The dawn glow of the amber and golden light creeping in perfectly illuminates the blanket of warm foggy clouds that makes the Borobudur sunrise experience all the more special in the silence of daybreak.
Borobudur temple is deemed one of the most visited sites in Indonesia by locals and foreigners alike, but there has been much debate into whether visiting for the Borobudur sunrise is actually worth it.
Characterized by the unique Borobudur stupas, Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta has become a staple on Instagram and many travellers’ social media feeds!
Now if you can’t imagine the experience described above, then you might be as cynical as I am and knew that there were a few more factors to consider before buying your tickets to see Borobudur temples at sunrise.
6 Factors to Consider Before Buying your Borobudur Sunrise Ticket
1. How willing are you to wake up at 4 am in the morning while on holiday?
Are you an early bird? Now a 4 am start on a holiday is not always on the cards for most people. It’s not necessarily that you need to be at the temple at 4 am but depending on where you are staying, the travel time to get to Borobudur may require a 20 to 30-minute journey, queue for the tickets and then getting to the top of Borobudur temple to witness the sunrise from the top tier.
2. How important is capturing Borobudur in the golden hour lighting?
So this is a big one. For many professional photographers, LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING. It’s no doubt that is if you want to capture the temple in the perfect conditions, the sunrise at Borobudur temple would be the best time to do so. Borobudur photography is some of the best I’ve seen of temples in Indonesia. It’s highly recommended by the professionals to also visit at sunrise.
3. What time of year are you visiting?
Like most places, the time of your visit to Borobudur in Indonesia will be dependent on the time of year. Indonesia has two seasons, wet season and dry season. The wet season runs from November to mid-April and the dry season is from mid-April to the end of October.
Surprisingly enough, the rainy season is a better bet for your visit, as there is a great amount of pollution in Java, and with the daily rains, the smog is often cleared, making for incredible cloud formations.
4. What time is sunrise during your visit?
Probably the most important factor on this list! Sunrise times change throughout the year and can range from 5:10 to 5:50. In the month of June to September, the sunrise is later and closer to 6:00 (normal entry ticket starts at 6:00), so be sure to check your sunrise times during the time of your visit to determine which ticket will get you an adequate sunrise experience.
Not sure what time sunrise in Borobudur will be when you visit? Check your sunrise times here
5. Does it fit into your budget?
Another major factor to consider when visiting Borobudur temple compounds is the hefty price tag for the ticket. The Borobudur temple sunrise comes with a price and there is a significant difference between the ticket price during regular hours versus sunrise.
Sunrise at Borobudur temple will cost you 50 USD or IDR 500 000 per person (IDR – Indonesian Rupiah). For those who are on a budget, this is quite a chunk for the experience, versus the 25 USD for the regular ticket.
6. What type of experience are you looking for?
Private vs public: If you are looking for the enchanting feeling of being cloaked in the darkness waiting for the gentle glowing orb to break through the mist-shrouded over this ancient monument and feeling the peace of this Buddhist masterpiece was created for – then the sunrise Borobudur ticket is the one for you.
What’s the alternative? Scorching heat, harsh daylight and crowds – seriously there will be A LOT OF PEOPLE!
So have you made your decision yet? If not, here a bit more of the logistical and nitty-gritty details about Borobudur Indonesia!
Where is Borobudur Temple
Borobudur temple is situated in Java Indonesia, Northeast of the city of Yogyakarta in the Magelang region. Borobudur in Java is an EXTREMELY POPULAR tourist destination for locals of Indonesia too. This is because the city of Yogyakarta (known as Jogjakarta or Jogja to locals) is a shopping haven for locals for many sources of Javanese culture, food, fabric and curios.
Check Borobudur location on Google Maps
How to Get to Borobudur Java Indonesia
There are 3 main ways to get to Borobudur once you are in Yogyakarta. 1 – Motorcycle, 2 – Taxi and 3 – Tour
Tour
The most convenient option is to use a tour. Borobudur sunrise tours are extremely popular and easy to find. The Borobudur sunrise tour from Yogyakarta is possibly the most popular, there are also options to combine this with visiting the Prambanan temple.
Motorcycle
Getting to Borobudur via motorcycle is also an option. In saying this if you have never ridden a motorcycle and are not confident driving a motorcycle in Indonesia then THIS IS NOT THE OPTION FOR YOU. You need to be confident in your driving abilities on a motorcycle because of the traffic and the roads in Indonesia.
You’ll also be needed to use an app for Maps on your phone so this adds another difficulty element to the experience if you’ve never done this before.
CAUTION: Many travellers, don’t take the motorcycle warning to heart because they believe they know better. Java is an extremely overcrowded and busy island. The roads aren’t great, the traffic is terrible and other drivers don’t necessarily obey the rules of the road. If you have no experience riding a motorcycle in a busy Southeast Asian country or the relevant driving license and travel insurance – DO NOT RISK IT!
Want to tick climbing a volcano off your bucket list? Read the articles: Visit Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen Volcanoes in East Java
Taxi
Getting a taxi in Indonesia is literally effortless. Apps like Grab or GoJek or Bluebird are easily available and accessible on your mobile. You could ask your accommodation to call/ arrange a taxi for you to drop and collect you after your Borobudur Jogja experience
How to get to Borobudur Yogyakarta
Borobudur from Jakarta
The Borobudur Jakarta trip is an easy one. There are two options, Option 1: You can fly from Jakarta International (Soekarno-Hatta) to Yogyakarta airport (Adisutjito Airport). Option 2: Significantly cheaper, is to take the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. The Borobudur Jogjakarta to Jakarta journey is approximately 7 hours, but there are overnight trips and various class options to choose from to make the trip a bit more comfortable.
Borobudur from Bali
Again there are two options for the Bali Borobudur tip but one is a lot more time consuming and tiring than the other. Option 1: Fly from Bali International airport (Denpasar) to Yogyakarta airport (Adisutjito Airport). Option 2: Doing the Borobudur Bali trip via public transport involves 3 modes of transport and multiple transfers. Start by getting from Denpasar Bali to Bus Terminal Mengwi, take Bus to Gilimanuk port, take the ferry for 50 minutes to Ketapang port. Close by you’ll find the Ketapang train station, take the train for 13 hours to Yogyakarta Lempuyagan station. This Bali to Borobudur temple Java journey is approximately 18 hours.
How to catch a Borobudur Temple Sunrise
There are 3 ways to watch the sunrise of temple Borobudur.
Option 1: Borobudur Sunrise Ticket
This is the official and only ticket that you can buy to visit Borobudur candi during the hours from 4:30 am. It’s called the Manohara sunrise ticket and can be purchased from The Manohara hotel and resort. The Manohara Borobudur sunrise ticket also includes a refreshment and snack before your entry and complimentary use of a sarong (to cover your legs) upon entry into the temple.
The Manohara hotel sunrise tour is not limited to a number of tourists and can be purchased on the day or ahead of time. There is a complimentary rate for those staying at the Manohara resort.
Option 2: On a Budget
If you’re really strapped for cash but still want to witness a sunrise over Borobudur Magelang, then you can try the Punthuk Setumbu sunrise. What this is another viewpoint, located a distance away from the actual Borobudur Buddhist temple, but from where you can see the outline and upper levels of the temple.
The Setumbu hill viewpoint will only cost you IDR 30 000 (only 2 USD compared to the 50 USD for the Borobudur sunrise ticket). Although the Punthuk Setumbu hill ticket is a cheap one, you are not actually setting foot in the temple or seeing the iconic stupa Borobudur is famous for as well are the intricate Borobudur relief panels on the tiers of the platforms.
Find Setumbu Hill on the Map
Option 3: Wait till 6:00
Normal ticket entries start from 6:00 in the morning and close at 17:00. There is no time limit as to how long you can stay at the temple. As mentioned before, depending on the time you visit during the year, if sunrise is closer to 6:00, if you are willing, you can be one of the first people to enter on a regular ticket and race to the top to catch the sunrise candi Borobudur temple experience.
Love Temples? READ: Must See Temples in Bali for 2021
Borobudur Ticket Price
If the Borobudur sunrise is not a priority there thankfully a number of other Borobudur temple ticket options that you can choose. These are the Borobudur Entrance fees as of 2021:
Borobudur Sunrise Ticket*
- Foreign Visitor: 40 USD or IDR 500 000
- Domestic Visitor/KITAS Holder: IDR 370 000
- Foreign Valid Student Card: 30 USD or IDR 400 000
- Domestic Valid Student Card: IDR 280 000
- Where to buy Borobudur sunrise ticket: Manohara Hotel
Borobudur Sunset Ticket**
- Foreign Visitor: 40 USD or IDR 500 000
- Domestic Visitor/KITAS Holder: IDR 370 000
- Foreign Valid Student Card: 30 USD or IDR 400 000
- Domestic Valid Student Card: IDR 280 000
- Where to buy Sunset Borobudur ticket: Manohara Hotel
Borobudur Regular Ticket
- Foreign Visitor: 25 USD or IDR 375 000
- Domestic Visitor/KITAS Holder: IDR 50 000
- Valid for single entry between: 6:00 to 17:00
- Where to buy Borobudur regular ticket: At the temple
Borobudur Prambanan Combined Ticket***
Foreign Visitor: 45 USD or IDR 630 000
*Notes about Borobudur Sunrise Ticket:
- Valid for single entry
- The ticket office opens at 4: 00
- Entry to Borobudur from 4:30 am at Manohara Hotel entrance
- Includes breakfast refreshments
- Includes a small souvenir
- Includes use of a sarong
- Complimentary storage of backpack and drones
- The ticket is non-refundable or transferable in poor weather conditions
- Cannot be used with Prambanan – Borobudur combo ticket
**Notes about Borobudur Sunset Ticket:
- Valid for single entry
- Entry to Borobudur from 17:00 (after public hours) till 18:30.
- Includes light dinner refreshments
- Includes a small souvenir
- Includes use of a sarong
- Complimentary storage of backpack and drones
- The ticket is non-refundable or transferable in poor weather conditions
- Cannot be used with Prambanan and Borobudur combination ticket
***Notes about Borobudur Prambanan Combination Ticket
- Must be used on consecutive days
- Valid for entry between 6:00 and 17:00
- Cannot be used as a Borobudur sunrise ticket
- Complimentary use of a sarong
- Includes a welcome refreshment
- Complimentary storage of backpack or drone
SIDE NOTE: Borobudur temple entrance fees prices displayed above are for 2021, IDR pricing will depend on the exchange rate of USD at the time of your visit.
Other Fees
Depending on how you travelled to Borobudur, there will be a parking fee involved. The fee is usually between IDR 5 000 to 10 000.
What to Wear to Borobudur Temple
Even though there is no Borobudur dress code, it’s important to remember here is that you are visiting a religious place, it is a place of worship and should be respected accordingly. It is customary to have your knees covered as well as your stomach.
TRAVELIST TIP: Wear lightweight airy clothing if you are visiting during the daytime as it gets extremely humid. There are not that many areas of shade so don’t forget to wear sunscreen – the Jogja Borobudur weather is harsh.
Borobudur Temple Opening Hours
Borobudur opening times are daily 6:00 to 17:00 for regular ticket holders
Borobudur sunrise ticket holders, opening times are from 4:30.
Borobudur sunset ticket holders, opening times are from 17:00 till 18:30.
Looking for some more adventure in Java? Head East! READ: Ultimate 7 Day East Java Itinerary
Bobudur Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Borobudur would between the months of April and June and preferably for sunrise to avoid the heat and humidity as well as the crowds.
Recommended Borobudur Tours
These are a couple of great tours to visit Borobudur temple (and some other great attractions) in Yogyakarta
Borobudur Sunrise or Sunset Half Day Private Tour
Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Full Day Tour
Borobudur Temple: 1.5-Hour Guided Tour With Admission Ticket
Borobudur Temple Half Day Private Tour
Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Full Day Private Tour
From Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise on Setumbu Hill
Looking for more Borobudur temple tours?
TRAVELIST TIP: As with any tour, always remember to check your inclusions and exclusions with your Borobudur tour package. What might seem obvious to you, may not be obvious to them. Ask them to confirm exactly what is included or excluded if it’s not stipulated.
Where to stay when visiting Borobudur
The Borobudur temple unlike the Prambanan temple is not located in central Yogyakarta. So you have the option to stay close to the temple to minimize the commute at sunrise or opt to stay in the heart of the city and experience the incredible heartbeat come to life at night.
NEAR BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa – Plataran Borobudur Hotel is a gorgeous luxury resort and I’m in love with the private pool and garden villa, Borobudur’s early wake up is best visited after a night in this incredible resort.
Amata Borobudur Resort – This stunning resort with the Joglo-style roofs are picture-perfect. Here you will receive incredible service, amenities and true value for money.
Manohara Resort – Well if you want to get up close and personal with candi Borobudur Indonesia, then this is the place to stay. Literally, a 7-minute walk from the hotel to the entrance to Borobudur means you can literally roll out of bed and into Borobudur effortlessly and with no need for transport or taxis etc.
HOTELS IN THE CITY CENTRE, you’re spoiled for choice, Here are some of my top picks
Greenhost Boutique Hotel Prawirotaman – Exudes an air of peace and tranquillity and located on Jalan Prawirotaman means you’re on the street of cafes, restos and bars if you want to try out the nightlife too
Grand Aston Hotel Yogyakarta – Conveniently located, with great service and delightful breakfast spread makes this one a winner
Hotel Tentrem – Deemed one of the best hotels in Yogyakarta and I can see why, not only are dipped into luxury from the moment you step in, the amenities for being pampered almost make you feel like you never want to leave
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – A stunning luxury hotel with rich cultural heritage equipped with all the modernization of today’s needed amenities.
eL Royale Yogyakarta – is a newly built hotel and its incredible location just off Malioboro means that it’s a complete bargain for its incredible new furnishings, contemporary style, delicious breakfast spread and wonderful service
Looking for a Yogyakarta city hotel? Borobudur is only a 20 minute drive from the city centre.
Want to explore some incredible waterfalls in East Java? READ: Madakaripura and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall guides
About Borobudur Temple
What is the Borobudur Temple? The Borobudur temple compounds Indonesia are a complex structure of Buddhist temples arranged in the intricate mandala lotus structure.
The Buddhist monument was built between the 8th and 9th century.
The complex sits in Borobudur park and is a large structure consisting of 9 levels, decorated with 2672 relief panels, 504 buddha statues of which 72 are located inside a stupa located around the central dome of the temple.
The stupas are perforated, and if you look closely, in the right light you will see the buddha Borobudur statues inside the stupa. These stupas are characteristic of the Borobudur temple.
The temple was abandoned when the country converted to Islam, but in 1814, Sir Thomas Raffles rediscovered this iconic structure.
Since then multiple restorations have taken place with the most significant being handled by the Indonesian Government along with UNESCO from 1975 to 1982.
Borobudur Map
The map of Borobudur is located at the entrance to the temple compounds as well as the exits. It’s most certainly not easy to get lost regardless of the mammoth size of the structure as there is only one entrance and one exit and they are in different locations. You will see signage throughout directing you to the exit.
What makes Borobudur Temple unique
- Borobudur architecture
- Borobudur Buddha statues
- Borobudur Mandala lotus structure
- Borobudur history
- UNESCO heritage site
- Largest Buddhist monument in the world
Visit the Borobudur UNESCO page for more Borobudur temple facts
Visit Borobudur Official Website for Borobudur temple history
Borobudur FAQ
Travel Insurance
If anything, this should be a given for any trip you take! But be sure to keep a copy of your insurance details. If Indonesia is not your home country you need to be prepared for anything. All of these experiences have risks.
Check out World Nomads for amazing travel insurance options
I hope that this Borobudur travel blog article has helped you decide whether to choose the Borobudur sunrise option or the regular ticket is the option you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below and I’ll try my best to answer them!
HAVE I CONVINCED YOU TO VISIT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE? HAVE YOU VISITED ALREADY? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in the article have affiliate links, what this means is, if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn some money to buy a coffee (whoohoo!). Thanks for the support, I’d love to keep making this content freely available to all. As always opinions and thoughts remain my own.
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Visiting the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces- a UNESCO Heritage Site [2023]
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If you’re looking for a unique getaway, look no further…
Did you actually visit Borobudur for sunrise in February 2023, or anytime in the last couple of years? I have not been able to find any way to get tickets earlier than 8:30am so I’d appreciate any tips!
Hi Diana, You are correct. This article needs a serious update and revamp. Im still struggling to find the exact information regarding the temples closure for sunrise visits but upon checking the website, there are a limited number of guests that are able to visit daily (1200) and the temple grounds can only be visited from 7:00 am to 5: 30 pm (according to the offical website) https://borobudurpark.com/en/update-operational-hours-of-the-temple-parks/. There are other sunrise spots that can be visited from afar (Sethumbu Hill), but for now until policies change here are no sunrise Borobudur Temple tickets available.