Borobudur Temple was built in the 9th century and attracts visitors from all over the world. Since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Borobudur has brought many people to the lively city of Magelang. Here, Borobudur is more than just a Buddhist temple complex. It is also a welcoming neighborhood with deep meaning and is becoming an important part of local culture.
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When you visit, you can explore all that Magelang has to offer. Magelang is a small town near Yogyakarta, about an hour’s drive from the city center. There are no airports or train stations in Magelang, so the easiest way to get here is by car, motorbike, or bus from Yogyakarta. We look forward to sharing the city’s unique charm with you and making your trip memorable.
Get to Know About the Borobudur Area in Magelang
The Borobudur area covers 54.55 hectares and includes 20 villages, all right next to Yogyakarta. It sits close to the Menoreh Highland, offering views of the hills and the local community. There are plenty of enjoyable activities here, from exploring the famous temple to discovering the area’s unique charm.
This area is surrounded by peaceful rice fields. Compared to other places, Magelang—especially Borobudur- feels quieter and more relaxed. You can enjoy a natural atmosphere away from the busy city. It’s a great spot for a weekend escape, and locals are always friendly and welcoming. The area is well-developed, with easy access to restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and public transportation.
This area harmonizes with the modern atmosphere and still preserves the traditional charm. It’s safe and enjoyable whether you’re traveling alone or just looking for some time to yourself.
Location Borobudur Temple
Many people mistakenly think that Borobudur Temple is in Yogyakarta. In fact, it is located in Magelang, Central Java. Although it is only about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta, it is not officially part of that region. Because this mix-up is so common, people often ask about the differences between Borobudur and Prambanan. It’s actually easy to tell them apart. Here are some basic facts you should know:
| Difference between Borobudur and Prambanan Temple | ||
| Difference | Borobudur Temple | Prambanan Temple |
| Location | Magelang, Central Java | Yogyakarta |
| Type of Temple | Buddhist | Hindust |
| Reign | Syailendra (or Sailendra) Dynasty | Sanjaya Dynasty (Ancient Mataram Kingdom) |
| Architect | Gunadharma | The architect is not specifically mentioned, but it was built during the reign of Rakai Pikatan. The temple was later completed and expanded under Sri Maharaja Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung Sri Dharmodaya Mahasambu. |
| First Groundbreaking Ceremony | 770 AD | 850 AD |
| Completion of the Temple Construction | 825 AD | 898–910 AD |
History Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple was first founded by Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814, when he served as the British Governor General of Java. However, the initial report of a buried temple in Bumisegoro village came from Tan Jin Sing, the Regent of Yogyakarta, based on a report from his foreman. Raffles then ordered H.C. Cornelius to investigate.
This Buddhist temple is becoming the largest in the world, spanning around 162.6 hectares. Built during the Syailendra reign, the building architecture was the giant mandala, a Buddhist cosmology that combines the structure of a terraced hill (tiered mountain) with the concept of a stupa. The philosophy behind the Mandala concept is about harmonizing the representation of the cosmos (the universe) with a map of the spiritual journey towards inner perfection.
What’s Popular at the Borobudur Temple and Nearby?
Borobudur opened to the public in 1983 and quickly became a symbol of historical tourism in Indonesia. Its fame has spread worldwide, attracting many international visitors who come to see the largest Buddhist temple. Visitors are welcome to explore the entire temple, including the upper levels, and take in the panoramic views of Magelang. There are many reasons why Borobudur is so popular and a must-visit when you come to Yogyakarta or Magelang. Here are some of the highlights that make Borobudur so special:
- Borobudur is not just famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It also hosts several international festivals, including the Vesak Lantern Festival, the Borobudur Marathon, and the Borobudur Writer Festival.
- The temple is surrounded by peaceful paddy fields, making it an ideal place to relax and escape the busy city. Many hotels and resorts nearby also offer holistic wellness programs, perfect for a holiday.
- The area is very walkable, with plenty of pedestrian paths that make it easy to move from one place to another.
7 Things to Do in Borobudur and Magelang
We’re excited to share the most fun things to do in Borobudur and the Magelang area. Instead of the usual attractions, we’ll show you authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From our local point of view, Borobudur has so much potential to explore. We want your time in this lively city to be truly memorable, so here are some of the most exciting highlights:
1. Borobudur Strolling
| Entrance Ticket (Foreign Tourist) | IDR 455.000 for Adults (>10 years)IDR 305.000 for Children (3-10 years) |
| Opening Hour | Daily, 7 AM – 5 PM (Temple Yard)Daily, 6.30 AM – 4.30 PM (Ticket Counter) |
Take some time to explore the entire Borobudur Temple area. Because the grounds are so large, you can choose from a few ways to get around. There are buggies that pick up visitors at different stops, or you can rent a scooter or bicycle if you prefer more flexibility.
Inside the temple grounds, you’ll find a museum, a souvenir shop, and plenty of places to take in the beautiful views. The temple also offers special activities during Indonesia’s national holidays, such as school breaks, Eid, Vesak Day, and other celebrations.
2. Catching Sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu
| Entrance Ticket (Foreign Tourist) | IDR50.000/person (Prices may change) |
| Opening Hour | Daily, 4 AM – 6 AM |
Punthuk Setumbu is a highland area in Magelang, just 12 minutes away (4.8 kilometers) from the temple. It is perfect for catching the sunrise and viewing the Menoreh Hill cluster at around 1,300 meters above sea level. If you are lucky, you can see the top of the temple from here. The best time to visit is around 4:30 AM to see a sea of clouds.
A short walk from Punthuk Setumbu, you can visit Bukit Rhema Gereja Ayam. Built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah, it is becoming The House of Prayer for All Believers and serves those who wish to pray in private, with dedicated prayer rooms.
3. Local Beans Exploration at Callme Coffee Roaster
| Menu Price Range | Ranging from IDR 15.000-IDR35.000+ |
| Opening Hour | Branch Kebonpolo (7 AM – 11 PM)Branch Kalinegoro (3- 11 PM) |
If you want to try authentic local coffee beans, Callme Coffee Roaster is a great spot. Magelang is known for its arabica and robusta beans, and this café offers a wide variety to explore. Be sure to try their signature drinks, such as Mont Blanc, Cream Brulee, and Kopi Susu Nangka.
4. Waterfall Discovery at Kedung Kayang Waterfall
| Entrance Ticket | Start from IDR 10,000 per person |
| Opening Hour | Daily, 24-hour (Best time to visit 7-11 AM) |
Kedung Kayang Waterfall is a treasure for anyone seeking a more adventurous, natural destination. Located in Wonolelo, Magelang, about a 1-hour drive from the Magelang city centre, but we guarantee you that this waterfall is worth visiting. The scenery, trek, and natural ambiance such a relaxing to experience.
This waterfall is 40 meters long, with a slope of 80 degrees, and is located at 950 masl. To reach the bottom of the waterfall, you need to trek about 20-30 minutes on a steep path that passes through a river that is still pristine.
The scenery is beautiful from both above and below the waterfall. The water flows quickly, so swimming near the waterfall is not allowed. The current is especially strong during the rainy season, so please take extra care.
5. Books and Coffee at Melek Huruf
| Menu Price Range | Start from IDR 25.000 |
| Opening Hour | Friday & Monday (10 AM – 6 PM)Saturday & Sunday (9 AM – 6 PM) |
You might not expect to find an independent library and reading space in the small village of Candirejo, but that’s exactly what Melek Huruf is. Just five minutes from Borobudur, it’s a spot you shouldn’t miss. Nina Hidayat and Cristian opened Melek Huruf to share their handpicked collection of books, many of which come from Magelang. If you enjoy reading, this place will feel like a hidden gem.
Many visitors notice the care Nina and Cristian put into making Melek Huruf a welcoming place to relax and enjoy a good book. The library has a wide selection of books in both Indonesian and English that you can read while you’re there. There’s also a small bookstore where you can pick up some of their newest titles.
Inside, you can enjoy coffee and food made with local ingredients. Besides the reading room, Melek Huruf also has a guesthouse where you can stay and explore the area with private tours. This all-in-one place can make your trip to Magelang even more special.
6. Pottery Class at Gerabah Arum Art Borobudur
| Workshop Package Price Range | Start from IDR30.000 |
| Opening Hour | Daily, 7 AM – 6 PM |
If you are looking for something fun to do in Magelang, try a pottery art workshop. Gerabah Arum Art offers hands-on experience making different kinds of pottery. Founded by Supoyo and his family, this studio is in Banjaran Village, which is known for pottery craftsmanship dating back over 300 years. Here, you can learn how to make items like mugs, bowls, or ashtrays using traditional methods. You can take your pottery home or have it shipped to you.
7. Enjoying Art in Oei Hong Djien Museum (OHD Museum)
| Entrance Ticket | Starts from IDR50.000 per person |
| Opening Hour | Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM |
The Oei Hong Djien Museum is a private museum that was established in 1997. Oei Hong Djien, a well-known art collector from Magelang, is recognized for his passion for Indonesian local artists. The museum, located in his own home, has been open to the public since April 2012. It houses more than 2,000 pieces, including installations, paintings, and sculptures, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. Visitors can see works by famous Indonesian artists, including Affandi, Ivan Sagita, Srihadi Sudarsono, Popo Iskandar, A.D. Pirous, Nyoman Gunarsa, and Widayat.
Magelang is a great choice if you want to explore a city that feels lively while still keeping its heritage. The neighborhoods are vibrant, and the city is easy to reach by any kind of transportation. Whether you have one or two days, Magelang is the perfect place to visit. We’d love to hear your thoughts after you visit and include our recommendation in your travel plans.