Semarang (Borobudur), Indonesia

The gateway to awe-inspiring sites

The commercial port of Semarang might be better known as a hub for one of Indonesia’s most important exports—the beans for your next cup of jo—but it’s also an important gateway to two of the area’s most spectacular sights—Borobudur and Prambanan.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan is a collection of massive Hindu temples and a national symbol of Indonesia. Wander the grounds and gaze at the huge collection of sharp, jaggedly sculpted towers that dot the landscape.

And then for something completely different, but no less awe-inspiring, head to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, nearby Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Marvel at the incredible attention to detail while embracing the feeling of being dwarfed by the massive structures of this incredible site. The single most popular tourist site in all of Indonesia, Borobudur contains no less than 2,672 relief panels, and 504 Buddha statues to explore. The twin soaring—and active—volcanoes on the horizon are the perfect backdrop to watch the sunset over this fertile landscape. And because Azamara stays later in port than any other cruise ship, you just might get to experience this incredible sight.