BOROBUDUR BOUND

Though it ranks as Indonesia’s most visited attraction, the Central Javanese temple of Borobudur is well worth braving the crowds for on Waisak, when thousands of saffron-robed monks descend on the ninth-century monument to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Held on May 11 this year, the spectacle begins with an afternoon procession of 15,000 from the equally ancient temple of Mendut, some three kilometers away. This has a uniquely Javanese feel, thanks to the batik-clad attendants in blangkon headdresses hoisting conical offerings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Once at Borobudur, expect to join throngs of devotees looking on as the monks perform a pradaksina (circumambulation) ritual while reciting mantras and meditating. Night owls, take note—starting at 1 a.m., worshippers will release hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky for an uplifting finale.