Travelling by andong, a traditional Javanese horse-drawn carriage, guests make their way towards the evening’s celebrations at Borobudur. At an unhurried pace, the ancient temple and surrounding landscape gradually come into view. 

A bregada procession leads the way to the welcome cocktail reception, where ceremonial guards in traditional regalia draw on the customs of Java’s royal courts.

The stories carved into Borobudur’s ancient reliefs continue at the table, inspiring a procession of historic Javanese dishes accompanied by cultural performances throughout the evening. 

As midnight approaches, celebration gives way to a traditional water blessing. Guided by a Javanese spiritual practitioner, water gathered from nine sacred springs is poured in a purification ritual that has accompanied life’s transitions in Java for generations. 

As monks recite traditional chants, their voices carry through the night. The blessing marks the threshold between one year and the next, offering wishes for peace, prosperity and wellbeing.