Yogyakarta’s Borobudur Temple is one of the world’s most impressive Buddhist monuments. Witnessing the sunrise over this iconic site is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. The Borobudur Sunrise from Setumbu Hill Shared Tour offers an opportunity to do just that. With an early morning start and expert guidance, visitors can savor the magic of dawn unfolding over the temple’s majestic silhouette. But the journey doesn’t end there – there’s more to explore in this culturally rich region.
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Exploring Setumbu Hill
- Discovering Borobudur Temple
- Visiting Prambanan Temple
- Transportation and Amenities
- Preparing for the Tour
- Important Considerations
- The Sum Up
- More Morning in Yogyakarta
- More Tours in Yogyakarta
- More Tour Reviews in Yogyakarta
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Key Points

- This shared tour offers a sunrise experience at Setumbu Hill, followed by guided visits to the UNESCO-listed Borobudur and Prambanan temples in Yogyakarta.
- The tour is priced at $115.93 per person and includes hotel pickup, a live English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees.
- Participants will witness the sunrise at Setumbu Hill, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Borobudur Temple, and explore the Prambanan Temple complex.
- The itinerary may adjust during peak season to accommodate ticket availability, and recommended items include a camera, snacks, and comfortable clothing.
- Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and water and slippers are included in the tour.
Tour Overview

The tour offered is a shared Borobudur Sunrise experience from Setumbu Hill in Yogyakarta.
A shared Borobudur Sunrise experience from Setumbu Hill in Yogyakarta, offering a breathtaking start to the day.
Priced at $115.93 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup, live English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.
Guests will witness the sunrise at Setumbu Hill, then explore the UNESCO-listed Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and water and slippers are included.
Guests should bring a camera, snacks, and comfortable clothing.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and the itinerary may adjust during peak season to accommodate ticket availability.
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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early 3:30 AM pickup from your Yogyakarta hotel. You’ll head to Setumbu Hill, where you’ll witness the sunrise over the majestic Borobudur Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore and capture the stunning views.
| Itinerary | Duration |
| — | — |
| Setumbu Hill Sunrise | 1.5 hours |
| Borobudur Temple Tour | 2 hours |
| Prambanan Temple Tour | 2 hours |
Next, you’ll visit Borobudur itself for a guided 2-hour tour, learning about its 8th-century history and Buddhist significance. The final stop is the 9th-century Prambanan Hindu temple complex, also a UNESCO site, where you’ll have another 2 hours to explore.
Exploring Setumbu Hill

Visitors begin their Borobudur sunrise experience with a scenic ascent to Setumbu Hill. The hill offers:
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Panoramic vistas of the iconic Buddhist temple below
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Stunning views of the surrounding countryside and volcanoes
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A peaceful atmosphere for witnessing the first rays of dawn
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An ideal vantage point to capture the temple’s magical transformation as the sun rises
Guests spend 1.5 hours atop Setumbu Hill, sipping hot tea or coffee while enjoying the tranquil ambiance and awaiting the magnificent sunrise.
Guests spend 1.5 hours atop Setumbu Hill, sipping hot tea or coffee while enjoying the tranquil ambiance and awaiting the magnificent sunrise.
This serene prelude sets the stage for the guided exploration of the Borobudur Temple complex to follow.
Discovering Borobudur Temple

After taking in the breathtaking views from Setumbu Hill, visitors make their way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur Temple.
This 8th-century Buddhist temple is the largest in the world, featuring over 2,600 relief panels and 72 stupas.
A knowledgeable local guide leads the group on a 2-hour tour, explaining the temple’s intricate design and history.
Visitors can marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the Buddhist teachings depicted throughout the structure.
The tour offers a deeper understanding of this remarkable cultural icon before continuing on to the nearby Prambanan Temple.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting Prambanan Temple

After exploring the grandeur of Borobudur, the tour then leads visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan Temple.
Visitors are led to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan Temple after exploring the grandeur of Borobudur.
This 9th-century Hindu temple complex features:
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Towering stone spires reaching up to 47 meters high
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Ornate carvings and reliefs depicting stories from Hindu epics
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The main Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu temples surrounded by smaller shrines
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Stunning views of the temple silhouetted against the sky at sunset
With a guided tour, guests can explore the history and significance of this magnificent archaeological site before heading back to Yogyakarta.
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Transportation and Amenities

For transportation, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle shared with other participants. Along the way, bottled mineral water is provided.
At Borobudur and Prambanan, local guides lead the tours, offering insights into the UNESCO World Heritage sites. To protect the temples, the tour includes Upanat slippers that must be worn.
However, meals and personal expenses aren’t included. Participants should bring their own snacks, water, and comfortable clothing.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, claustrophobia, or who are over 95 years old.
Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise Tour, guests should bring a few essential items.
The tour takes place early in the morning, so a camera is a must to capture the stunning sunrise over the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur.
Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended, as temperatures can be cool before the sun rises.
Snacks and water are also advisable to keep energy levels up during the long day of exploration.
Finally, don’t forget to pack any necessary medications, as the tour may involve some walking and climbing.
Important Considerations

There are several important considerations for the Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise Tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, claustrophobia, or who are over 95 years old. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.
This tour is not recommended for those with back issues, claustrophobia, or individuals over 95 years old. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly forbidden.
During high season (July-August), the itinerary may adjust to accommodate Borobudur entry tickets.
Participants should bring a camera, snacks, water, and wear comfortable clothing.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, entry tickets, local guides, and mineral water, but meals and personal expenses aren’t included.
Ultimately, this experience offers an unforgettable sunrise view of the magnificent Borobudur Temple.
The Sum Up
The Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise from Setumbu Hill Shared Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise over the iconic Borobudur Temple. With comfortable transportation, expert guidance, and visits to both Borobudur and Prambanan temples, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta.
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