Borobudur’s Private Trip & Customized

An In-Depth Look at Borobudur’s Private Trip & Customized Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Yogyakarta and want a tailored way to discover its most iconic sites, this private tour offers a flexible, personalized experience that caters to your interests and schedule. While we haven’t taken the tour ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal a well-organized, insightful journey led by seasoned drivers who go beyond just getting you from A to B.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the ability to customize your itinerary based on your preferences ensures you see what matters most. Second, the experienced English-speaking drivers are a highlight—reviewers praise Ari and others for their knowledge and friendly approach. Lastly, the tour’s flexibility with start times and the option to combine multiple attractions makes it a versatile option for different types of travelers.

A potential consideration? The entrance tickets and personal expenses are not included, so budgeting for those separately is necessary. For travelers who value authenticity, flexibility, and expert local guidance, this tour fits well. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid rigid group schedules and have the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Key Points

• Highly customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
• Experienced, knowledgeable drivers with over 5 years of expertise
• Flexible start times allow you to suit your schedule
• Private group experience ensures personalized attention
• Range of attractions including temples, caves, and scenic viewpoints
• No fixed schedule—you choose what to visit and when

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Flexibility of a Private, Custom Tour

This experience is designed with your preferences at its core. You tell the operator which attractions interest you most—whether it’s the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples or hidden gems like Pengger Pines Park or Jurang Tembelan. The driver then records your selected stops and plans a 10-hour itinerary that fits your wishes.

The beauty of this arrangement is the freedom to start your day when you like. Unlike scheduled group tours, you can pick a morning or afternoon start, meaning you can align your visit with your energy levels or other plans. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re arriving from another part of Indonesia or need to adjust for jet lag.

From the reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable guides make a significant difference. Ari, in particular, receives praise for sharing stories and tips about the sites, often taking detours to find local supermarkets—which, as one reviewer mentioned, can be a surprisingly challenging task in Yogyakarta’s Muslim-majority city. These small touches add an authentic, local flavor that standard tours often lack.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The core of this experience is the private transport with an English-speaking driver. You won’t be sharing the journey with strangers, and you’ll get personal attention along the way. However, entrance tickets to temples and museums are not included, so you’ll need to plan for those separately. This allows you to choose which sites to visit and avoid paying for attractions you’re less interested in.

Reviewers have noted the importance of bringing cash or a credit card for entrance fees and personal expenses. Also, packing the essentials like comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle ensures you stay comfortable during your explorations.

One reviewer appreciated the added value of a local guide, noting that for those interested in a deeper understanding of the sites’ history, they can request an authorized guide for an extra fee. This option might be worth considering if you’re a history buff or want more detailed insights.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins in Yogyakarta, with pickup from your hotel or designated location. The entire experience spans approximately 10 hours—ample time to enjoy multiple sites without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Borobudur Temple

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly the highlight for many visitors. Known for its massive size and intricate stone carvings, Borobudur’s grandeur is best appreciated early in the day when it’s less crowded. The reviewer notes that their driver was well-versed in the temple’s history, making the experience both educational and visually stunning.

Prambanan Temple

Just a short drive away, Prambanan is a complex of Hindu temples famed for their towering spires and beautiful reliefs. Visitors often find their photos enhanced by the temple’s impressive architecture and lush surroundings. Reviewers mention that the driver can help with timing to avoid the midday heat and crowd.

Additional Attractions

Beyond the main temples, options include:

• Merapi Jeep Tour: An adventurous ride near Mount Merapi, offering scenic views and a sense of local life.
• Cycling Tours: Some packages include cycling around nearby villages, providing an authentic taste of rural life.
• Caves and Scenic Spots: Pindul Cave, Jurang Tembelan, and Pengger Pines Park are popular for their natural beauty and photo opportunities.
• Cultural Sites: Sultan Palace, Tamansari Watercastle, and local markets enrich your understanding of Javanese culture.

Customization in Action

Reviews reveal that many travelers enjoy the freedom to craft their own day. One noted the ability to combine temples with scenic viewpoints or caves, resulting in a day that’s both comprehensive and personalized. You could opt for a full-day temple tour or mix in some adventure or cultural exploration.

The Experience of the Driver and Guides

The strength of this tour lies in the experienced drivers. Reviewers repeatedly praise Ari and other drivers for their professionalism and knowledge. One reviewer shared that Ari took the time to tell stories about each site, making the experience more engaging.

Another mentioned that the driver even took them to local supermarkets to buy beer, something challenging due to local customs. This kind of thoughtful service enhances the overall experience, making it not just a sightseeing trip but a glimpse into everyday life.

If you desire an in-depth historical narration, you can request a licensed tour guide for an extra fee. While the standard driver provides ample information, those with a keen interest in history may find the added guidance worthwhile.

Practicalities and Tips

• Booking and Payment: Reserve in advance with the option to pay later. Cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty, offering flexibility if your plans change.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, jacket, credit card, passport or ID for entrance fees.
• Timing: You can select your start time, allowing you to optimize your visit—mornings are generally less crowded at temples.
• Group Size: You’ll be in a private group, which means no sharing with strangers—a plus for privacy and personalized attention.
• Cost Consideration: While the tour fee covers the driver and transport, entrance fees vary and are paid separately.

Why We Recommend This Tour

This private, customizable experience is ideal for travelers who prioritize flexibility and authentic local insights. The ability to tailor your day means you can focus on what interests you most—be it temples, caves, scenic spots, or a mix. The seasoned drivers aren’t just chauffeurs but stories and cultural ambassadors, making your trip informative and fun.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple and want a truly personal experience, this tour offers the perfect balance of independence and expert guidance. It’s a great choice for those who dislike rigid group schedules or want to explore at their own pace.

While it’s important to budget for entry fees separately, the overall value is solid—especially considering the private transport, flexibility, and the quality of guides. This experience enables you to craft a memorable day in Yogyakarta, packed with cultural highlights and local flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can select your preferred start time, making it easy to fit the tour into your schedule.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets and personal expenses are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Is this tour private?
Absolutely. It’s designed for private groups, giving you personalized attention and flexibility.

Can I visit more than three attractions?
Yes, you can customize your itinerary to include more attractions based on your interests.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a jacket, a credit card, and your passport or ID for entrance purposes.

Is there an option for a deeper historical guide?
Yes, you can request a licensed tour guide with extra charge if you want detailed historical insights.

What is the tour duration?
The standard experience lasts about 10 hours, sufficient to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, with flexibility and private transport, families can enjoy a customized experience tailored to their pace.

What if I want to visit caves or scenic spots?
These are available options, and you can include them in your itinerary when booking.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

To sum it up, this private, customizable tour in Yogyakarta offers a flexible, engaging way to explore its most iconic sites. With experienced drivers, the ability to tailor your day, and options to include scenic and cultural highlights, it’s a smart choice for travelers wanting their own adventure. Perfect for those who value authenticity and personal attention, this experience transforms a sightseeing day into a memorable, uniquely yours journey through Java.

You can check availability for your dates here: