Watch the Sunrise from the Very Top of Borobudur Temple

Feel the peaceful atmosphere at Borobudur temple just seconds before the sun rises from behind Java's volcanoes.

The light turning the stone bells and Buddhas pink seems to bring them to life for a moment.

Silence, anticipation, beauty.

Are you going to miss it?

How to watch the sunrise from Borobudur

You can buy your "sunrise" ticket to Borobudur at the Manohara Resort on the same day. There's no need to book in advance.

• The ticket office opens at 4:00 am (remember to bring your passport with you).
• The ticket costs 475,000 IDR per person (€30) and includes a light breakfast, flashlight, and a "sarong" to wear as a sign of respect.
• This ticket allows you to enter Borobudur before sunrise, at 4:30 am, through an alternative entrance exclusive to the hotel.
• One of the Manohara staff members guides you to the top of the temple and points out the best spot to wait for sunrise.

In 2012, the Manohara Resort was a very high-cost hotel compared to other accommodations in the area because it included the standard entrance fee to Borobudur.

However, in 2018 they closed it as accommodation to turn it into a meditation center linked to the temple.

Despite that, they still sell sunrise tickets for Borobudur.

Reasons to enter Borobudur before sunrise

Why is it worth paying extra to see Borobudur at sunrise?

1. For the light flooding the temple

If you're into photography, I don't need to say much more. 😉

The temple is breathtaking on its own, but under these golden morning tones, who can resist its charm?

2. For the peaceful vibe you can breathe in

When you plan a 2 or 3-week trip on your own, do you check which day of the week you'll be in each place?

Ever since this trip to Indonesia, I certainly do. 😉

The day we set aside to visit the temple was… Sunday.

And what happens on Sundays?

Well, people have the day off and local tourism multiplies (just like anywhere else, really).

So everything was calm and relaxing while only a small group of foreigners walked around the temple waiting for sunrise.

But when the gates opened at 6:00 am, the crowd that poured in was incredible.

And the overcrowding wasn't even the worst part.

The most overwhelming thing was that most locals stopped us to take photos with us (just for looking like foreigners).

The first time it's fun, the second time too, the third time okay…

There came a point where they wouldn't let us move forward. There were just too many people.

We don't have photos from that moment because we completely lost the mood…

Thanks to having bought sunrise tickets at Manohara, we were able to take the private access route back, have some pastries for breakfast at the hotel, and slip out "the back door", so to speak, skipping the massive crowd at the main gate.

Alternative: sunrise over Borobudur

Another way to start the day is heading up Mahitan Hill ("Punthuk Setumbu") to watch the sunrise, not from inside, but over Borobudur temple.

The team at Lotus 2 Homestay organized this trip for us for just 125,000 IDR per person (€10).

Although the clouds blocked the first rays of sunlight this time, it was our chance to say goodbye to Borobudur.

Where to sleep

Lotus 2 Homestay

We chose this place for its reviews and its proximity to the temple (500 m).

But we never imagined they would earn a place of honor in our memories from that trip.

How did they do it?

By being genuine. They gave us the chance to see the real Java, learn about its customs, and mingle with the locals.

Jack and his guys (Niu spent the most time with us during those 2 days) made us feel right at home and gave us the chance to live real experiences off the beaten track:

• Visiting the Mendut monastery at dusk and joining a Buddhist meditation as guests.
• Finding a hidden temple tucked between rice paddies.
• Having the best Nasi Goreng (fried rice with vegetables) of my life in the most unexpected place.
• Stumbling upon a traditional ceremony of tantric dances and chants right in the middle of the street.
• And, as you just read, watching the sunrise over Borobudur from a nearby hill right before heading to our next destination. 😉

On top of that, Jack sorted out our airport transfer and gave us the chance to see Prambanan temple (thank goodness, because I would never have forgiven myself for leaving without seeing it).

And more tours we didn't have time to do... 🙁

Tip: Even if you don't stay at Lotus 2 Homestay, drop by if you want to get off the beaten track and discover another side of Indonesia.

You won't regret it. 🙂

Useful links

• "Borobudur Sunrise" official page.
• Lotus 2 Homestay.
• Other accommodations in the area.
• Flights to Indonesia: Trabber, eDreams, and Momondo.
• 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance when booking from here.

Road tripping through Indonesia? Then you'll love these:

• 3-week road trip through Indonesia: Java and Borneo.
• Prambanan, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple.
• Meditate with Buddhist monks at Mendut temple.
• Selogriyo: a Hindu temple tucked among rice paddies.
• 4-day klotok boat trip through Borneo: encounter wild orangutans.
• How to organize your visit to Bromo and Ijen: 4 options.
• 3-day, 2-night itinerary through Bromo and Ijen.
• Pulau Derawan: how to get there and spend 7 days on the island.

Map

And you, do you remember where you saw the most beautiful sunrise?

I wouldn't know which one to pick, but Borobudur is definitely in my top 10. 😉