Mt. Merapi rises in the distance behind the stupas at Borobudur, a majestic, ancient temple devoted to Buddha in Indonesia. The temple is one of three great religious sites in Southeast Asia, but it’s older and more esoteric than Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
Pilgrims gather at Borobudur, an 8th century temple in Indonesia whose stone reliefs tell the story of Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince who transcended life’s pain and became the Lord Buddha. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
A figure of Buddha -- one of 504 at the Indonesian temple -- is framed by the perforations in one of the many stupas at Borobudur. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
The top level of the ancient Buddhist temple at Borobudur, Indonesia, which was begun in the 8th century by the Sailendras, a dynasty of Buddhist kings who ruled central Java for almost 200 years until their power waned and the temple was abandoned. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
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A room at the Manohara guest house, which is situated on the Borobudur temple grounds. The guest house provides modest rooms, good food in an open-air dining room, a video introduction to Borobudur and easy access to the Indonesian temple, especially if you want to see it at sunrise. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
It’s playtime for a young boy enjoying a portable merry-go-round near Borobudur, Indonesia. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
A bicyclist rides through the funky tourist district along Sosrowijayan Street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The area is full of counter-top tour agencies, inexpensive guest houses and cafes. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
Morning starts with a few calisthenics in an alleyway off Sosrowijayan Street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
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Flower peddlers display their colorful wares near Malioboro Road in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The road, with its inexpensive clothing, blooms, trinkets and food, is a favorite with shoppers. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
A vendor chops up some exotic produce at a street market near Borobudur, Indonesia. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
Visitors take a closer look at volcanic activity on Dieng Plateau, about 75 miles northwest of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. (Susan Spano / For The Times)
