Most people know Magelang only as the home of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. But if you slow down a little, you’ll find that this small city in Central Java hides a lot more: misty hills, quirky architecture, sleepy villages, and hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re here for just a day trip or planning to stay longer, Magelang offers plenty of reasons to stop and explore.
This guide will help you see Magelang not just as Borobudur’s backdrop, but as a destination worth exploring in its own right.
What To Do and See in Magelang
Borobudur Temple
No trip to Central Java feels complete without visiting Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and one of Indonesia’s most iconic landmarks. But here’s a small surprise: Borobudur isn’t actually in Yogyakarta. It’s about an hour’s drive away, near the town of Magelang.
The temple is especially known for Vesak Day, when thousands of Buddhist monks from across Southeast Asia gather for prayers and candlelit rituals. It’s a powerful and moving sight—one of the most meaningful times to visit, if your timing aligns.
Punthuk Setumbu Hill
Outside of Vesak, Borobudur still holds its quiet charm. Some travelers aim to see it from Punthuk Setumbu, a hill nearby that’s often recommended for sunrise views. In ideal conditions, the temple emerges from a layer of morning mist, framed by volcanoes in the distance. It’s a lovely moment—but just so you know, the view isn’t always guaranteed. Weather and clouds often hide the scene, and the early wake-up call (around 4 am) might not be for everyone. It’s worth considering, but only if you’re already nearby or don’t mind taking the chance.
If you want to know more about Borobudur, you have already covered it in the Borobudur Temple Guide: A Wonder of the World from Indonesia.
Chicken Church
If you’re in the area and curious about offbeat places, you might want to stop by Rhema Church—also known as the “chicken church” because, well, it’s shaped like a giant bird. Originally built as a prayer house and once used as a rehabilitation center, it has a quirky, slightly surreal vibe that’s hard to define. But you can climb up into the bird’s crown for views over the surrounding hill.
Svargabumi + Cultural Workshops
After the temples, it’s a good idea to slow things down. The countryside around Borobudur is full of rice paddies, quiet cafés, and scenic routes. A stop at Svargabumi—a small but beautifully designed park in the rice fields—is perfect for a walk, a few photos, and a peaceful break from the tourist flow. If you’re up for something a bit more hands-on, nearby villages also offer cultural workshops: try your hand at pottery in Klipoh, batik-making with local artists, or even a gamelan music session.
Mendut Temple
On the road from Yogyakarta to Borobudur, you’ll pass Mendut Temple. This smaller temple may not have the same scale, but it surprises many with its beautiful seated Buddha statue and calm surroundings. It’s a peaceful, spiritual space that still feels very much alive, especially with the active Buddhist monastery just across the street, where you might see monks in quiet prayer or walking the grounds.
Rafting on the Elo River
If temples and slow countryside vibes aren’t quite enough, you’ll find a bit more adrenaline just a short drive away. The Elo River, running through the green valleys around Magelang, offers relaxed rafting trips perfect for beginners or families. It’s not extreme white-water stuff—more like a scenic float with a few splashes—just right for breaking up the cultural sightseeing with something active and refreshing.
Explore Muntilan
Muntilan is a small district in Magelang that you’ll pass through if you’re coming from Yogyakarta. The air here is cooler, as much of the area sits on the slopes of Mount Merapi. Of course, that also means when Merapi erupts, Muntilan is one of the places that feels the impact.
The town is famous for its stone-carving tradition. Driving through Muntilan toward Mendut Temple, it feels almost like passing through an open-air gallery, with rows of stone statues and carvings on display along the roadside.
Muntilan also has a long culinary history. One of the most famous stops is Toko Nyonya Pang, a legendary snack shop that’s been around since 1912. Another favorite is Sop Empal Bu Haryoko, serving hearty beef soup that locals swear by.
Right in the town center, you’ll also find Hok An Kiong Temple, more than a hundred years old and still an important place of worship. Around it lies Muntilan’s small Chinatown, where you can wander the main street, admire old shop-houses, and soak up the town’s mix of cultures.
Nepal Van Java
Just 45 minutes from Magelang, on the slopes of Mount Sumbing at 1,600 meters above sea level, lies Nepal Van Java—a vibrant highland village that lives up to its nickname. With terraced vegetable farms, rows of colorful houses, and misty mountain backdrops, it’s a place that looks like it was made for postcards.
You can stroll through the narrow alleys to watch locals tending their crops, but the real fun is to hire an ojek (motorbike taxi). Local riders know the steep lanes best, and they’ll take you to viewpoints, waterfalls, and nearby spots like Silancur Highland or Negeri Sayur Sukomakmur.
The most popular thing here is climbing up to one of the many viewing decks, where you can snap that perfect shot. But if you prefer something more laid-back, grab a seat at Nestra Café – a rooftop coffee shop, serve traditional herbal drinks and mountain views.
For peace and quiet afterward, stop by Selogriyo Temple, a small and secluded shrine hidden among rice fields and mountains. Not many people visit this temple, so chances are you’ll have the place almost to yourself.
If you’re planning to visit Nepal Van Java, we’ve got you covered in our full Nepal van Java: Guide to the Volcano Village.
Mount Telomoyo & Mount Andong
Just about an hour’s drive from Magelang, Mount Telomoyo and Mount Andong offer two very different—but equally scenic—ways to experience Central Java’s highlands.
Telomoyo is one of the few peaks in the region you can reach by vehicle. You’ll need a motorbike or jeep to drive up the narrow road to the summit (cars must park at the gate), but the reward is huge: an open panorama of volcanoes including Merapi, Merbabu, and Sumbing.
Next door is Mount Andong, a short and relatively easy hike that’s perfect for beginners. Many hikers camp on the ridge to catch the sunrise, with 360-degree views of Central Java’s mountain ranges.
The same area is also home to Ketep Pass, a volcano museum and lookout point. Around it you’ll find roadside cafés with mountain views, jeep tours, and family-friendly stops.
We’ve also covered Mount Telomoyo in detail in this complete guide Mount Telomoyo: The Easiest Peak in Central Java.
Kedung Kayang Waterfall
One of Magelang’s hidden gems is Kedung Kayang Waterfall, a beautiful cascade tucked into the forest with Mount Merapi towering behind it. To reach it, you’ll follow a short path and descend a set of stairs.
At the top, there’s a wooden viewing deck where you can see both the waterfall and Merapi in the same frame – a dream for photographers. Down below, the water is icy cold but perfect if you want to dip your feet.
How Long to Stay in Magelang?
Magelang often gets skipped as travelers head straight from Yogyakarta to Dieng or Semarang—but that’s part of what makes it so special. Stick around for a night or two, and you’ll find it has a charm all its own: mountain views, cultural sites, peaceful countryside, and far fewer crowds.
If your only goal is to see Borobudur, a day trip from Yogyakarta will do. But if you’re curious about places like Nepal Van Java, want to hike or drive up scenic peaks, or just take your time soaking in the cooler mountain air—two to three days is a much better plan.
Where to Stay in Magelang
If you’re after something more affordable but still high-end, MesaStila Resort and Spa is a great choice. Set in the middle of a coffee plantation, it offers a unique atmosphere and can even arrange trips to Mount Telomoyo.
If you prefer cooler mountain air, head to Sunsetfalls Garden and Resort. For something closer to Borobudur, Villa Borobudur Resort and Plataran Borobudur both offer magical views of the temple from above.
And of course, there are plenty of other options to match your budget: homestays, villas, cozy cabins, and even glamping sites at more affordable prices.
Best Time to Visit Magelang
Magelang has a mild, comfortable climate all year, but the dry season—from May to September—is the sweet spot. You’ll get clearer skies, better visibility for volcano views, and more reliable weather for outdoor trips. That said, the rainy season (especially November to March) brings its own kind of beauty. Misty mornings and cloud-covered hills give the landscape a soft, mysterious vibe.
Before you go to Indonesia, please check our guide When to Visit Indonesia 2026: Avoid Rain, Crowds & Closures
How to Get to Magelang
Magelang is strategically located between Yogyakarta and Semarang, making it an easy addition to a Central Java itinerary.
- From Yogyakarta: about 1.5–2 hours by car, depending on traffic. The route can be busy, especially on weekends or holidays.
- From Semarang: around 2–2.5 hours. Taking the toll road is the fastest and most comfortable option.
There’s no train line to Magelang. Public transport is limited to buses and shuttle services, including DAMRI shuttles from Yogyakarta to Borobudur. These are fine if you’re traveling light and only visiting Borobudur.
If you want more freedom, renting a motorbike in Yogyakarta is very popular. Just be aware that many of Magelang’s attractions, such as Nepal Van Java and Mount Telomoyo, involve steep roads. A manual or semi-automatic bike is much safer than a scooter.
Especially if you have luggage or travel in a group, hiring a car with a driver might be a better choice. Drivers are familiar with the roads, and you won’t need to worry about parking or road conditions.
If you need a reliable driver in Yogyakarta and want to go to Magelang, you can reach out to us at hello@backindo.com and we’ll connect you with drivers we personally know and trust.
Summary
For many, Magelang is little more than a gateway to Borobudur—a quick stop on the way to somewhere else. But those who linger discover that it’s actually a strategic base for exploring Central Java’s nature and culture. From misty mountains and terraced farms to quiet temples and creative local communities, Magelang offers a slower, more immersive side of Java.