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Day Trips from Borobudur

Day Trips from Borobudur

Borobudur Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Central Java's noteworthy sites are often close together, making it simple to visit multiple locations in one day.

Consider booking your day trips and excursions through GetYourGuide for easy planning.

Prambanan Temple Complex

  • East of Yogyakarta, 1-1.5 hours drive from Borobudur; 30-45 minutes from Yogyakarta city.
  • Private car for flexibility. Taxis or ride-sharing services (Gojek/Grab) from Yogyakarta. Local tour buses offer group transport.
  • Organized tours combine Borobudur and Prambanan, often including transport and a guide. Individual trips allow for personal pace.
  • Allocate 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Combine with Ratu Boko Palace for sunset.

Day Trips & Excursions Continued

Discover more fascinating places within a short journey from Borobudur.

Yogyakarta City

Yogyakarta, Java's cultural hub, is approximately 1-1.5 hours by car from Borobudur.

Details

  • Private car for the most flexible travel. Taxis and ride-sharing services (Gojek/Grab) also work well.
  • Local buses (Trans Jogja) are available within the city itself upon arrival.
  • A full day covers major city spots like Kraton, Taman Sari, Malioboro Street, and a gallery or two.

Mount Merapi

This active stratovolcano sits north of Yogyakarta, its base about 1.5-2 hours drive from Borobudur.

Details

  • A chauffeured car reaches Merapi tour starting points.
  • Once there, join a jeep tour to explore lava fields.
  • Allocate a half-day for the jeep tour and travel.

Natural Escapes

Jomblang Cave Goa Jomblang

  • A unique vertical caving experience. A protected natural site.
  • In Gunung Kidul region, 2-3 hours drive south-east of Yogyakarta.
  • An early start is needed to join the limited daily groups.
  • This is a full-day trip, including travel and the multi-hour caving experience.

Kalibiru National Park

  • Wooden platforms and viewing spots for scenic photos overlooking Sermo Reservoir.
  • In Kulon Progo, west of Yogyakarta, near Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). About 1.5-2 hours from Borobudur.
  • It became popular for its instagrammable views.
  • A half-day trip covers the views and photos.

More Natural Escapes

  • Timang BeachDramatic rocky coastline, traditional gondola to an island.
  • LocationGunung Kidul, 2.5-3.5 hours to the south of Yogyakarta (rough road at the end).
  • Time NeededA full-day trip for adventurous travelers.
  • ExperienceUnique and adventurous beach activity.
  • Dieng PlateauHigh-altitude volcanic plateau with temples, sulfur lakes, sunrise views.
  • LocationCentral Java, 3-4 hours north-west of Borobudur (scenic mountain drive).
  • Time NeededLong full-day trip possible, overnight stay recommended for entire exploration and sunrise.
  • ClimateCooler weather is different from lowlands.

Tip for Travel

When planning day trips, considering traffic conditions, especially in and around major cities, will help your journey.

Cultural & Multi-Day Excursions

Immerse yourself in Javanese culture or extend your adventure with multi-day options.

Kota Gede Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta's oldest neighborhood, Kota Gede, features a historic royal cemetery and a long history of intricate silver craftsmanship. You can explore traditional Javanese architecture and visit workshops. Located in the south-east of Yogyakarta city center.

Kasongan Village

Known for traditional pottery workshops and art. Kasongan offers a chance to see local artisans at work, creating various earthenware products, and to purchase unique handmade souvenirs. Located south of Yogyakarta.

Imogiri Royal Cemetery

The burial grounds for the royal families of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). This sacred site calls for modest dress and adherence to local customs, including specific visiting hours and removing shoes. Located south of Yogyakarta.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Central Java trip for more of Indonesia's varied sights.

Recommendations

  • Solo (Surakarta): Another royal city in Central Java. Less crowded with tourists than Yogyakarta.
  • Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater (East Java): Iconic volcanic landscapes with breathtaking sunrises.
  • Bali: A new pace and atmosphere. Direct flights from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).

Transportation Connections

Getting around Java and to other islands is straightforward.

Options

  • Trains: Excellent rail connections from Yogyakarta to Solo, Surabaya, and Jakarta. Comfortable and efficient.
  • Flights: Direct flights from YIA connect to major destinations like Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta, and Surabaya.
  • Buses: An extensive bus network covers Java, a budget-friendly option for regional travel.

Suggested Longer Routes

Classic Java Route (5-7 days)Jakarta → Bandung → Yogyakarta → Surabaya.
HighlightsColonial architecture, tea plantations, temples, volcanoes.
Java & Bali Combination (7-10+ days)Yogyakarta → Surabaya/Malang (volcanoes) → Bali.
HighlightsCulture, nature, relaxation.
Ideal forA thorough overview of Indonesia's diversity.
FlexibilityCustomize as per your pace.

Travel Note

  • Jakarta, Indonesia's bustling capital city, has a modern urban experience with towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping, a wide range of cuisines, and important museums like the National Museum of Indonesia.
  • Jakarta is accessible by train or flight from Yogyakarta.
  • Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater journeys: typically a 2-3 day tour from Yogyakarta. This might start with a train journey to Surabaya or Malang, followed by a guided tour.
  • For Mount Bromo, note its dramatic caldera and ethereal views of the sunrise.
  • For Ijen Crater, discover its stunning turquoise acidic lake and "blue fire" phenomenon (this activity calls for a night hike).

More Day Trip Options

Explore further into Central Java's diverse offerings with these extra excursion ideas.

Traditional Craft Exploration

Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Java with visits to craft centers.

Activities

  • Batik workshops: Learn the traditional wax-resist dyeing technique.
  • Silver crafting: Witness intricate jewelry making in Kota Gede.
  • Pottery making: Visit Kasongan Village and try your hand at shaping clay.

Historical Palace Visits

Step back in time at the monarch's residences of Yogyakarta.

Palaces to See

  • Kraton (Sultan's Palace): The heart of Javanese culture and royal life.
  • Taman Sari (Water Castle): A former royal garden and bathing complex.
  • Fort Vredeburg Museum: A colonial-era fort turned museum.

Museum & Art Scene

Explore the arts and history of the region.

Spots

  • Sonobudoyo Museum: A collection of Javanese art plus relics.
  • Affandi Museum: Dedicated to Indonesia's renowned expressionist painter.
  • Prawirotaman area: Known for cafes, galleries, and an artistic vibe.

Culinary Journeys

Savor the tastes of Javanese cuisine.

Foodie Adventures

  • Malioboro Street: A lively hub for street food and local snacks.
  • Beringharjo Market: Explore traditional snacks and ingredients.
  • Angkringan hopping: Experience local street food carts, try Kopi Joss.

Sunset Views & Relaxation

Conclude your days with stunning natural beauty or moments of calm.

Ratu Boko Palace

A historical site near Prambanan, giving splendid sunset views over the plains.

Kaliurang

A highland retreat near Merapi, featuring cooler temperatures and scenic landscapes.

Candi Umbul Hot Springs

Ancient bathing complex with natural hot springs for a restful dip.

Planning Ahead

For excursions or activities, consider booking through platforms such as GetYourGuide for a smooth experience.
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