Our most recommended things to do in Central Java

Yogyakarta: Borobudur Temple Entry Ticket

1. Yogyakarta: Borobudur Temple Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to the magnificent Borobudur Temple, the world's biggest Buddhist monument. Marvel at the architecture and stonework of this unique temple that sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Discover a monument that is a marvel of design, covering a total surface area of around 2,500 square meters, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally featuring 504 Buddha statues. See the stone carvings attached to the temple that display legends and stories with great philosophical significance. Choose to walk through Green Park from the entrance. As you walk through the area, spot vendors who will offer you souvenirs and other knick-knacks (there are regulations to prevent them from disturbing visitors). Built between AD 780 and 840 during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, the temple's design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region. However, there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. The temple has remained strong even through ten centuries of neglect. In the 1970s, the Indonesian Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty. The restoration took eight years to complete, making Borobudur one of Indonesia’s most valuable treasures.

Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Full Day Tour

2. Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Full Day Tour

After being picked up from your hotel and head to Setumbu Hill to witness the breathtaking Borobudur sunrise. When the air is fresh and as the mist begins to lift, the sun will surround the volcanoes and terraced fields. After sunrise, you have the option to explore the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple, the single largest Buddhist structure on earth. Be the first of the day to enter the gates as they open. This is one of the world's greatest ancient monuments. Continue your tour on board a jeep to the Merapi volcano, one of the most popular volcanoes in the country. Snap your own momentous memories over the picturesque spots of the volcano. Finish the tour with a visit to one of the most beautiful Hindu temples, Prambanan. Built-in the tenth century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. See the three temples decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) and the animals who serve them. Once your tour is finished, sit back and relax while your driver escorts you back to your accommodation.

Yogyakarta: Prambanan Temple Entrance Ticket

3. Yogyakarta: Prambanan Temple Entrance Ticket

Visit Prambanan Temple with this entrance ticket. Walk through the biggest and most beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia. Snap photos of the temple complex learn more about the history and religions of the region. See the temple that is locally known as the Roro Jonggrang Temple, or the Temple of the Slender Virgin. View the eight shrines, of which the three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Marvel at the main temple of Shiva which rises to a height of 130 feet and houses the magnificent statue of Shiva's consort, Durga. Admire the 224 temples in the complex. Learn about how the temple was rediscovered, revitalized and made a heritage site in 1991 by Unesco. Journey to what is widely regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Temple Guided Tour

4. Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Temple Guided Tour

Be picked up from your hotel and head to Setumbu Hill to witness the breathtaking Borobudur sunrise. When the air is fresh and as the mist begins to lift, the sun will surround the volcanoes and terraced fields. After sunrise, explore the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple, the single largest Buddhist structure on earth. Be the first of the day to enter the gates as they open. After visiting Borobudur, you will travel for 1.5 - 2 hours to Prambanan Temple. Spend 2 hours exploring Prambanan. This temple was built in the tenth century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. See the three temples decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. You will also see three temples dedicated to the animals who serve them. After finishing exploring Prambanan, you can opt to choose to head back directly to the hotel, or stop for lunch on the journey back.

Yogyakarta: Mount Merapi Guided Jeep Safari with Pickup

5. Yogyakarta: Mount Merapi Guided Jeep Safari with Pickup

Leave Yogyakarta and explore Mount Merapi on this private guided Jeep Safari. Feel the thrill of driving on one of the world's most active volcanoes, visit the museum and learn all about the devastating 2010 eruption, which took the lives of 353 people. Start your trip with a pickup from your accommodation in Yogyakarta. Jump in the car and marvel at the passing views while your guide fills you in on the region's history.  Drive up the epic Mount Merapi volcano and feel the endorphins rush through your body as you enjoy the ride. Stop at several viewpoints, such as the Bunker, to get Instagram-perfect pictures of the active volcano. Visit the Mini Museum with your guide, and learn about the 2010 eruption that affected 350,000 people who had to be evacuated from the area. See pictures of the sacred mountain and find out why this eruption was the largest since the 1870s. End your day with memories and photos that will last a lifetime on this unforgettable tour.

Yogyakarta: Tailor-Made Private Day Tour with Pickup

6. Yogyakarta: Tailor-Made Private Day Tour with Pickup

Discover Yogyakarta with a hassle-free, private tour complete with hotel pickup and drop-off. Tour the area with a local guide and enjoy the flexibility of a customizable experience as you select 3 to 4 attractions to explore. Choose your preferred combination of attractions, sticking to a single region to explore more individual sights. You can also choose to combine different regions, but time constraints will mean you'll see fewer attractions. Visit the North and see Borobudur Temple, Setumbu hill (Sunrise), Chicken Church, Pawon temple, Mendut Temple, 4x4 Merapi Lava Tour, Ullen Sentalu Museum, and more. Head to the West to discover Mudal Waterfall, Kembang Soka Waterfall, Kedung Pedut Waterfall, Pulepayung hill, Kalibiru View Point, Sermo Lake, or the Pronosutan Rice Field Views. In the East, attractions include the Prambanan Temple Complex, Kalasan Temple, Sambisari Temple, Ratu Boko Temple, Ijo Temple, Breccia Cliff, Bukit Bintang, Riyadi Spot, and others. Explore the city center with your guide and see Malioboro street, the Bringharjo Market, the Sultan Palace, the Vredeburg Fortress, Senobudoyo Museum, and Taman Sari Water Palace. Journey to the South to visit the Paragliding hills, Sari Mangunan Pine Forest, or the Songgo Langit Stone. Or make your way to Gunung Kidul (East-South) to see Jomblang Cave, Pindul Cave, Segoro Peak, Seruni beach, Pengilon hill, Watunene beach, and more. Feel free to combine any destinations you choose, even between regions. Good combination options include: 1. North+East. 2. North+West 3. West+South 4. East+Gunung Kidul 5. City+South 6. City+North 7. City+East.

Yogyakarta: Private Car Charter with Driver

7. Yogyakarta: Private Car Charter with Driver

There is much to see in Yogyakarta, a large city with limited public transportation options for visitors. Hire a private vehicle and experience all the city has to offer. The driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you wherever you would like to go on this 10-hour program. Check out the ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan that look like hand-drizzled sand castles or explore the Sultan's palace which is reminiscent of a gilded music box filled with jewels. The city is also well known for its arts and handicrafts, a nerve center for traditional and modern puppetry. Your knowledgeable driver will take you to your favorite spots, explain everything you need to know about the attractions, and will wait for you. If you love having freedom of choice and having fun at your own pace, this is the best way to discover Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta: Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour with Climb

8. Yogyakarta: Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour with Climb

Experience the full wonder of Borobudur and Prambanan on a guided trip from Yogyakarta with skip-the-line entry privileges. Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient architecture and rich history while learning about the philosophies and stories behind the sites you explore. Start your trip from the meeting point or choose the hotel pickup option. Along the way to Borobudur, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of lush green paddy fields and majestic mountains, creating a serene atmosphere that sets the tone for your adventure. Upon arrival at Borobudur, receive a special entry ticket that grants you exclusive access to explore the temple's structure and witness the intricate reliefs up close (cost not included). Ascend the temple, step foot on its ancient steps, and be awestruck by the panoramic views from the top. Learn about the history, culture, and philosophical meanings behind the temple's intricate reliefs and statues with the help of your local guide. After immersing yourself in the wonders of Borobudur, continue the journey to Prambanan Temple. With a skip-the-line ticket (cost not included), you'll bypass the long queues and gain direct access to this awe-inspiring Hindu temple complex. Admire the grandeur of Prambanan's towering structures, adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict legendary tales. Discover how these architectural marvels have endured time and learn about their significance in Indonesian culture and history.

Yogyakarta: Borobudur Climb to the Top and Prambanan Tour

9. Yogyakarta: Borobudur Climb to the Top and Prambanan Tour

Discover the most popular temples in Java on a trip from Yogyakarta. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan Temple, and climb to the top of Borobudur. Visit the Pawon Temple and Mendut Buddhist Monastery with included entry tickets. After pickup, head to the Magelang District to visit the Buddhist temple of Borobudur. Step into a masterpiece of Javanese ancestors from the 9th century. Follow your tour guide through the interior to get to know more about this iconic symbol of the Buddhist dynasty. Climb 100 steps up the temple and learn the sight's history and philosophy. Discover the story carved on the relief carving of the temple and admire the stupa at the top of Borobudur. You can see a sitting Buddha statue in human-scale size inside each of the 72 stupas. After Borobudur, continue to the other two smaller temples near Borobudur named Pawon and Mendut Temple. Seen from above, they are built in one straight line. Inside Mendut temple, discover a 3-meter-tall ancient Buddha statue. Continue your trip past rice fields and a salak fruit plantation to the Hindu temple of Prambanan (1.5-hour drive). Go back in time to the Hindu dynasty on a guided walk through the temple. Explore the rooms of Prambanan, where statues of Hindu gods such as Brahma, Shiva, and Wisnu sit. After your tour, sit back and relax while your driver drives you back to your hotel.

Yogyakarta: Borobudur & Prambanan Guided Tour With Transfers

10. Yogyakarta: Borobudur & Prambanan Guided Tour With Transfers

Be picked up from your accommodation in Yogyakarta and choose to start with a visit to Prambanan Temple first or Borobudur Temple. As you have your own private driver and vehicle for the pick up, you are allowed to choose which one to be visited first according to your need. Visit the world's largest Buddhist legacy of Borobudur Temple. Encounter 504 life-sized Buddha statues, each carved from a single stone. Discover seated Buddha statues beneath each bell-shaped spire. Admire its grandeur, beauty and uniqueness. Complete your journey by visiting the nearby Mendut and Pawon Temples (optional). These are positioned along a straight line with Borobudur for an unknown ritual process. Explore the wonder of the ancient world today! Set out for Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built between the 8th and 10th centuries, this mighty temple complex celebrates both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, and the scale is so impressive. It was dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). The largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the largest ones in Southeast Asia. Once you have finished your trip, sit back and relax while your private driver will escort you back to your accommodation in Yogyakarta.

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What people are saying about Central Java

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 916 reviews

I booked the 3-day tour from Surabaya and we visited Mt. Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Falls and Kwah Ijen. First we visited Tumpak Sewu Falls. It was a great experience but be prepared that you will be completely wet at the end of the tour as you will climb and walk in the water and under the falls (have another set of clothes with you to change after the tour). Our driver Bagus then took us closer to Mt. Bromo where we stayed for the first night. During the three days Bagus told us a lot about Indonesia and its culture and I must say he was a great driver and guide. For Mt. Bromo sunrise we departed in the middle of the night from our hotel. The weather was misty and rainy at times but we still managed to see the sunrise. On the other hand, we did see blue fire in Kwah Ijen but since there was fog all around us we did not see the lake from the top of Ijen as it was a rainy season - if you can choose then take this tour in a dry season. Overall it was a great tour.

The trip is quite demanding in terms of travel. Lots of long distance travel. Especially taxing considering we have 3 early rises. The hotel is Jakarta is definitely a bit small considering it is for 2 days. The rest of the hotel arrangements are fine. Prambanan should definitely be included in this tour. Tipping information should have been included for clarity and benefits to the travellers.

Yuni was our driver and also tour guide. He was amazing, friendly and passionate. We started the tour at 4am. Managed to catch the sunrise at Setumba Hill, Borobudur Temple, Jeep Tour at Merapi and had Kopi Luwak with lunch. Even extended our day trip with him because it was too short..

Though it was more expensive than I had thought, it was a good choice to go around Yogyakarta including Borobudur and Prambanan! An airport pick-up was really appreciated and the driver was good.

Great visit with Yuni our knowledgeable guide who made it interesting.