This exquisite temple, set within a cute neighbourhood around 3.5km east of Borobudur, may look insignificant compared with its mighty neighbour, but it houses the most outstanding statue in its original setting of any temple in Java. The magnificent 3m-high figure of Buddha is flanked by bodhisattvas: Lokesvara on the left and Vairapana on the right. The Buddha is also notable for his posture: he sits Western-style with both feet on the ground.
The statues are particularly evocative at night, when spotlit against the evening sky, and when you enter the soaring inner chamber it feels charged with an almost supernatural energy. Guards here will allow visitors to enter Mendut after dark if accompanied with a local guide (speak to Jaker).
Next to the temple is the Mendut Buddhist Monastery. Leafy and prim, studded with palms and clumps of golden bamboo, shimmering with lotus palms and gleaming with Buddha nature, guests are welcome to join the group meditations here at 7pm daily. You can also stay here for three-day, three-night meditation retreats.
