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Getting Around Borobudur

Getting Around Borobudur

Borobudur Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Yogyakarta offers an useful public bus system. Direct public transport to Borobudur from Yogyakarta is limited, sometimes needing transfers, but local options appear around the temple itself.

Trans Jogja, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, serves as the main public bus network in Yogyakarta. It operates on dedicated or semi-dedicated lanes for faster travel. Yogyakarta lacks a metro or tram system. In the Borobudur area, public transport directly to the temple from surrounding towns is limited. Local mini-buses, Angkot or Colt, operate between smaller towns. These might need multiple transfers to reach the temple, making them less direct for tourist travel.

Trans Jogja Details

  • Route Maps & Hubs: Covers most of Yogyakarta, connecting Malioboro Street, major bus terminals (Jombor, Giwangan), and attractions. Maps are online and at shelters.
  • Ticketing: Pay conductor with cash or use electronic payment card (E-Money, Flazz). Single ride is about Rp 3,500.
  • Operation Hours: Early morning (05:30) until late evening (21:30-22:00). Frequency 10-30 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility for wheelchairs; buses have steps, ramps are not universal.

Google Maps for Navigation

Use Google Maps for precise Trans Jogja routes and schedules.

Ask Locals

Many locals, especially in tourist areas, have English skills and have directions.

Crowd Preparedness

Buses during peak hours may be crowded; prepare for standing room only.

Trans Jogja Bus Photo

About Trans Jogja
  • Yogyakarta's main public transport system.
  • Very affordable fares, suitable for travelers on a budget.
  • Extensive network covering major city areas and attractions.
Navigating with Trans Jogja
  • Check routes and schedules with Google Maps.
  • Inform conductor of your destination; they may signal your stop.
  • Functions from from sunrise to after sunset.

Trans Jogja, the affordable bus system in Yogyakarta.

Typical Fares and Payment

Trans Jogja

Rp 3,500 per ride

Blue Bird Taxi Metered

Base fee Rp 7,000-10,000, then per km.

Gojek/Grab Motorbike

Rp 10,000-30,000 (short ride)

Gojek/Grab Car

Rp 20,000-50,000 (short ride)

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient and often more direct ways to travel, especially for longer distances or when public transport is not suitable.

Licensed Taxis

  • Identification: Blue Bird Group operates reputable metered taxis (blue cars).
  • Hailing: Hail on street, find at stands (malls, hotels, stations), or use their app.
  • Fares: Metered fares; confirm meters are used. Negotiate for unmetered taxis Before travel.
  • Payment: Cash or credit card (some taxis).

Ride-Sharing Apps

  • Apps: Gojek (Indonesian) and Grab (Singaporean) are common.
  • Services: Motorbike taxis (GoRide/GrabBike), car taxis (GoCar/GrabCar), food delivery (GoFood/GrabFood).
  • Fares: Fixed and displayed in-app before booking for transparency. Generally cheaper than traditional taxis.
  • Requirements: Local SIM card or roaming data needed.

Safety & Airport Arrangements

  • Licensed Taxis: Generally safe. Ensure meter use.
  • Ride-sharing: Generally safe. Journey tracking, trip sharing, driver/passenger ratings. Motorbike taxis include a helmet.
  • Unmetered: Negotiate fare upfront.
  • Airport/Station Taxis: Dedicated stands at YIA and major train stations.
  • Gojek/Grab Pick-up: Clearly marked at these locations.
  • Convenient options for arrival or departure.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Requires IDP and home license. Not recommended for most due to chaotic traffic. DiscoverCars.com offers car rentals.

Motorbike/Scooter

Widely available (Rp 60,000-150,000/day). IDP with motorcycle endorsement needed. For experienced riders only.

Bicycle Rentals

Available around Borobudur villages (Rp 20,000-50,000/day). Ideal for discovering the vicinity.

Walking & Cycling

Exploring on foot or by bicycle offers intimate experiences and an opportunity to truly connect with the local environment.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Borobudur Complex: Very pedestrian-friendly pathways.
  • Surrounding Villages: Enjoyable walking routes through rice paddies.
  • Yogyakarta: Malioboro Street (crowded), smaller alleys (gangs) in Prawirotaman, Sosrowijayan.
  • Walking Tours: Guided tours at Borobudur, self-guided in Yogyakarta (Kraton, Taman Sari).

Cycling & Safety

  • Infrastructure: Limited dedicated bicycle lanes in The nation of indonesia.
  • Safety (Rural): More relaxed and safer in rural areas around Borobudur due to minimal traffic.
  • Safety (Urban): Cycling in busy Yogyakarta is challenging and less safe due to dense, aggressive traffic.
  • No-Go Areas: Highly congested main roads in Yogyakarta, especially during rush hour, are less safe for walking/cycling.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Not common for hop-on-hop-off style. Most tours use private cars with drivers or small minivans for personalized experiences.

Pre-arranged tours often start from Yogyakarta.

Unique Local Transport

Becak: Traditional pedal-powered trishaws for short distances in Yogyakarta. Negotiate fare beforehand.

Andong: Horse-drawn carriages for tourist rides in Malioboro area.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility infrastructure remains limited. Borobudur features many steps. Many local transport options are not wheelchair-friendly.

Plan accordingly for mobility needs.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Regulations
  • Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Helmets are mandatory for motorbike riders and passengers.
  • Traffic laws exist but are often loosely followed.
Roads & Parking
  • Major roads connecting cities are generally well-maintained.
  • Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly surfaced.
  • Parking spaces are available at most attractions for a small fee.

Important Considerations

  • For self-driving, ensure you have the correct IDP and experience with chaotic traffic.
  • Always agree on fares before beginning a journey with unmetered taxis.
  • Stay alert for pickpocketing in busy places such as markets or public transport.
  • Exercise caution as a pedestrian, especially near dense traffic.
  • Driving without the proper IDP negates insurance coverage.
  • Traffic congestion may extend travel times significantly.
  • Be wary of scams involving fake guides or inflated prices.
  • In case of accident, get in touch with local authorities and your travel insurance provider immediately.

Final Tip for Getting Around

For ideal local navigation, an assortment of Gojek/Grab for convenience and local buses for a budget-friendly city experience often works best.

Consider renting a bicycle locally for exploring the immediate area around Borobudur for an unique experience.

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