Amazing temples

The enormous Buddhist temple of Borobudur is one of the world's most impressive temples, on par with Angkor Wat and Bagan - and is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 9th century, and then later abandoned at some point during the 14th century, during the decline of Buddhism in Indonesia. The walls are covered with over 1,400 narrative panels that have been methodically carved into the stones, there are 72 stupas on each level, each containing a Buddha figure, just visible through the latticework - but many of the heads have been taken by robbers throughout the years. The location is equal impressive with a mountain range one side and volcano Mt. Merapi's perfect cone in the distant. Of course Borobudur is crowded at times, but by coming early or even forking out the sunrise fee, it actually possible to enjoy this magnificent temple in relative serenity.

Yogyakarta is blessed wth two amazing temples, the famous Borobudur and the lesser known Prambanan – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not much is known for sure, but both are believed to have been built in 9th century, Borobudur as a Buddhist temple and Prambanan as a Hindu temple. For back in the days, Java was ruled by two dynasties, one Buddhist and one Hindu. The Prambanan temple complex consists also of minor outlying temples, many just as rubble, but the main one stand grand with towers as tall as 147 metes. Prambanan has been hit by earthquake and volcano eruption several times throughout history, latest in 2006, but as been restored again today. You can visit Prambanan on a tour in combination with Borobudur.

Another temple belonging to the famous pilgrimage Shikoku 88 is Daihou-ji, Temple 44. Its name means "Temple of Great Treasure", though the temple probably doesn't have such, but there is a life size statue of a clearly aged verdigris green Buddha resting on lotus leaves and crowned with figures of mini Buddhas. The temple sits among tall cypress trees and giant bamboos, but is less impressive than Temple 45, 11 kilometres away. However, Temple 44 is easier accessible with a road leading right up to the temple gates, if that's important.

Shikoku 88 is a famous pilgrimage route connecting 88 of Shikoku's temple. It's mostly done by Japanese Buddhists, but none buddhists are welcome too. The full pilgrimage will take about 1-2 months to complete by foot, but you can settle on just some of the temples and see them by car (plus a bit of hiking). If you only visit one temple, make it Iwaya-ji, Temple 45. Parking is about 20 minutes hike from the temple. The trail leads through the forest and pass temple flags and Buddhist statues on the way. The temple itself is on multiple levels and beautiful nested against a cliff face with forest to the other sides. It's a tranquil place which invites to contemplation.

In the 7th-century Palenque was a prosperous Mayan city within the rivaling Maya civilization. Its strong rulers build rich temples with unique hieroglyphic inscriptions. In AD 711, the neighboring kingdom of Tonina invaded the city, and in AD 740 Palenque's glorious days were over. When it eventually became abandoned, the fine stone structures were quickly swallowed by the jungle. Today the magnificent ruins are still standing proud, rising above the lush carpet of jungle. Climbing the steep steps and taking in the impressive view from one of the tall temples (like Templo de las Inscripcions or Templo de la Cruz) sure is magical – no matter how many other tourists you have to share it with.

Los Piramides, as the Mexican call them, is the ancient leftovers of the Teotihuacan civilization. They were build around AD 100 to AD 600 in what was once the greatest city in pre-Columbian Americas with an estimated population of 200.000. The two main pyramids rise over the massive complex of smaller platforms, plazas and the Avenue of the Dead with a backdrop of mountains. The biggest pyramid is the Pyramid of the Sun (70m high), while the minor one is the Pyramid of the Moon. In these majestic settings the Teotihuacans could practice their ancient rituals which, of course, involved some human sacrificing. To this day some still believe that the pyramids contain strong energy, which explain the occasional groups of New Ages in dolphin-pattern shirts sitting in circles and holding hands.

These small unremarkable ruins would have been rather unimpressive if it wasn't for the absolutely amazing settings. Located on shear cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean sea and overlooking a narrow beach surely make them one of the most exotic archaeological site in the world. Sunburned tourists on tours from the resorts further north can swarm the place, so come early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The stretch of white beaches south of the ruins was once a backpacker Mecca, but the simple cabanas now come at high prices. The location though is still fabulous with white sand, swaying palms and cool Coronas.

This temple site is one of the most magnificent on the globe. Build over a period of 230 years about 900 years ago the Bagan's kings managed to build as many as 4400 temples on the flat plain where the Irrawaddy River makes a bend. Today the temples show centuries of neglect and decline, which just add to the mystery of the place. All temples are different and many are open, so it's possible to explore the inside passageways with old Buddhist murals and huge Buddha statues. Do the sight seeing by horse cart and climb one of the less famous but tallish temples at dusk for the mandatory sunset viewing. It's one of those settings that give sunset viewing its reputation.

The Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is one the most holy places in Myanmar. The gold leaf covered rock is natural balancing right on the edge at the top of Mt Kyaiktiyo (1100m). Buddhist believe the rock is perched on a hair of Buddha, given some explanation why this gravity-defying boulder isn't rolling off its base and straight into the valley deep below. At the top there are also other pagodas, Buddhist shrines, and viewing platforms. To get here, you can either take the bus-truck up to the parking lot and then walk the last bit through the cluster of Buddhist kiosks, natural remedies shops and even a guest house, or you can do as many pilgrims, walk all the way from Kinpun village at the base. The trek is a beautiful 16km up-hill walk that have magnificent views over the Kelasa Hills and. There are small kiosks, to rest your feet and get a drink, all the way up.

The Golden Rock was unfortunately behind scaffold being cleaned when this picture was taken.

The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas (shrines) in the world. This ancient stupa is found in Kathmandu city centre, where it is surrounded by small shops and street vendors. To enjoy its view, you must go through a small side street where it will suddenly appear, towering before you, among many small temples with distinctive Buddhist prayer wheels. You can even walk on it, while watching the numerous visiting Buddhist monks. There really isn't any good restaurant here, but it is recommended to find one of the restaurants that have a roof terrace, so you can sit and have lunch overlooking the enormous stupa.