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Waisak festivities at Borobudur.

Borobudur is an hourplus drive northwest of Yogyakarta, a culturerich destination in its own right. Where to Stay Located at the foot of the Menoreh Hills within eyeshot of Borobudur, the all-suite Amanjiwo ( aman.com; doubles from US$800) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a calendar of special events. For Waisak, these include a trio of evening lectures on the Buddha’s life by the resort’s resident anthropologist. Be Sure to Try Local specialty kupat tahu— rice cakes steamed in palm leaf, served with tofu, bean sprouts, and cabbage in peanut sauce—at roadside warung Kupat Tahu Asli Blabak Nunut on Jl. Pramudyawardhani. What Else? For early birds, a hike up Punthuk Setumbu hill in time for sunrise is a must: you’ll see the stupas of Borobudur rising out of the morning mist, backdropped by the smoldering volcanic cone of Mount Merapi.