If you’re exploring Central Java or planning a trip to the famous Borobudur Temple, why not take a little detour to a place called Nepal van Java? This charming tourist village, officially known as Dusun Butuh, has been gaining a lot of buzz lately—and for good reason.
Tucked at the foot of Mount Sumbing, Dusun Butuh is surrounded by vast vegetable plantations and dramatic mountain views. But what exactly makes this village so special? Let’s dive in and find out why it’s called “Nepal van Java” and how you can experience this highland gem for yourself.
What is Nepal van Java and Where Is It?
Nepal van Java is a nickname for Dusun Butuh, a small village in Kaliangkrik District, Magelang, Central Java. People call it that because the village layout and the way the houses are built on steep hillsides look similar to villages in Nepal, especially those near the Himalayas.
The houses seem to stack on top of each other along the slope, with mountain views in the background—making it a popular spot for taking photos.
How to Get to Nepal van Java
Nepal van Java is located in Dusun Butuh, Temanggung Village, Kaliangkrik, and there are a few ways to get there. The main route is the one most people use, but there are also a couple of alternative paths. Here’s how you can reach this highland village.
Kaliangkrik Road: The Main Route
The easiest way to reach Nepal van Java is from Magelang City, heading west via Kaliangkrik Road. From the city, you’ll cross the Progo River bridge and continue toward Kaliangkrik. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
The road is paved all the way, but from Magelang to the turnoff to Kaliangkrik, the street is quite narrow and often busy. It widens after you pass through some residential areas. There aren’t many confusing turns—you just need to follow the main road, which is smooth and in good condition.
Once you reach Kaliangkrik Market, keep going straight until you see signs pointing to Nepal van Java. From this point, the road gets narrower again. Just follow the road until you see SDN 2 Temanggung, then turn right. It’s about 6 km more until you arrive at Dusun Butuh, the heart of Nepal van Java.
Just a heads-up: the final stretch is steep, so make sure your vehicle is in good condition. You can park your car or motorbike at the designated parking area near Janji Hati Café.
Salaman – Kajoran Route: For Those Using Public Transport
If you’re relying on public transportation, the Salaman – Kajoran route is a good alternative. This road connects Borobudur to Wonosobo, so you can start by taking the Trans Jateng bus from the Borobudur Temple bus stop to Sekar Panjang stop.
From Sekar Panjang, walk a short distance to Krasak intersection, where you’ll find the turn-off toward Kajoran. Here, you can hop on a blue angkot (public minivan) with the route Salaman – Kajoran – Kaliangkrik. The fare is around IDR 10,000 (USD 0,61). Get off at Kaliangkrik Market, which is the last stop accessible by public transport.
To reach Nepal van Java from the market, you’ll need to take a local motorcycle taxi (ojek), since there are no public minibuses going further up. The ojek fare is usually around IDR 50,000 (USD 3,1), or if you’re lucky, you might be able to hitch a ride with a friendly local.
Note: Online ride-hailing services like Gojek or Grab are not available in this area, so your only option is the local ojek.
Just keep in mind that while this route works, using public transportation might take more time and require more waiting and transfers—so it’s not the most efficient option.
Pasar Gatukan: A Smoother, Less Steep Alternative Route
Pasar Gatukan offers another route to reach Nepal van Java, and it’s known for being smoother and less steep compared to the main road. This road starts from Sutopati Village, about 5 km from SDN Temanggung.
Along the way, you’ll come across an intersection marked by a golden farmer statue—turn right at that point. Follow the road until you see a turn toward Balai Desa Sukomakmur, also known as Negeri Sayur (the Vegetable Village). From there, it’s just around 2 km to reach the entrance of Nepal van Java.
So, those are some of the main routes you can take if you’re coming from Yogyakarta or Magelang.
Looking for authentic cultural experiences in Yogyakarta? Have a look at 7 Traditional Activities You Must Try in Yogyakarta
Recommended Vehicles for Visiting Nepal van Java
Motorbike
You can definitely reach Nepal van Java by motorbike — but choose your bike carefully. The road is steep nearly all the way, so you’ll need a bike that can handle the climb. Anything below 125cc is not recommended, especially if you have a passenger. Ideally, go for a manual or semi-automatic bike with at least 125cc, though a stronger motorbike will handle the hills much more comfortably.
Also keep in mind — this route is not for beginners. Only choose this option if you’re confident riding in mountain terrain.
Grab or Gojek (Online Ride-Hailing)
Technically, you can use an online motorbike taxi like Grab or Gojek, but they usually only take you to Nepal van Java—not back. Plus, there’s a chance your driver might show up with an automatic bike, which may struggle on the steep hills. For these reasons, this option isn’t highly recommended.
Car
The best way to reach Nepal van Java is by renting a car with a driver. Local drivers are usually familiar with both their vehicle and the road conditions, which ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.
If you're looking for a driver to explore Java, read How to Hire a Reliable Guide or Driver in Java, Indonesia. You can also email us at hello@backindo.com for a list of trusted drivers we’ve personally used and been happy with.
If you’re driving yourself — or renting a car without a driver — we recommend choosing a manual transmission over an automatic. Also, opt for a small or mid-size car, as some parts of the road can be quite narrow.
Joining a Tour
Nepal van Java is becoming more popular among travelers, and you can now find a few organized tours on platforms like GetYourGuide. However, most of them start and end in Yogyakarta, which can be inconvenient if you don’t plan to return there — you’ll likely waste time backtracking.
Honestly, a more flexible and often more affordable option is to hire a local driver and organize the trip yourself. This way, you can spend the night in the village, stop wherever you like along the way, and continue to your next destination without having to loop back.
How to Move Around Nepal van Java
No matter how you arrive — by car or motorbike — vehicles should park at the lower end of the village. The road gets too narrow and steep beyond that point, so the rest of the journey is either on foot or by ojek (motorbike taxi).
Right at the parking area, you’ll find locals offering ojek services. These aren’t just drivers — they often act as local guides too. Most of them know the area inside out and can take you to the best viewpoints, hidden corners, or even nearby attractions like waterfalls and hilltop lookouts. Many are also great with a camera and will gladly help you take photos or videos along the way.
Prices are usually fixed and fair, starting from around IDR 100,000 to 250,000 (USD 6–15) depending on how far you go and how long you want to explore. You can hire an ojek for a short round trip or go for a full-day tour, which often includes spots like Negeri Sayur Sukomakmur, Silancur Highland, or Silawe Waterfall.
While it’s possible to explore on foot, keep in mind that the village is built on steep slopes, and the weather can be hot and humid, especially in the afternoon. A walk through the area might sound appealing, but it can quickly become exhausting — unless you’re used to hiking in the heat.
Choosing a local ojek isn’t just the easiest way to get around — it’s also a great way to support the village economy, in a place where most people still rely on farming for their livelihood.
Things to Do in Nepal van Java
Wander Around Dusun Butuh (Nepal van Java)
The first thing you should do when you arrive is simply explore the village. Dusun Butuh is full of colors, with narrow alleys and stacked houses that might remind you of the colorful village of Jodipan in Malang.
You can take a light trek around the area, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and maybe stop for a friendly chat with the locals—who are known for their warm hospitality.
And of course, don’t forget to snap a photo at one of the village’s viewing spots, where you can capture that iconic view of the colorful hillside homes with Mount Sumbing in the background.
Negeri Sayur Sukomakmur
Sukomakmur is a village located not far from Nepal van Java. It’s often called the Vegetable Kingdom (Negeri Sayur) because of its wide and beautiful vegetable farms spread out at the foot of Mount Sumbing. During the planting season, the hills turn into a natural patchwork of green as farmers cultivate their crops—it’s a peaceful and refreshing sight to see.
Silancur Highland
Silancur Highland is another popular destination near Kaliangkrik District. Located in Mangli Village, also at the base of Mount Sumbing, this spot is famous for its stunning “above the clouds” views—especially magical at sunrise.
If you’re chasing unforgettable sunrises, don’t miss Dieng Plateau and Mount Bromo — two of the island’s most iconic highland destinations.
You’ll find a flower garden, a camping area, and a cozy café serving local coffee. It’s a great place to relax and take in the cool mountain atmosphere.
Curug Silawe (Silawe Waterfall)
Curug Silawe is tucked away near Pasar Gatukan, hidden between green hills. To reach the waterfall, you’ll need to go down a fairly steep path. It’s recommended to take a local motorbike taxi (ojek), as the road is narrow and not easy for cars. Once you arrive, the peaceful setting and the sound of cascading water make it all worth the effort.
Enjoying Coffee with a View
There are several small warungs and cafés around Nepal van Java where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee while soaking in the mountain views. One favorite spot is Janji Hati, located near the main parking area. This café has a stylish rooftop with panoramic views overlooking Mount Sumbing, the colorful village of Nepal van Java, and the lush vegetable-filled valleys below.
Hiking Mount Sumbing
Dusun Butuh, or Nepal van Java, is also one of the main gateways for climbing Mount Sumbing. It’s no surprise that at the village entrance, you’ll see a golden statue of a mountain climber—it marks the start of the trail.
The hike to Mount Sumbing’s summit takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace. There are four main checkpoints (pos) along the way before reaching the true summit, known as Puncak Sejati.
You can get from Nepal van Java to Pos 1 by taking a local ojek, which helps save your energy for the tougher parts of the climb.
Along the way, the trail takes you through vegetable farms, savanna forests, and several natural springs—making it both a scenic and refreshing journey.
Entrance Fees and Other Costs
To enter the Nepal van Java tourist area, the entrance fee is around IDR 10,000 (USD 0,61) per person. If you’re bringing a vehicle, there’s an additional parking fee—IDR 5,000 (USD 0,3) for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 (USD 0,61) for cars.
Some photo spots charge a small fee, usually between IDR 3,000 – 5,000 (USD 0,2 – 0,3) per shot—but you only pay for the photos you actually want to take.
Other costs include local ojek rides, which are about IDR 35,000 (USD 2,15), or you can go for a full tour package (ojek + guide) ranging from IDR 100,000 to 250,000 (USD 6,14 – 15,34), depending on the destinations included.
Where to Stay in Nepal van Java
While a day trip to Nepal van Java is totally doable, staying overnight lets you soak in the peaceful vibe and catch the sunrise without the early-morning rush. In the village itself, you’ll find homestays and local rooms for rent, usually ranging from IDR 150,000 to 250,000 (USD 9,21 – 15,34) per night. Another simple option is the Symphony Sumbing Basecamp—a spacious room with carpets, ideal for trekkers or anyone looking for a no-fuss place to rest.
If you’re after something a bit more comfortable, head to nearby Mangli or Sukomakmur, just about 10 minutes away or Magelang, the closest city.
Verandah Glamping Villa Mangli
This cozy villa near Silancur Highland has two floors with double beds, a small kitchen, and plenty of space. The best part? A balcony and terrace where you can sip coffee while watching the sunrise over the mountains.
Cepogo Cabin
Also close to Silancur Highland, Cepogo Cabin offers a unique stay among lush vegetable gardens. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you’ll wake up to postcard-perfect views. It’s easy to reach from the main road and comes with free parking.
End Your Day in the Land Above the Clouds
Nepal van Java isn’t just about stunning landscapes—it’s also about peace, friendly locals, and grounded, down-to-earth experiences. It’s the kind of place where you can truly take a break from the noise of city life and breathe in the crisp, cool mountain air.
Whether you’re here for the views, the culture, or just some quiet time, Nepal van Java offers a simple kind of magic that stays with you long after you’ve left.
What Next: