The Cinnamon Route

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borobudur_boatIn 1982, a 21 year old Englishman named Philip Beale climbed the Borobudur temple intent on studying the reliefs which adorn the temple. Philip was in Indonesia to study traditional ships and marine traditions, and had previously served in the British Royal Navy.

In total he found 10 panels depicting sea vessels, some powered by oar, and others with a three masted ship, with sails cut in a rectangular slant.  

cinnamon_boat_realThe young Englishman could see that the ships of the Borobudur temple may have been a part of a famous shipping route that linked Indonesia to Africa many centuries earlier.

The treacherous Cinnamon shipping route took vessels from Indonesian waters across the Indian Ocean past the Seychelles, Madagascar, and South Africa to Ghana. The main trade of the first millennium on this route was spice, being of extremely high value in that era.

Philip Beale’s fascination with the boatbuilding of Indonesia and the skills of the sailors led him to a project of building a traditional ship that then retraced the original route.

The ship and the full story behind its trip are now housed in a dedicated space within the Borobudur Archaeological Park, The Borobudur Ship Museum.

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Simply the best

A truly magical way to see Borobudur is at sunrise

Using a torch you rise up through the levels of the temple whilst it is still dark, and then can watch as the sun rises up, behind Mount Merapi in the distance. With the surrounding valleys undulating in mist, the experience is extraordinary as the complexity and scale of Borobudur comes to light.

Many comment that they feel incredibly honoured to be able to experience the temple with so few others.

It is also both the quietest and coolest time of day to visit the temple.

borobudur_sunrise

A special ticket is purchased from the Manohara Centre For Borobudur Study close to the base of the temple. Contact our helpful Visitor Assistance Centre for more on the time you will need to be there (this changes with the time of year), and the cost of the tickets.

Guiding the way

For a richer cultural experience, hook up with a local guide to fill you in on a wide range of historical, artistic and religious intricacies.

You also get great insight on how the local people understand religion and its place in contemporary Javan life. It is fascinating stuff. Inexpensive and worthwhile, it is also a great way to support the local community. Our Visitor Assistance Centre can help you book a local guide.