The single largest Buddhist structure ever built, Borobudur is considered by many to be one of the great wonders of the world.

Built in the 9th century, the pyramid-shaped temple consists of nine tiers, rising to 35 metres, with four stairways leading up to the top. Borobudur was conceived as a Buddhist vision of the universe, with the everyday world at the bottom and the circular top tier representing never-ending nirvana.

More than 2,700 relief panels depict ancient stories and Buddhist mantras. The higher levels are studded with 72 bell-shaped stupas and more than 400 Buddha images.

If that weren't enough, the temple is set within dramatic surroundings, overlooking green valleys that lie in the shadows of several volcanoes.

It all adds to the sense of majesty that has existed at this pilgrimage site for more than a millennia and will continue to do so far into the future.