Borobudur Sunrise Tour from Yogyakarta – Worth the Early Wake-Up?

Flo MBT
Sep 10
3 min read

Updated: Oct 27

If you’re planning a trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, chances are you’ve already heard about the Borobudur. But have you heard of Borobudur Sunrise Tour? Watching the sunrise at the world’s largest Buddhist temple is one of the most iconic experiences in Central Java, and for good reason. This 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an architectural wonder, but also the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable morning.

On our visit, we booked a full-day tour with three stops: sunrise at Borobudur, a thrilling jeep tour at Mount Merapi, and finally the impressive Prambanan Temple in the afternoon. Here’s what it was like, and whether we think it’s really worth the hype.

Waking Up for the Borobudur Sunrise

The day began very early, with a 3:00 AM pickup from our hotel in Yogyakarta. After a sleepy drive through the quiet villages, we arrived at Borobudur in complete darkness. Sunrise tickets are limited to 100 visitors per day, which instantly made the experience feel more exclusive and peaceful.

At the entrance, we were handed a small ticket — not just for access, but also for a quirky souvenir: a pair of upanat sandals. These simple sandals are given to all visitors, They might look simple, but they play a crucial role in preserving Borobudur’s ancient stone steps. By minimising wear and tear, these sandals help protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations. The best part (after preservation of course) is you can keep them after the tour. As we continued our travels through Indonesia, we started noticing other travelers with the same flip-flops tucked into backpacks or dangling from their bags — a kind of unspoken badge of honor that said, “Yes, I went to Borobudur”.

With a flashlight in hand, we climbed the ancient stone steps to the upper levels of the temple. As we settled among the stupas, the horizon began to glow. Slowly, the mist lifted from the surrounding jungle and rice fields, and the silhouette of Mount Merapi volcano appeared in the distance — quiet, calm, and deeply relaxing.

Experiencing Borobudur at Sunrise

What makes the Borobudur sunrise special isn’t just the view, but the way the temple itself transforms in the soft morning light. The intricate carvings and Buddha statues are revealed in shades of gold and orange, making it the best time for photography.

After soaking in the sunrise, we enjoyed a buffet breakfast included in our ticket — a nice touch before continuing the journey.

Is the Borobudur Sunrise Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. Here’s why:

The atmosphere of Borobudur at sunrise is peaceful and unforgettable.
The lighting is perfect for photography, far better than during the crowded daytime hours.
A sunrise ticket gives you a more intimate experience with fewer visitors.
Pairing it with Prambanan makes for a full day of temple exploration.

The only downside? The 3:00 AM wake-up call — but honestly, the reward is worth every yawn.