Chasing Dawn: Borobudur Sunrise at Setumbu Hill and Merapi Off-Road Journey
Chasing Dawn: Borobudur Sunrise at Setumbu Hill & Merapi Off-Road Journey
TOUR CODE: SUNRISE SETUMBU-23-504
Sunrise Experience at Setumbu Hill
Watching the sunrise from Setumbu Hill is one of the most breathtaking ways to witness the beauty of Borobudur Temple and its surrounding landscapes. Located approximately 4 km from Borobudur, this scenic viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the temple, Mount Merapi, and Mount Merbabu emerging from the morning mist.
Tour Highlights
• Magnificent Sunrise – Experience a magical sunrise over Borobudur, often shrouded in mist.
• Serene and Less Crowded – Enjoy a peaceful and natural atmosphere away from the crowds.
• Ideal for Photography – Capture the ethereal beauty of misty valleys, golden sunrises, and the silhouette of Borobudur in a dreamlike setting.
Borobudur Temple
Constructed between AD 780 and 840 by the Sailendra dynasty, Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist monument. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was designed to glorify Buddha and guide humanity from worldly desires toward enlightenment and wisdom. The temple was rediscovered in 1814 by the British under Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, and by 1835, the entire site had been cleared.
Pawon & Mendut Temples
During early 20th-century restoration efforts, two smaller temples—Pawon and Mendut—were found to be perfectly aligned with Borobudur. Pawon Temple is located 1.15 km from Borobudur, while Mendut Temple is 3 km away. Though the exact ritual process remains a mystery, scholars believe these temples share a profound religious connection.
Merapi Lava Tour by Jeep
This thrilling off-road adventure takes you to significant landmarks affected by Mount Merapi’s 2010 eruption:
• Mini Museum "Sisa Hartaku" – Showcases items recovered from the eruption, illustrating its impact on local communities.
• Merapi Bunker – An underground refuge where two volunteers tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat from the lava.
• Alien Stone – A uniquely shaped volcanic rock resembling a human face.
Tour Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Sunrise Experience
• 03:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Yogyakarta.
• 04:30 – Arrive at Setumbu Hill, collect your ticket, and hike to the viewpoint.
• 05:00 – Witness the spectacular sunrise over Borobudur.
• 06:00 – Descend and drive to Borobudur Temple.
Borobudur & Cultural Visits
• 07:00 – Breakfast at a local restaurant (own expense).
• 08:00 – Visit Pawon & Mendut Temples.
• 08:30 – Arrive at Borobudur Temple, receive your queue number.
• 09:00 – Guided Tour to the Top of Borobudur Temple and Main Stupa (Join a Group of Fellow Explorers)
Merapi Lava Tour & Return
• 11:00 – Depart for Mount Merapi.
• 12:00 – Lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).
• 13:30 – Begin the Merapi Lava Tour in a Toyota Land Cruiser soft-top (Medium Trip).
• 15:30 – Return to Yogyakarta.
• 16:30 – Arrive at your hotel. End of service.
Price Per Person – Year 2026
| Participants |
CUR |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4-5 |
6-9 |
10+ |
| Domestic/KITAS Holder |
IDR |
2.250.000 |
1.300.000 |
1.150.000 |
1.050.000 |
950.000 |
850.000 |
| Foreign Tourist |
USD |
160 |
103 |
93 |
87 |
81 |
75 |
Note: Updated as of 7-01-2026.
| If you prefer not to visit Pawon and Mendut Temples, you may choose to replace the tour with a visit to the iconic Chicken Church (Bukit Rhema) — completely free of additional charge. Enjoy a unique experience with stunning hilltop views, artistic interiors, and one of the most famous landmarks near Borobudur. |
________________________________________
Important Ticket Information
• Not valid for foreign/domestic student cards or KITAS holder student cards.
Children’s Ticket Prices:
• Ages 0-2 years: Free of charge
• Ages 3-10 years:
o Domestic/KITAS Holder: IDR 400,000 /Foreign Visitors: USD 45
• KITAS holders are eligible for domestic pricing.
Required Documents:
• Passport (for foreign visitors)
• Indonesian Citizen ID (KTP) or KITAS (for eligible residents)
• Student Card (if applicable)
Inclusions & Exclusions
What is Included:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and tours as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees to:
- Borobudur Sunrise via Setumbu Hill
- Borobudur Temple ( access and climb up temple structure ticket)
- Pawon & Mendut Temples
- Jeep Lava Tour at Merapi
- Licensed English or Japanese-speaking guide
- Parking fees
- 2 bottles of mineral water (600ml per person)
What is Not Included:
- Return airfare tickets to/from Yogyakarta
- Hotel accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, such as:
- Laundry services
- Phone calls
- Tipping
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
- Meals
For reservations and inquiries, please contact us!
BOOKING VISIT BOROBUDUR INSIDE :

Guide Arrangements for Borobudur Temple Climb
Who Will Accompany You?
- KITAS Holders & Domestic Visitors: Guided by an Indonesian-speaking guide
- Foreign Visitors: Guided by an English-speaking guide
Optional Guide Upgrade:
- Japanese-speaking Guide for Borobudur Temple ascent → Additional IDR 250,000 per guide
- English-speaking Guide for KITAS holders & domestic visitors → Additional IDR 250,000 per guide
Would you like to add this option to your tour package?
VIP Ticket Option (Subject to Availability)
In case regular tickets are sold out, you can opt for VIP access for an additional IDR 300,000 per person. This exclusive package includes:
- VIP Ticket allows you to climb Borobudur’s sacred structure up to the highest level — the Main Stupa — offering a truly privileged experience (Open Hours: 08:30 AM – 03:30 PM)
- Tour Guide: English (for international guests) or Indonesian (for domestic guests/KITAS holders)
- Light Snack & Drink
- Souvenir
- Audio Visual Presentation: “Learning from Borobudur”
- Upanat & Temple Guide (for monument access visitors only)
Plan ahead & secure your tickets early!
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