Best Sunrise Tour in Yogyakarta: Punthuk Setumbu, Mangunan Peak & Borobudur Sunrise
When visiting Jogja, apart from visiting Timang Beach, you might be interested in visiting other places in a few days. For this reason, below we provide a list of interesting places to enjoy sunrise in the Jogja area. However, what you need to know is that Sunrise tourism is very dependent on the weather. For this reason, the best time is during the dry season which usually occurs in May – October. Because during the rainy season, the morning weather is usually cloudy so the sun is covered when it rises.
Punthuk Setumbu
Punthuk Setumbu is the best place to enjoy the sunrise in Jogja. Punthuk Setumbu is located in the hills 4km west of Borobudur temple. Because it is located to the west of Borobudur Temple, from this place visitors can see the sunrise in the foreground of the valley and Borobudur temple.
Punthuk Setumbu was originally famous among photographers as a place to hunt for sunrise photos. However, to take clear photos of the Borobudur temple from this place, a long lens is needed. Usually, photographers use a 400mm lens.
The Punthuk Setumbu ticket price for foreign tourists is IDR 30,000. Tickets go on sale at 03.00 am. Because the distance is quite close to Borobudur Temple, after enjoying the sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu, visitors usually continue their tour to Borobudur Temple.
Mangunan Peak
Another option for enjoying the sunrise in Jogja is Puncak Mangunan or Mangunan Peak. From the top of Mangunan, visitors can enjoy the sunrise with the foreground of a stretch of hills above a winding river valley covered in cloud mist so it looks like the Land Above the Clouds.
Initially, Mangunan was a fruit garden developed by the regional government. However, in its development, this fruit garden is not very developed because visitors prefer to see the panorama from the top of the hill in this fruit garden.
Mangunan Peak is located in the Bantul region south of Jogja City. From the city center, it takes about an hour to reach this place. The Puncak Mangunan ticket price for foreign tourists is IDR 15,000.
Borobudur Temple Sunrise
Witnessing the sunrise at Borobudur Temple is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Yogyakarta. As the first light breaks over the horizon, the ancient Buddhist monument slowly emerges from the morning mist, creating a mystical atmosphere that feels almost timeless. The soft golden glow highlights the temple’s stupas and stone reliefs, offering a magical start to the day for travelers and photographers alike.
After being closed during the pandemic, the Borobudur sunrise tour has recently reopened, allowing visitors once again to enjoy this breathtaking moment. The reopening has been highly anticipated by both local and international travelers, as Borobudur sunrise is considered one of the most iconic travel experiences in Indonesia. With limited access and managed visitation, the tour now offers a more exclusive and comfortable experience.
Located in Central Java, Borobudur is not only the world’s largest Buddhist temple but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving early before dawn allows visitors to climb to the upper terraces, where panoramic views of the surrounding hills and distant Mount Merapi complete the breathtaking scene. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking for an awe-inspiring travel experience, watching the sunrise at Borobudur is an extraordinary memory you will carry long after leaving Java. Book your Borobudur sunrise tour today and make sure you don’t miss this magical moment.