The Hidden Buddhist Temple of Borobudur at Sunrise

If you want to see how I made this (and how you can too!), visit my HDR Tutorial. I hope it gives you some new tricks!

This morning I got a wakeup call at 3:30 AM to head out on a distant trek to Borobudur to climb the temple before sunrise. I had a flashlight and a fully loaded iPod for the ascent. I stayed at the top and all around the temple for most of the morning, collecting shots here and there as misty clouds rolled in, through, around, and over the temple.

This temple laid abandoned and overgrown for about 800 years until it was rediscovered by the British.

You can see the distant volcano rumbing in the morning sunrise...

from my daily photo blog at www.stuckincustoms.com

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Comments

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(151 comments)

Michael.DK (mostly away) says:

The texture in this shot is fantastic! And what gorgeous place!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Toma01 says:

wow, like the colors!! great work!
Have a nice weekend!!
Pls take a look here! (self portrait)

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

mudpig says:

incredible location and amazing work as always.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

xion says:

Amazing!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Extra Medium says:

The brittish are always finding all the cool stuff! Looks like this was totaly worth the trek.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Eye on World says:

This is art...!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

kevin.crafts says:

Breathtaking
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

SergioRT says:

i'm speechless
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

AlaskaTeacher says:

Wow, wow, wow, wow!!!! Beautiful composition. Beautiful HDR. Love the background too.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Tafari says:

just lovely. funny how Europeans discover things that were really never lost or undiscovered.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

mbshane says:

Nice going Trey, this is outstanding stuff.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

amykins1111 says:

Amazing shot
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Really Helen (was Sandy Banks-not really) says:

Too cool, Trey. Awesome trip, awesome shot.

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Sorbet Dave says:

Very cool Shot......... I do enjoy your work very much. You have peaked my interest in HDR Photography. I have read your tutorial and I will be getting PhotoMatrix. Thanks again for sharing...... I started taking pictures only 4 months ago and I have learned so much from generous people like yourself...... Thanks a ton again..
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Georgie Sharp says:

Wow... what a marvelous place

Seen in a darckr view of your pics (mine, ?).
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

SwEeT_AnGeL_i says:

awesome capture and beautiful place
wld love to visit it some day
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

kercam21 says:

fantastic ,
nice work! :))
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

scuba_dooba says:

Great work!
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This is an Amazing Shot! Please consider adding your photograph to the group Amazing Shots!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Water Bowl says:

impressive
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

bhollar says:

!!!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

jayspost says:

Stunning image !!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

joey alaiza says:

great! looks like a painting or cartoon!

it's out of this world!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

felixtcat says:

Wow!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

*SΛM says:

It looks so unreal. Like a dream. Great shot!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

manbok says:

Just amazing..
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

P Villerius says:

Wonderfull photo!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Vittorio Ubertone says:

This photo is perfect for win the 400ASA.IT AWARD
Please add your favorited photos to www.flickr.com/groups/400asa_award. No limit!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

SuperKarmen says:

Bravo my friend!!!!!!
Congrats for explore!!!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

tomquah says:

This is a fantastic piece of photography work !!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Ma-Eh says:

An incredible shot!!

As always...
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Peaceful Traveler says:

the early bird gets the worm. nice work
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Marco Dalmoro says:

Great place, excellent light. Your colors are fantastic, creating a perfect atmosphere.

Congratulations! Your photo has been nominated as "Superb Masterpiece"
You are invited to add your wonderful picture to Superb Masterpiece Group
Please read the Group Rules and tag your photo SuperbMasterpiece
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Little Rosy Runabout says:

Just stunning!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

gunnarsson72 says:

I want to go there!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

annia316 says:

a model of it

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Christian Frölich says:

Superb, beautifully executed as usual.

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

lydia63 says:

très joli
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

GreyGooseMartini says:

Magical!! You get to see the most amazing places. Thank you for sharing them w/ us!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Ventura Carmona says:

Imagen genial. Saludos

Congratulations! Your photo has been nominated as "Superb Masterpiece"
You are invited to add your wonderful picture to Superb Masterpiece Group
Please read the Group Rules and tag your photo SuperbMasterpiece
Don't forget to vote in our contests!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

sergiolira says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called quasicinema, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

magnificent
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

H2O Alchemist says:

I'm jealous - sounds like an amazing experience - Superb picture - really gives a feel of the place
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

paulaloe says:

Wow, absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing
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An Awesome Shot Award You are invited to add this image to An Awesome Shot! Please tag the photo with "AnAwesomeShot"
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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Chickadee (Carole) says:

Wow!! Beautiful!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Mr. Mark says:

incredible scene
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Chronic Auditory Hallucination says:

really, really nice work.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

proginor says:

The effort you put in this shot was worth it as this amazing picture shows. Your HDR's are always in good taste. Bravo!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

stefan Edwards says:

Great Shot.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

B Kap says:

Stunning capture!

Love the colors and perspective!

Once again, wowie kazowie!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Memories of a Lifetime says:

how extraordinary! well worth the early wake up call I'd say! You are a magnificent photographer! Thank You!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

LadyDoodleBug says:

So inspiring.....
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Omar Junior says:

nice!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Weaselmcfee says:

What a beautiful photo..the distance is so amazing too...what a great story you tell...you have a wonderful life to be able to do things like this...most can only imagine....
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

fogoverparis says:

Your shots never disappoint, and they almost always make me wonder, "why am I sitting at work when I could be out in the world?"

Great job!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

DancinT says:

Your photo has been appraised as a Platinum Photograph
We would be honored to have your photo in our group!
Please tag your photo with platinumphoto
Questions?

Please add this fine image to Mega Shot; Post 1 - Nominate 4 Mega Shots
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

JonMorgan. says:

beautiful picture... makes me want to visit
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

UN0 says:

One word: UNBELIEVABLE!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Jorge Ledo says:

Lovely picture, colours and light!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

whotini says:

this is why i love "explore"... amazing and moving photo
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

brianhbradley says:

Awesome capture!!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Assaf_F.........taking a little flickr break says:

WOW!!! this is amazing
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

JPChamberland says:

Wow. Is this for real or from a movie? ;-) I love it.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

amy mcgibbon says:

breathtaking!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

PhilC. says:

Beautiful
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Arite S. says:

Must be magical to be the only person up there. It looks fantastic!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Denis Collette...!!! says:

Congratulations! Félicitation! Felicitazione! Felicidades! Felicitats! Glückwunsch! تهنئة 恭喜 Felicitação! Čestitke! Blahopřání! Gratulation! Felicitatie! Õnnitlus! Onnittelu! Συγχαρητήρια! כל הכבוד! Gratulálok! مبارکPowinszowanie! Felicitação! Честитке! Lyckönskningar! Поздравляю! Tebrikler! Поздравления! تبریک おめでとう Til lukku or til hamingju! GEFELICITEERD! Parabéns!

A poem...!!!
Front Page on Explore my dear friend...!!!
Champagne... peanuts...chocolate... ice cream... !!! :)))
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Alex Hedger says:

Lovely morning shot & colours
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

manicmandy@btinternet.com WatchWoman. W.W.Tribe says:

fantastic capture .
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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

lifefreezer says:

I just love the way you take me places....thank you so much
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Entons says:

The unsharpness of the background make the stone work look impressive sharp. Very nice colors!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

DFSSFSDFSFSD says:

This image is so beautiful beyond words. I hope you don't mind me making it a favorite. It looks so magical.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

TheRedBalloon says:

A fantastic shot, well worth the early rise.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Kyle H Hailey says:

beautiful shot
Re: HDR, I'm still interested, but I realize you have an eye for what will work in HDR plus you must have patience. I"m realizing I don't have patience and haven't gotten an eye yet for good HDR, either way, I still find your stuff inspiring
keep up the good work!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

altamons says:

Very cool! Nicely done!!
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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

hopeisalot says:

Very Interesting!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Adam Regele says:

WOW im so jealous you get to travel to such truly breathtaking places all around the world.

ANother great photograph
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

i didn't mean to go to Stoke says:

you are simply the best
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

midwinterphoto says:

i've heard of this place from edmonton photographer larry louie. he found out after he went some muslim extremist group in the area was planning on bombing this location. thaknfully they were caught, this place is amazing.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

susan_r4 says:

Simply soooo beautiful Trey! Thanks for taking me along for the travels!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

karenc2510 says:

Amazing!
I would love to explore like this.
What a very special image
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Dredrk. aka Mr Sky says:

good stuff man
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Trausti Ólafsson says:

Magical, great stuff.

I saw your great picture in Superb Masterpiece Group
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

C-HAD says:

Amazing!!!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Mark Turnbull says:

Awesome shot!
Whats the story with the buddha(?) statue in the middle, how come he's not covered up, do the other domes all contain buddha(?) statues?
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Dan The Hutt says:

Great picture. Can you place it's location on the flickr map?
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

ryanfohara11 says:

Cool
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Stuck in Customs says:

Thanks everyone!

I do need to map this at some point...

All of those "bells" are little cages that hold Buddhas. That one you see is where the top of the cage has been removed.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

drburtoni says:

nicely done!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

darkenergy777 says:

Lovely picture, fantastic work.!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Vaeltaja says:

Fantastic capture.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Szymon Stoma says:

cool
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Mr.Enjoy says:

Fantastic shot Trey...
Wonderful composition and light...
Superb atmosphere...love the mist!
Congratulations!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

lydia63 says:

Your Photo is superb ! please post this beautiful picture at
¡Su foto es magnífica! fije por favor este cuadro hermoso en
Votre photo est superbe ! veuillez oster cette belle image à
Magnifica foto! Por favor partilha-a connosco e envia para
Experimentation Group .
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Lewosky says:

Fantastic composition. I like the color and the texture... Well done.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

mos_jsy says:

dude, you share awesome work with us all the time, but this is by far one of your finest in a long time.
fantastic.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

David Giral [in California in September?] says:

amazing view!!

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Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

d.photogal says:

wild! it almost looks like a life size board game
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Ogof. says:

Very beautiful picture
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

doribenster says:

Just wonderful shot
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

simon_long says:

wow,,this is so cool my friend, thanks for sharing !!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

ColorSync says:

Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You captured it magnificently! Better than my memory of seeing in person.

Check out: whc.unesco.org/en/list/592
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

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Some rights reserved Anyone can see this photo

Taken in Special Region of Yogyakarta, ID (map)
Taken with a Nikon D2Xs.
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Taken on March 15, 2008

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