The Heritage

To Candi Borobudur
Against all odds some of us made it there!

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we miss the scheduled visit on the day of arrival. Lessons are best learnt through mistakes. If you want to visit Borobudur you should attempt to land at Jogjakarta and then drive to Chandi Borobodur; some 40 minutes away. We miscalculated the move and landed at Solo city instead. From Solo city the drive to the heritage site was about 3 hours and we did not have sufficient time on the day of arrival.

However, wild horses will not turn us away from the destination. By hook or by crook, we had to formulate a journey there. So, we did it. It was another mad rush but a rush that's worth it as we arrived on site at 4 pm; an hour to closing time. But beggars are not choosers; it was better than nothing.


On the way to Borobudur, if you were to go through the countryside, you will see miles of agriculture activities from the planting of padi to maize and other cash crops. The rich soil from the nearby volcanic mountain has caused this stretch of land to be unusually fertile but the frequent threat of volcanic eruptions has taken a toil on the local folks. Many suffered under the harsh pour of the flowing mud slides as told to us by the driver of our rented car.

What a delight to our sight when we came close to the heritage site. We would hate to go home without setting foot on the place.

Very immediately we read about the UNESCO world heritage site and found its traces back to when it began; although no one could really tell how it started.

On entering the grounds, we saw the surrounding stores displaying local handicraft and goods; at extraordinary prices. You have to maintain the ' oh, I am not so keen look' to get the best bargains. But after a while, you take pity on them; their relentless effort will persuade you to buy not because you need the goods; but because you want to just help them and help make their day.


Ms Tan told us that when she went there a couple of years ago, things were different. First, she did not notice the separate entrances for international and local tourists. Apparently if you are an international guest you have to pay an entrance fee of US15. Local folks pay less. But then paying that international fee also meant free coffee and tea. Madam Phung eats and drinks anything free very happily. So, that's why she's showing off her free drinks.


Did you see Madam Ung and her cute girl ? They were so eager to have a glimpse of that much talked about heritage site. Ms Jeanne Tay is one tough girl; she went through thick and thin with us with few complaints but with plenty of grit. Her presence brought that fun and cheer so well received by us.



Beautiful, isn't it? It brought us memories of the Angkor Wat visit we had last year. Borobudur is but a fraction of the size of Angkor Wat. After the gruesome walk last year, Borobudur was of little challenge. Yet, it is still good to set your foot on a world heritage centre.

The steps seem many; but it was nothing compared to the steeper ones at Angkor Wat. The architecture causes one to be at awe though.

Like most temples of Hindu origins, Borobudur has stories to tell on her walls too. There are many religious connotations behind the tales and much are connected to the way of life of Buddhism and its teachings.

Another view taken from the grounds; awesome architecture.

The entrance fees are partly to cater to maintenance works I gather. We saw efforts in conservation and preservation.

We could not but help relate the black soil to the volcanic ash from the mountains. I learn from Geography that such dark soil is the rich in minerals and good for crops as well as building purposes.

All over the heritage site, the architecture depicted the faith it portrays.

Ms Tan so connected to the history subject is ever keen to learn about the place and sought for stories to be brought home to her protege.

Tourists are a plenty and this time of the day was cool and conducive for walks. We later learn that if you pay extra you will be given a 'sunset treat'. All tourists were reminded to leave the place by 5pm but for those who paid more they could stay behind and watch the sun set. We did not do that because we were not informed. Now that you know, aim for it. Also there are those who pay extra too for the sunrise watch. How commercial they have turned the place.

I noticed groups of students making a trip there probably in conjunction with the school break and for history lessons. Ms Tan told me it would be interesting to bring a group of keen learners on a trip of this nature.

We were virtually asked to leave the place after 5pm and reminders over the loud speakers were incessant.

The surrounding areas around Borobudur were typical tropical jungles unlike the rolling hills in Europe.But all are beautiful.

Borobudur; an awesome heritage to be savored in with appreciation and wonder. People of the past are really artistic and imaginative. The site speaks of grit, perseverance and total commitment.

Borobudur; a world beauty and wonder.

Deal !

The deal is on !
Meeting our partner in Solo City brought us complete joy for the day as we were sure we will be of help to them in the teaching of English.

Slapped in the heart of Surakarta, SMA Negeri 4 boasts of a history of more than 5 decades. SMK Seafield is only 18 years old but we were not afraid to tell our story too.

The historical pact was held at her library.

The principal of SMA Negeri 4 was grateful for the partnership as they were also looking for an international school to partner with in their quest for future development. Like us, they have to make effort for international partnership to win any credential for recognition in the local education field.
We must admit although the schools from both countries share similarities in the Malay Language and culture, there were also moments we felt we could not understand each other thoroughly. Many pauses were made to ensure what we shared was well understood. But our mission for the trip was well explained by the principal and it was understood that we wish to offer our expertise in the English Language to the school.
The rich history and culture behind the Borobudur ruins was also hoped to further enhance the history department of SMK Seafield.

Teachers and members of the PTA of both school met on this eventful day. In fact, a personnel from the local education district joined us at this inaugural meeting.

The exchange of gifts and an MOU was finally established for the next course of action. SMK Seafield will be sending a group of teachers during the Chinese New Year break to start the pact in SMA Negeri 4.

Very immediately we had a special session with the English Head of Department to gather further information about the level of English practised here. We did grasp the needs and help needed for the students... I hope so. This was important for the teachers to plan a programme for them . We hope this partnership will see a fruitful venture.

Teacher Indy will be our main contact.

Ms Tan was quick to study the content of the history taught here. She was impressed by the syllabus and hope to feed the Malaysian Ministry of Education on it when she next goes for a meeting with them.

We look forward to a meaningful time of sharing in the learning of English and History.

We also noticed the school has many feathers on their cap and the corridor reminded us of our own corridor of achievements in Seafield.

The staff room is roomy and the teachers were humble and friendly.

Similar to local schools in Malaysia, SMA N4 has rooms like the counseling room to cater to the needs of students whom they call 'siswa'.

The room is spacious and ready to offer services to students of the school.

Outside the counseling room, we saw them playing games and sharing thoughts.

The school cooperative store is manned by 'siswa-siswi' who seem very enterprising. The cooperative teacher of SMK Seafield considered it a privilege to see them in action.

A section of the library has this carpeted area for reading and learning.

The youngest delegate of the group was also quick to grasp the opportunity and while the adults were busy negotiating away, she kept herself busy by reading.

We learnt that SMA N4 has a van to themselves. It is a good idea to possess one with all the co curricular commitments of the school. The principal hastily pulled the chief of our PTA and cheekily told him that this should be the next project to work on !

Yes, perhaps it is time that SMK Seafield has a van to herself too ?

Next, we saw what we wanted for the school. A building to allow co-curricular activities to be carried out under shed in times of need. We are still working at it but the cost is huge ...

SMA N4 also has a cultural centre where cultural activities are held. Cultural dances and expressions are held here.

On another note we also noticed something we share in common, students who come late to school. Here the students were told to use another gate...

This caught my eye. The vehicle is unique as a garbage collecting device.

Outside most public schools, students gather for social activities and the food vendors are similar to ours back home.

Above everything else, we really hope something good will come out of this collaboration and the desires of both schools accomplished. This is only the beginning and we wish for a meaningful partnership in the days to come .

Mission accomplished; for the moment.