The Borobudur Ship Expedition: Recreating an Ancient Indonesian Voyage to Africa
An enthralling account of the 2003-04 Borobudur Ship Expedition, led by Philip, retracing the maritime migration of ancient Indonesian sailors from Borneo to Madagascar.
The 2003-04 Borobudur Ship Expedition was a groundbreaking project that brought history to life, as we built and sailed a replica of an ancient Indonesian vessel to retrace the historic maritime routes connecting Southeast Asia to Africa. This talk will take you through the meticulous process of recreating the ship, inspired by carvings from the Borobudur stupa, and the challenges of navigating open seas as ancient sailors once did. Discover how these early maritime pioneers bridged vast oceans, facilitating the spread of culture, trade, and even genetic links between Indonesia and Madagascar. The voyage also highlights the enduring ingenuity of ancient shipbuilders and navigators.