The sound of the alarm at four in the morning is usually the most annoying enemy when you’re on holiday. But specifically in Magelang, it felt like there was a different urge that made me willing to get out of bed even though the air was cold. There’s something about the atmosphere of dawn near Borobudur which always makes me long to come back. That morning, I decided not to go into the temple, but to sunrise at Puthuk Setumbu and then have breakfast at Kedai Bukit Rhema, from a corner that people often call a place to see a peaceful sunrise.
The journey begins by walking along village roads which are still very quiet. There were only one or two terrace lights on in residents’ houses, and the smell of wet earth left over from last night’s rain was still quite strong. I drove the vehicle slowly, letting the morning breeze touch my face, while imagining the sunrise Punthuk Setumbu with beautiful views, cool air and beautiful surroundings.
Also read: Cafe Playground At Borobudur
Starting Steps on Path Punthuk Setumbu – Sunrise Puthuk Setumbu
Arriving at the parking area Punthuk Setumbu, the atmosphere has started to get a little lively. Several other climbers and tourists were already prepared with their thick jackets. After paying the entrance ticket, I started walking along the uphill path. The terrain isn’t actually that tough, it’s just a set of dirt and concrete steps, but if you rarely exercise like me, it’s enough to make you breath a little short.
This light trekking takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Along the way, I occasionally passed friendly local residents who greeted me. The small forest on either side of the road still feels beautiful, providing the sounds of night insects which are starting to give way to the chirping of morning birds. There’s no need to rush, because the process of getting to the top is what makes the experience of enjoying the sunrise feel more meaningful.
The Moment Waiting for the Light to Appear – Best Sunrise Borobudur
As soon as I arrived at the observation deck, I immediately looked for a comfortable position. In the distance, a silhouette Candi Borobudur began to be seen faintly among the thick fog that enveloped the valley. Mount Merapi and Merbabu standing proudly in the background, providing a scenic composition that I find very calming. There was no hustle and bustle of vehicles, only the sound of the wind and the low murmur of people around who were both waiting for the morning miracle.
The moment I like the most is when a line of reddish yellow light begins to appear on the eastern horizon. Slowly but surely, the darkness began to reveal itself. Borobudur, which was only a black blob, slowly revealed the shape of its iconic stupas in the middle of a sea of mist. It was like seeing a painting being completed by nature right before my eyes. At times like this, I often forget to take photos because I’m too busy enjoying the atmosphere directly.
Walk Down Towards the Other Side of the Hill
After the sun was high enough and the air temperature started to warm up, I decided to go down. The journey down was certainly much lighter, and the view that had been dark was now clearly visible. The residents’ gardens, big trees, and stilt houses in the distance looked so peaceful. I had to stop for a moment at several points just to take a deep breath, inhaling oxygen which still felt very pure.
However, this morning’s adventure was not really over. My stomach started to growl reminding me that it was the right time to look for breakfast. I didn’t want to go straight back to the inn. I remembered there was a place not far from here, which offered a combination of warm coffee and a view that was no less interesting than the one I had just seen.
Warm Up at Kedai Bukit Rhema – Breakfast Near Borobudur
It only takes a short time to move location towards Bukit Rhema, or what many people know as Gereja Ayam. At the back of this unique building, there is a shop which is my favorite. It’s called Kedai Bukit Rhema. As soon as I entered, I was immediately greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, an aroma that always manages to improve my mood in the morning.
I chose a table facing directly towards the valley. From here, I can still see the remains of the fog starting to thin in the distance. The menu I ordered was quite simple: a cup of hot black coffee and a portion of their signature fried cassava served with traditional chili sauce. There is something very fitting about the combination of bitter coffee and the sweet and savory taste of boiled cassava which is then deep fried.
Simple Pleasures in a Plate of Cassava
The cassava they serve has a very soft texture on the inside but is still crispy on the outside. Local residents often call it Latela Gula Tumbu. Enjoying this traditional snack while looking at the green scenery before your eyes is the best way to end your morning journey. You don’t need a fancy menu to feel happy, sometimes just the right atmosphere and fun friends to chat with, or even just your own thoughts.
In this shop, I spent quite a long time. Pay attention to how the sunlight begins to touch the branches of the trees and listen to the sound of the forest starting to get busy. It feels like time passes more slowly here, giving me space to forget for a moment the to-do list that usually awaits me in the big city.
Saving Morning Memories at Magelang – Magelang Morning Tour
This short trip from Punthuk Setumbu to Kedai Bukit Rhema gave me a new perspective on how to enjoy Borobudur. We don’t always have to be inside the temple complex to feel its splendor. Seeing it from a distance, surrounded by nature and the simplicity of life of the surrounding residents, actually gives a different kind of peace.
If you are planning to come here, my advice is don’t be too hasty in moving to the next destination. Give yourself time to really be there. Enjoy every incline while trekking, feel the cool mist touching your skin, and finish your coffee slowly. Magelang has its own way of curing fatigue, and mornings in the Menoreh hills are one of the best medicines I have ever found.