Experience Enchanting Magelang

With its revolutionary architecture and rich history, it’s no wonder that Candi Borobudur has been recognised as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Its magnificence so undeniable that it overshadows the regency this historic site resides, Magelang. Yes, not Yogyakarta.

In truth, however, hidden amongst both Candi Borobudur and the town as well as regency of Magelang are diverse, fascinating tales and adventures waiting to be uncovered. From natural reserves, ancient customs, to state-of-the-art technofest; everything you wish for is here, and we’ve tried them all for you.

For this special trip, we have invited the beautiful actress, Tara Basro, to come along and experience all the wonderful attractions that Magelang has to offer.

Old Religious Site to All-inclusive Holiday Heaven: Candi Borobudur Now

“The last time I was in Candi Borobudur is when I was just a girl, I didn’t expect that there are tonnes of fun activities to do here now,” Tara confessed. Other than its majestic facade and history filled to the brim, Borobudur also offers a variety of attractions that will only enrich your experience here.

Explore the temple’s surrounding rice fields and local villages.

Bicycle rental services can be found around the temple area with rates starting Rp50.000.

There are two types of bicycle available, mountain and roadster bicycles.

Tips: Take a moment to stop on the Borobudur – Ngadiharjo Street to view the expanse of rice fields with the iconic stupas of the Borobudur temple as a backdrop.
Tara says: “It’s so exciting to ride a bicycle around Borobudur and to be able to see the beautiful rice fields!”

Enjoy the natural sceneries and breathe in the fresh air while riding a Vintage VW convertible.

Antique cars are available for rent in the Borobudur Temple parking area every day from 9:00 to 14:00 WIB.

Rates vary according to rental durations: Rp350.000 (3 hrs), Rp450.000 (4 hrs), and Rp650.000 (6 hrs).

Attractions visited along the route include rengginang (traditional Javanese rice crackers) factories and batik makers.

Tips: Request the guide to take you to the Menoreh slope to enjoy the amazing mountain
panorama!
Tara says: “I had no idea that we could ride a vintage VW here! Beautiful sceneries and crisp fresh air—how blissful!”

Learn about the theory of karma in Buddhism that is painted on the 160 Karmawibhangga relief panels.

Thousands of stones in the Borobudur Temple cannot be re-installed during the restoration work because many of the connecting parts have been lost or given away to honorary guests during the sultanate era.

Tips: Spot the incomplete Buddha statue in the museum complex that was supposed to be fitted at the top of the Borobudur Temple.
Tara says: “The museum is amazing! I learned so many new things about the Borobudur Temple that I never knew before.”

Find out more about the history of the Indonesian maritime through an interactive movie titled Petualangan Raka (Raka Adventure).

The new facility was launched in June 2018 and uses a 50 meter screen.

Movie duration is approx. 15 minutes and aired every hour.

Entrance Ticket: Rp25.000

Tips: Make sure you pay attention to the details on the screen, as the facility is equipped with a motion-sensor technology which allows you to interact with the animation using body movements.
Tara says: “This new interactive content is super fun and interesting! Definitely a must-try!”

Magelang is More Than Borobudur

After you’ve explored Candi Borobudur to your heart’s content, do not hesitate to venture out to Magelang. Both the district and the town itself are riddled with hidden gems that are begging to be discovered. From the history buffs, or the children of nature, to the art enthusiasts—there’s something for everyone. We guarantee you’d want to spend another night or two in Magelang.

Location: Desa Klipoh. Jalan Banjaran 1, Karanganyar, Borobudur, Magelang(4,6 km/12 minutes by car from Borobudur Temple)

Learn how to make pottery from the locals for only Rp15.000.

Shop for pottery souvenirs in 6 old houses that have been transformed
into souvenir shops.

Pottery prices can range from a few thousand Rupiah to a couple of hundred thousand Rupiah depending on the intricacy of the pottery.

Tara says: “I’m so happy to be able to learn how to make pottery while interacting with the local residents.”

Location: Umbul Temple. Jalan Candi Umbul, Kartoharjo, Grabag, Magelang(35 km/58 minutes by car from Borobudur Temple)

There are many temples in Magelang but the Umbul Temple is unique
for its natural hot spring baths.

This temple was built in the early 9th century as a bath for the princes
and princesses at that time.

Soaking in this hot spring is believed to be beneficial for healing your
skin, improving blood circulation and even curing stroke.

Location: Punthuk Setumbu. Jalan Borobudur Ngadiharjo KM 3, Karangrejo,Borobudur, Magelang (4.8 km/13 minutes by car from Borobudur Temple)

From the parking lot, visitors must trek up for around 10 minutes to
reach the best position to view the sunrise.

To see the sun rising between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu,
come in July. Visit in September for the best view of the sun rising
from behind the Borobudur Temple.

Location: Ketep Pass. Jalan Blabak Boyolali KM 16, Ketep, Sawangan,Magelang (27.9 km/42 minutes by car from Borobudur Temple)

At an altitude of 1135 m above the sea level, Ketep Pass is the perfect spot to view
the 5 volcanoes that surround Magelang – Mount Merapi, Mount
Merbabu, Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing and Mount Slamet.

Come in June or July for the best views of the volcanoes.

Get more information about the volcanoes in a Volcanology Museum
located around the area.

Where to Stay

Atria Hotel

Located within the city center, this hotel is perfect for travelling to all the tourist spots around Magelang City.

Jenderal Sudirman, Mag…

Grand Artos Hotel & Convention

Connected to the Armada Town Square Mall, this hotel provides the ultimate convenience if you wish to shop.

Grand Artos Hotel & Convention

Mayjen Bambang Soegeng, Magelang City

Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa

With its spacious rooms, private pools and breathtaking views of the Borobudur Temple and Menoreh Hill, this is one of the best resorts if you’re looking for a place to pamper yourself.

Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa

Spacious rooms, private pools and breathtaking views of the Borobudur Temple and Menoreh Hill

MesaStila Resort & Spa

Other than just a place to stay the night over, MesaStila offers complete relaxation and recreation amenities on top of a facility where visitors can learn more about the Javanese traditions.

Losari, Magelang District

Transportation

To Magelang by Air

The most common and convenient route to get to Magelang is through Yogyakarta. Almostall major airports in Indonesia have direct flights to Adisutjipto International Airport inYogyakarta which is the closest airport to Magelang.

From Yogyakarta to Magelang

From Adisutjipto International Airport, you have to continue by land transport – you can take the bus which costs around IDR 30,000 – IDR 133,000 depending on the bus provider, bus class type and distance travelled.

Why travel to Magelang?

“In the past 2 years, Magelang has developed rapidly as a tourist destination. We now have so much more to offer than just the Borobudur Temple. We have developed our own identity.”

– Nuryazid, Kepala Dusun Kurahan & Ketua Pengelola Punthuk Setumbu

“There are so many heritage sites that haven’t been fully explored in Magelang. This is a place where tourists can truly learn about our ancestors’ tradition.”

– Supoyo, Head of the Pottery Craftsman Association

“Magelang has so much to offer. It has beautiful rice terraces, exciting city layout, fresh air and not to mention, one of the wonders of the world, the Borobudur Temple.”

– Apollo, Owner of Volkswagen Tour