Exploring Borobudur with Dad: A Journey into the Past and Family Ties in Indonesia

Exploring Borobudur with Dad: A Journey into the Past and Family Ties in Indonesia

My trip to the Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, sparked a bit of anxiety as I watched my dad, now 75 years old, struggle with the necessary pandan leaf sandals mandated by UNESCO. As usual, his sensitive feet made him vocal about his discomfort: "These steps are impossible in these sandals!" In the end, he opted to go barefoot.

Previous Adventures

Dad has always been my favorite travel companion before I settled down. From Machu Picchu to Zambia, he has explored many places, and age seems to have little effect on his adventurous spirit. However, opportunities for us to travel together have become rarer. This journey through Java and Borneo was a precious reward for both of us.

The Challenges of Aging

Right from our first days in the artistic city of Yogyakarta, I could see Dad’s limitations. Even short walks required negotiation. Yet, he remained proud of me. He tried foods he usually dislikes, like tofu and tempeh, and surprisingly ended up enjoying them.

Memorable Moments at Prambanan and Borobudur

Trying my hand at traditional batik was when I truly noticed Dad's struggle to maintain patience with the design process. However, he never backs down from a challenge. At Prambanan, when I saw him unable to climb the candi, I felt his discomfort with the changes in his body.

At Borobudur, thanks to the Buddhist stories shared by our guide, Dad seemed to find a sense of enlightenment. The highlight of the trip was seeing him discover his own motivation, continuing to bravely explore and embrace life.

River Expedition in Borneo

Borneo opened the door to tranquil moments. Aboard the klotok Spirit of Lamandau, we drifted through Tanjung Puting National Park, home to the rare orangutans. Dad quickly adapted to the slow pace of life, enjoying the river and learning about the structure of our boat.

As we traveled along the river, we kept an eye out for jungle expeditions, catching glimpses of orangutans in their natural habitat. Each encounter sparked excitement in Dad, who joked that I was like part of Taylor Swift’s security team. In those moments, I could see the joy on his face as he immersed himself in nature.

Every time we reached the shore, I would hear my daughter Indah cheer, "Grandpa, come explore with us!" and he was always ready.

The Meaning and Joy of the Journey

The experiences in Java and Borneo were not just a cultural journey; they represented a deep connection between three generations. Seeing Dad refuse to give up made me realize that age cannot hinder his dreams and zest for life.