Walk the same path as the bupati who first discovered Borobudur at Le Temple, an Indonesian retreat where ancient history and contemporary opulence coalesce
Over 200 years ago, Tan Jin Sing, a bureaucrat who rose to the rank of bupati, head of the Yogyakarta regency, reported to Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles — then British governor of Java — the discovery of a large temple buried under jungle foliage and volcanic ash. Excavation efforts led to the uncovering of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the structure is divided into three vertical sections mirroring the journey to enlightenment in Buddhist cosmology. The hidden base depicts the law of karma and earthly desires. The middle, decorated with thousands of narrative relief panels, illustrate Buddha’s life and teachings. Finally, the three circular terraces at the top, which are bare and represent the realm of formlessness, alongside a central stupa, symbolise Nirvana.
Today, Borobudur remains an active pilgrimage site, a vital place of worship as well as a wellspring of inspiration. Located only 700m away is Le Temple, a boutique hotel whose design is richly influenced by the national icon.
Asphalt shingles, teak wood and stone form a total of 18 luxurious villas bisected into two floors. Its dodecagonal construction provides practical angles while closely resembling a perfect circle. While some rooms are furnished with its own private pool, Jacuzzi or garden, others are arranged concentrically around the resort’s biggest building, which echoes the temple’s ascent. It houses a restaurant, meeting rooms and bar.
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Surrounded by a shallow pool, the open plan dining area welcomes guests with a striking Buddha relief at its centre. Moving up, multifunctional spaces occupy the second floor. The bar is located on the rooftop, which overlooks an expansive forest. During sunset, the area is bathed in orange light, offering a meditative moment for those seeking stillness and reflection.
There are 72 handcrafted stupas dotting the grounds, a symbolic nod to the bell-shaped perforated structures that crown Borobudur’s upper tiers. For the discerning traveller seeking both sublime quietude and culture, this Javanese sanctuary is the ultimate base for historical immersion with a luxurious twist.
