Private Borobudur Village Trip By Volkswagen Safari

Travelers seeking an authentic and visually engaging way to explore the rural surroundings of Borobudur will find the Private Borobudur Village Trip by Volkswagen Safari a delightful choice. Offering a blend of nostalgia, culture, and natural beauty, this tour stands out as a fun, relaxed way to experience local life away from busy tourist spots.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are the unique vintage VW Safari cars, the chance to see local community activities, and the stunning panoramic views from the Chicken Church. The tour’s affordable price of $53.50 per group also makes it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.

However, a potential consideration is that the overall duration is relatively short—about 1 to 2 hours—so it’s best suited for those who want a quick, engaging snapshot of the area rather than an extensive exploration. If you’re after an authentic, scenic outing with a friendly guide and a dash of vintage charm, this tour is likely to tick your boxes.

Key Points

• Vintage VW Safari Cars: Classic vehicles from Germany, each with its own vibrant color and open hood design.
• Cultural and Scenic Stops: Visit Chicken Church for panoramic mountain views and explore local pottery traditions.
• Educational and Interactive: Participate in pottery making with local experts, adding a hands-on element.
• Personalized Experience: As a private tour, only your group joins, ensuring a tailored and relaxed outing.
• Authentic Local Encounters: Pass through country lanes and observe community activities, offering genuine insights into rural life.
• Great Value: At just over $50, this tour delivers a memorable mix of sights, culture, and fun.

Discovering the Charm of the Volkswagen Safari Experience

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the VW Safari cars themselves. These vintage vehicles, used since 1973 by local officials, bring a nostalgic touch that many travelers find charming. With their open hoods and bright colors—ranging from cheerful red to sky blue and mint green—they add a playful, retro vibe to your journey.

Driving through small country roads, you’ll feel transported back in time, enjoying the scenic countryside away from the crowds. The drivers, who double as guides, are praised for their patience, friendliness, and knowledge of the area’s sights and stories. One reviewer especially appreciated how the guide also served as their photographer, capturing memorable moments as they passed through the villages and hills.

A Well-Structured Itinerary with Unique Highlights

Stop 1: Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam)

This unusual, giant pigeon-shaped building is more than just a quirky photo spot—it’s a spiritual site for people of all faiths, reflecting Indonesia’s religious diversity. From the viewing platform atop the Chicken Church, you get sweeping views of the surrounding Menoreh hills and the distant volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu.

While admission is around IDR 50,000 (~$3.50), the real draw is the panoramic landscape and the chance to see an architecturally distinctive structure. The local guide provides insights into the site’s significance, and many visitors enjoy the light-hearted, colorful setting, perfect for photos.

Stop 2: Borobudur & Nglipoh Pottery Village

The tour then takes you to Nglipoh pottery village, where local artisans teach you the craft of pottery making. The process involves forming the clay, sun-drying, and then firing in traditional kilns—an educational experience that allows you to try your hand at shaping clay under expert guidance.

This activity costs around IDR 50,000 (~$3.50) per person but is free to observe. It’s a great way to see local craftsmanship firsthand and appreciate the skills passed down through generations. Reviewer comments highlight the hands-on experience and the warmth of the local people, who take pride in their craft.

The journey culminates with a visit to the main Borobudur area—though this tour doesn’t include entrance tickets—giving you a taste of this UNESCO World Heritage site’s environment. The focus here is on enjoying the scenic ride and culture rather than extensive temple touring.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $53.50 per group, this experience is highly accessible, considering it includes a private vehicle, driver, parking, gasoline, and bottled water. The exclusivity of a private tour means you can enjoy a relaxed pace and personalized attention, which is often lacking in larger group excursions.

The combination of vintage transportation, beautiful vistas, and interactions with local artisans makes this tour a well-rounded, authentic experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a glimpse into rural life, enjoy scenic drives, and appreciate a bit of history and culture with minimal hassle.

What We Loved and What to Keep in Mind

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides, who go beyond just driving to sharing insights and capturing photos. The stunning views from the Chicken Church and the interactive pottery session stand out as memorable highlights.

One reviewer mentioned how their guide was “very helpful and kind,” adding that the trip was “fun and exciting,” emphasizing the warm and welcoming nature of the experience. Another appreciated the patience and professionalism of the driver, which enhanced the overall comfort.

However, since the tour is relatively short, it might not satisfy those looking for a full-day exploration. It’s perfect as a quick cultural outing, especially if combined with other activities in the Borobudur area.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour runs from early morning to mid-afternoon (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), offering flexibility for different schedules.
• It begins at Griyo Jagalan, Borobudur, close to public transportation options, making it easy to access.
• Since it’s a private activity, only your group participates, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Confirmations are immediate, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance—great for last-minute plans or weather concerns.
• Consider bringing your camera—reviewers noted their guides are good at taking pictures, and the scenery offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after an authentic, fun, and scenic way to explore the rural areas around Borobudur, this private VW Safari trip offers a delightful option. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy vintage vehicles, want to see local community activities, and appreciate panoramic views without the hassle of large tour groups or rigid schedules.

The combination of cultural insights, hands-on experiences, and stunning scenery makes this tour a memorable addition to any itinerary in Central Java. It’s especially suited for those traveling on a budget but craving meaningful, visually appealing experiences.

For families, couples, or solo explorers who want a relaxed, personalized adventure, this tour delivers genuine charm, warm hospitality, and a glimpse into local life that’s hard to find in more commercialized settings.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it a quick but meaningful outing.

How many people can join the tour?
It is a private tour for up to two people per group, at a fixed rate of $53.50.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the VW Safari vehicle, driver/guide, parking fees, gasoline, and bottled mineral water.

Are entrance tickets to Chicken Church included?
No, entrance to Chicken Church costs about IDR 50,000 (~$3.50) per person and is paid separately.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Indonesian?
Yes, reviews note helpful guides who are friendly and capable of guiding non-Indonesian speakers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers, including families, can participate comfortably, especially since it’s short and relaxed.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sun protection, and comfortable clothes. The open-air vehicle offers great photo opportunities.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather—if canceled due to rain or storms, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

To sum it up, the Private Borobudur Village Trip by Volkswagen Safari offers a charming, authentic way to see some of Central Java’s most fascinating sights. Its mix of vintage vehicles, cultural encounters, and scenic views makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, engaging, and memorable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, culture seeker, or just after a fun adventure, this tour promises a delightful ride through the countryside with plenty of photo-worthy moments.