Deep In Central Java: 15 Best Things To Do In Magelang

Java is the most populous area in Indonesia. More than 50% of Indonesians live on this island. The island of Java is divided into several regions, including Central Java. If you are interested in visiting this region, look at Magelang City. Magelang is home to the world heritage site Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple).

Aside from the legendary temple, Magelang also offers many interesting places to visit on holiday. These include nature tours, historical sites, and cultural attractions that can provide a memorable experience.

Traveloka provides a guide to Magelang, offering 15 great places to experience the city's charm.

1. Borobudur Temple

The first place to visit is, of course, Borobudur Temple. With its unique stepped pyramid shape, Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple contains many historical items, such as statues, stupas, and reliefs. To enter the temple area, you must travel around one hour from Yogyakarta to Muntilan.

This temple is included in the World Heritage Sites and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ticket price is around IDR 30,000 for adults and IDR 12,500 for kids. If you choose to visit Borobudur Temple, don’t miss the chance to see the Kunto Bimo statues. According to locals, whoever touches the part of the statues by putting their hand inside the statue's loops will receive good fortune. Brave enough to try?

2. Mendut Temple

If you want to visit another temple, you should go to Mendut Temple, another famous temple in Magelang. It is only 3 km away to the east of Borobudur Temple. Mendut Temple is built in two stages. The lower stage has a rectangular shape with small stupas at the top, and the temple's base is 4 meters tall from the ground, making the temple look majestic.

The Mendut Temple is closer to reach if you come from Jogja. So, if you want to visit both of the temples, it saves some time if you visit the Mendut Temple first. The entrance fee to Mendut Temple is affordable, only IDR 3,500 per person, including a ticket to Pawon Temple. You can visit Mendut Temple from 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

3. Pawon Temple

As mentioned, Pawon Temple is located close to Mendut and Borobudur Temples. Tickets to Pawon Temple are available as part of a package deal with Mendut Temple tickets. At this temple, you will find historical reliefs with creature shapes and Bodhisattvas (Buddhist candidates) on the temple's walls, with unique architectural details.

History experts say this temple was built to bury King Indra's ashes. King Indra was the initiator of the Mendut Temple from the Syailendra Dynasty.

Pawon Castle is open every day from 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM. To visit, you only need to pay an entrance fee of IDR 3,300 per person and IDR 2,000, and IDR 3,000 for motorcycle and car parking fees. For a more exciting trip, consider strolling around the three temples nearby. Fun guaranteed!

4. Merbabu and Merapi Mountains

Magelang is located in the center of Java Island, and its highland surrounded by mountains makes it a unique destination. Two famous mountains, Merbabu and Merapi, offer breathtaking views that have become iconic for Magelang City.

You can use several entrance gates to reach the mountains, including the Chuntel, Wekas, and Suwanting routes, all of which are located in Magelang. Alternatively, you can choose the famous route climbers widely use, which goes through the Selo basecamp in Boyolali. Although it’s wasting some energy, your tiredness will be replaced by the beauty of the panorama from the top of the mountain.

Although it may require some extra energy, the stunning panorama from the mountain's top will compensate for your fatigue!

5. Andong Mountain

Do you love to hike, but are you a first-timer to it? We've got you covered. You can choose Andong Mountain, which is suitable for rookie climbers. Andong Mountain is a little bit shorter than Merbabu or Merapi mountains, only around 1,726 meters above sea level. It offers a great climbing experience, similar to Merbabu or Merapi. It only takes 2 hours to reach the top of Andong Mountain. The hiking trail is easy; you can camp there to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

6. Ketep Pass

If you love the sunrise scenery with a mountain background, we recommend visiting Ketep Pass. Ketep Pass is an ideal high place to enjoy an excellent highland view of the Merapi and Merbabu mountains.

After seeing the sunrise, you can visit the Volcanology Museum around the Ketep Pass area. This museum provides information about Merapi Mountain and the volcanic tragedy. Visitors can also admire the active volcano mountain on Java Island through binoculars available for rent at the viewing post.

7. Punthuk Setumbu

Punthuk Setumbu is one of the famous places in Magelang, gaining more attention after being featured in the popular local movie "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (AADC) 2." This spot is perfect for tourists who enjoy high places. To reach the top, visitors must pay an entrance fee of IDR 15,000 per person and walk approximately 20 minutes.

After reaching the top of the hill, you will see a beautiful sunrise scene with the silhouette of the majestic Borobudur Temple in the distance. To visit, drive from the city center to Borobudur Ngadiharjo road for an hour.

8. Punthuk Sukmojoyo

If you love taking great pictures with mountains or the edge of an abyss in the background, consider visiting Punthuk Sukmojoyo. Located on the Menoreh hillside, Punthuk Sukmojoyo offers mesmerizing views of Magelang's natural panorama.

From the top of the southwest hill of the Borobudur Temple, you can enjoy breathtaking sunrise or mesmerizing sunset scenery. To enter the temple, you must pay an entrance fee of approximately IDR 5,000 per person. Don't worry about parking, as there is ample space for your vehicle.

9. Punthuk Mongkrong

Near Punthuk Sukmojoyo, there is another hill suitable for those looking for a place to take some photos from a high place. To get to Punthuk Mongkrong, you must travel on a steep road with soil conditions. Please note that this place can only be reached by motorcycle.

At the top of the hill, you will find a V-shaped bamboo bridge at the edge of an abyss facing the Merapi and Merbabu mountains. If the weather is friendly, you can take a great selfie with mountains and some clouds in the background!

10. Kragilan Pine Forest

After filling your smartphone gallery with great photos at Punthuk Setumbu or any other great place, take advantage of the chance to visit Kragilan Pine Forest, located in Kragilan village. Initially not recognized by travelers, the forest is now a place worth visiting while you're in Magelang.

You can take some great photos and enjoy outdoor activities such as flying foxes, and cradles, and hopping up to the tree house while breathing fresh air at the foothills of Merbabu Mountain. This place is open every day from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. If you want to visit, you only need to pay a fee of IDR 3,000 for motorcycles and IDR 10,000 for car parking.

11. Gereja Ayam

The name "Gereja Ayam" literally translates to "Chicken Church". This unique architectural wonder is located in Gombong Village, Kembanglimus Village, and is also known as Rumah Doa Bukit Rhema.

It stands out in the middle of the forest. The locals have nicknamed it "Gereja Ayam" because they think it looks like a chicken. Due to its uniqueness, Gereja Ayam is famous among foreign visitors.

You can enjoy a beautiful sunrise scene from Rhema Hill with Borobudur in the background. However, sunrise can only be seen at Gereja Ayam on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are interested, you will need to pay a fee of IDR 5,000 per person and IDR 2,000 per vehicle.

12. Curug Silawe

Not only up and downhill, but Magelang also offers some water traveling spots that need to be noticed. One of the places is Curug Silawe or Silawe Waterfall, located in Sutopati village, Kajoran Regency. Silawe Waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls that local tourists often visit.

13. Air Terjun Sekar Langit

Sekar Langit waterfall is another famous waterfall in Magelang, Indonesia. It is the backdrop to a famous local folktale about Jaka Tarub stealing Nawangwulan’s scarf. At the same time, seven angels fetched fresh water from the river flowing through Air Terjun Sekar Langit.

Located on the Telomoyo hillside, the Sekar Langit waterfall stands 25m tall. The water streams between the hills, providing a refreshing experience similar to a mountain spring.

With a legendary folktale as its background, many travelers are interested in learning more about the love story between Jaka Tarub and Nawangwulan. These beautiful places are open every day from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you want to visit, the fees are only Rp2.000 for motorcycles and Rp3.000 for cars.

14. Air Terjun Kedung Kayang

Need more waterfall references? We got you covered! You can visit the Kedung Kayang waterfall between the great Merapi and Merbabu mountains and only 3 km away from Ketep Pass, making this waterfall one of the best places for a holiday. This place also provides you with easy access, with a quality road that able to pass by car and motorcycle

To enjoy the fresh water and great view of the 40-meter-tall Kedung Kayang waterfall, you only need to pay Rp4.000 for the entrance fee per person. You can swim to feel the cool and fresh water stream down your body. If you want to stay longer, you can rent an affordable place or camping facilities.

15. Sungai Elo Progo

Sungai Elo Progo, or Progo Elo River, is the perfect destination for those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities. This location offers the opportunity to go rafting on the Progo and Elo rivers, which are located near the Borobudur Temple.

There are many rafting packages, ranging from rookie to professional. Looking for an extra adrenaline rush? Visit the place at night and explore the river with midnight rafting!

Magelang has a lot of interesting places to visit, making it worth adding to your vacation list. Plan your holiday trip with Traveloka for a more convenient traveling experience!