.
Ceremonies in the numerous temples of Ubud
Various temple ceremonies, traditional music performances and ancient dances take place several times a year or all year round in each of the several hundred temples in Ubud. The town’s Hindu residents are generous, helpful, and kind.
Baliem valley
A fantastic destination in West Papua
Indonesia offers untouched nature, beautiful landscapes and a multitude of interesting travel destinations. A particularly exciting region is the mysterious Baliem Valley, which is located in the heart of West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) on the island of New Guinea – the second largest island in the world. Visitors to this remote area have to be prepared for a long journey and restricted freedom of movement, but at the latest when they fly to Wamena in the Baliem Valley, holidaymakers will become aware of the beauty, seclusion and tranquility of this area. Only a few rivers and two small settlements interrupt the dense and green jungle.
The journey to another time
The almost untouched, strange and mysterious Baliem Valley is ideal for trekking adventures. These tours are demanding and strenuous and therefore not suitable for beginners. But the sight of the wild nature, high mountains and green valleys rewards for the hardships. Adventurous wooden bridges and steep paths lead to traditional villages. Here, like the locals, visitors spend the night in thatched wooden huts. In some villages, travelers can see mummies, some of which are centuries old.
The traditional pig festival
Anyone who can take part in a traditional festival will experience an additional special feature of this remote region. Then they cook with heated stones in large holes in the ground. Especially the all-day “Pig Festival”, the “Pig Cooking Festival” is an interesting experience. Many adorned Dani tribesmen in traditional clothing take part in this celebration. Such cooking festivals with earth pits and hot stones are probably one of the highlights of every New Guinea trip. Photo and film lovers get their money’s worth here! Of course, every guest can then try the freshly cooked pork and delicious sweet potatoes straight from the traditional cooking pit.
The still untouched nature of the Indonesian province of West Papua is ideal for breathtaking trekking tours. Those who are not afraid of the effort will be rewarded with great views, traditional villages and unforgettable moments.
