Use the links above to see more photos.

Although today Buddhists make up less than 1% of the Indonesian population, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, stands here amongst the volcanos of central Java. Borobudur has attracted pilgrims from all over Asia since the 9th century AD when it was built. It still attracts about a million visitors every year -- though I get the impression most of these, unlike their early predecessors, are not on a spiritual journey of enlightenment.

The monument is made up of over 2 million stone blocks - many of them carved relief images. It's a giant mandala, symbolizing the Buddhist vision of the cosmos. The 4 lower terraces are square and the top 3, as you climb above the world of earthly desire toward nirvana, are circular.