Yogyakarta Selogriyo Trek & Borobudur Drone Adventure

If you’re looking to combine the serenity of rural Indonesia with the chance to capture breathtaking aerial footage, the Yogyakarta Selogriyo Trek & Borobudur Drone Adventure promises an experience that ticks all the boxes. From lush rice terraces to one of the world’s most iconic temples, this tour offers a blend of nature, culture, and stunning visuals.

While no adventure is perfect, this trip has standout features that make it worth considering, especially if you love photography, peaceful landscapes, or cultural sightseeing. On the flip side, keep in mind that weather can influence drone flights, and the trek involves some walking on uneven, possibly muddy paths. This experience suits travelers craving authentic rural scenery and high-quality visuals, and those eager to do some light hiking in a peaceful highland setting.

Key Points

• Beautiful Rice Terraces: The scenic village trek through Selogriyo offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Drone Photography: Professional drone sessions capture cinematic footage, ideal for social media lovers.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Comfortable Transportation: Private, air-conditioned transfers from Yogyakarta make the day hassle-free.
• Balanced Itinerary: The tour balances nature, culture, and visual documentation within a 10-hour window.
• Weather Considerations: Drone flights depend on weather, so flexibility is helpful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights: A Closer Look at the Tour

Scenic Village Trek Through Selogriyo

Starting from Yogyakarta, you’ll be driven in a comfortable private vehicle through lush countryside roads. The journey itself is a visual delight — rolling hills, bamboo groves, and the smell of fresh air set the tone for the day. Once you arrive at Selogriyo, you’re greeted by a quiet highland village that feels worlds away from the bustling city.

The trek itself is about easy to moderate, covering approximately 11.5 hours of walking, mostly along stone pathways. You’ll navigate narrow trails, small streams, and traditional houses while soaking in views of rice terraces carved into the hillsides. As one reviewer noted, “The scenery is absolutely stunning and so peaceful — it’s like stepping into a postcard.”

Expect to encounter verdant landscapes, misty mornings, and perhaps some muddy patches after rain — so proper footwear is recommended. The paths are generally manageable, but a little footing experience helps to enjoy the walk fully.

Drone Shots in the Highlands

One of the most talked-about features of this tour is the professional drone photography. During the trek, your guide will coordinate drone flights at strategic viewpoints — often cliff edges overlooking the terraces or wide-open mountain valleys. This makes for cinematic footage that elevates your travel content, perfect for Instagram or TikTok.

According to reviews, the drone pilot is highly skilled and discreet, ensuring you get stunning aerial shots without feeling overwhelmed. “The drone footage really makes the experience unforgettable,” a traveler shared. Keep in mind, drone flights depend heavily on weather conditions — wind or rain can delay or cancel sessions, so flexibility is key.

Cultural Visit to Borobudur

After the scenic highlands, the tour transitions into cultural exploration with a visit to Borobudur Temple, Indonesia’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have about 3 hours here, including a guided walk around the complex and some quick photo stops.

While the drone activity is limited to Selogriyo (not in the temple area), you’ll still enjoy ground-level views of the intricate architecture, detailed bas-reliefs, and the overall grandeur. There’s an optional chance to upgrade your ticket for a climb-up experience, which provides panoramic views from the upper levels of the monument.

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Practical Details That Matter

The entire day is built for comfort and convenience. The private transportation is praised for its smooth and quiet ride, making the long hours feel less taxing. Pickup from your Yogyakarta hotel is seamless, and the return drop-off wraps up the day with minimal fuss.

Tour duration is approximately 10 hours, which includes travel time, sightseeing, and drone sessions. The guide, who speaks English, is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, often sharing insights about the landscape, the rice farming process, and the history of Borobudur.

What Makes This Tour Shine

Unparalleled Views and Peacefulness: The rice terraces and highland scenery are genuinely picture-perfect. As one reviewer mentioned, “The atmosphere in Selogriyo is so tranquil — it’s a real escape from city life.” The early morning timing is recommended for the best light and rice field colors.

High-Quality Drone Footage: For content creators, this is a significant advantage. The drone operator is professional, ensuring you get dynamic, cinematic shots that are difficult to replicate on your own.

Balanced Cultural Experience: Visiting Borobudur adds depth to the day, offering a chance to connect with Indonesia’s spiritual architecture, not just its landscapes.

Comfort and Convenience: Private transport and flexible cancellation policies (full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance) make this a worry-free choice for travelers.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour is well-organized, a few points are worth noting. Weather conditions directly impact drone flights, so if the forecast calls for rain or wind, your drone session might be postponed or canceled. Wearing proper shoes is advised, especially since paths can be muddy after rain — a good pair of hiking shoes will make the trek much more comfortable.

The walking distances, while manageable, involve some uneven terrain, so those with mobility issues should assess their comfort level beforehand. The tour starts early, so be prepared for a longer day, but the scenic rewards and cultural insights make it worthwhile.

Pricing is reasonable when considering the inclusion of private transport, guided tours, and drone documentation. It’s particularly valuable for photography enthusiasts or social media users wanting high-quality, professional shots without the hassle of organizing drone flights themselves.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers eager to capture stunning aerial views. It appeals especially to those who enjoy peaceful rural environments and want to avoid crowded tourist spots. Couples looking for a scenic day or content creators seeking cinematic footage will also find this experience particularly rewarding.

However, if your main goal is only to visit Borobudur without much outdoor activity, or if you’re uncomfortable walking on uneven paths, you might prefer a more straightforward temple visit. But for those wanting a blend of adventure, culture, and visual storytelling, this trip hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Yogyakarta Selogriyo Trek & Borobudur Drone Adventure offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines Indonesia’s lush landscapes with cultural heritage and high-quality visuals. The peaceful rural scenery, combined with the technical challenge and fun of drone photography, makes this tour stand out.

It provides excellent value for travelers who want more than just a quick temple visit — instead, it delivers a full day of scenic beauty, cultural connection, and content-creating potential. Be prepared for a light hike, flexible weather expectations, and a memorable journey through some of Java’s most picturesque landscapes.

This experience is best suited for those who love nature, photography, or simply want to escape into peaceful, untouched environments while capturing stunning images. It’s a day well spent for anyone craving a genuine taste of rural Java with the added bonus of cinematic drone footage.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The trek is classified as easy to moderate, with walking on uneven pathways. Good shoes and some mobility are recommended, but most travelers should find it manageable.

How long does the drone photography last?
The drone sessions are coordinated throughout the trek, with timing depending on weather conditions. Expect several flights during the landscape stops, capturing aerial footage of the terraces and highlands.

What should I wear for the trek?
Comfortable hiking shoes are advised, especially since paths can be muddy. A hat, sunscreen, and water are also recommended to stay comfortable under the sun.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled date. Rescheduling is also possible, making it flexible if weather turns unfavorable.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private air-conditioned transportation from and back to Yogyakarta is part of the package, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey.

Will I get to climb Borobudur?
Your ticket includes a guided walk around Borobudur, with optional upgrade for a climb-up ticket if desired, providing different perspectives of this iconic monument.

Are drone flights affected by weather?
Absolutely. Drone flights depend on wind and rain conditions, so expect some delays or cancellations if the weather isn’t suitable.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and drone sessions, giving you a full day of memorable exploration.

In the end, this tour offers a fantastic mix of scenic tranquility, cultural richness, and aerial artistry. It’s an adventure that will appeal to those who want to see Indonesia from a different perspective—through their camera lens and their own eyes.

You can check availability for your dates here: