Semarang

Dragging yourself from bed at an hour so ungodly that even monks might glance sideways, you'll stumble bleary-eyed through the Javanese darkness toward Borobudur, the majestic 9th-century temple where enlightenment apparently waits for no one. Built during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty-or as I like to call them, the kingdom of "let's-stack-rocks-until-we-impress-eternity"-this colossal Buddhist monument hides in plain sight, cloaked in misty serenity, waiting to be Instagrammed at sunrise. Arrive before 5 am, because trust me, Buddha and the sun aren't exactly on your vacation schedule. Secure your spot at least a day or two ahead, and budget around $30-50 for the experience-it's cheaper than therapy and infinitely wiser. Pack a flashlight, comfy shoes, and your inner Indiana Jones; coffee is optional but highly recommended. Sure, you'll share this sublime moment with selfie-stick-wielding pilgrims, but when the first rays illuminate those ancient stupas, gently carved Buddhas, and mysterious narratives etched in stone, even the most cynical traveler might shed a tear (or pretend it's allergies). If nothing else, it's worth the pre-dawn wake-up call just so you can casually drop at dinner parties, "Oh Borobudur? Yeah, I've seen it at sunrise."