Who has ever felt this: after being amazed by the splendor of Candi Borobudur, suddenly a magical voice came from your little one, “Mama, lapaaar!”. Then followed the classic whine of tiredness and heat. A beautiful moment can turn into a bit of stress if we don’t have a plan for where to eat.
As a parent whose hobby is traveling around Indonesia with my children, I know this scenario very well. Looking for a place to eat is not just about taste, but also about atmosphere. A place where children can feel at home, parents can eat in peace. That’s why it’s found child friendly cafe Borobudur the right one is the key to a successful family vacation.
After several trips to Magelang and trying various places, I have a list of go-tos. This is not just a list, but an honest review of my and my family’s experiences. Come on, take a look!
Why is choosing a child-friendly cafe important during the holidays?
Honestly, the purpose of holidays is to create beautiful memories, not memories of arguing with bored children at the dinner table. A child-friendly cafe is not just about having delicious food. They offer “breathing room” for us as parents.
When a cafe has a play area, we can sip coffee while watching our little ones run around happily. When they provide high chairs, we don’t need to hold the child on our lap while feeding him. These facilities are what change the “lunch” agenda from an obligation to an enjoyable part of a vacation.
Well, here are 4 family eating place near Borobudur which I have curated especially for you.
1. Kedai Bukit Rhema
This is not just a cafe, but an adventure destination! Kedai Bukit Rhema located within the iconic tourist complex Gereja Ayam. So, we can travel as well as culinary delights in one place. A very different and exciting experience for children! You must visit the cafe playground at Borobudur Magelang when you are at Borobudur Magelang.
Atmosphere & Views
The ultimate experience is enjoying a snack from the top of the “crown” of the Gereja Ayam building. The views are spectacular! We can see a 360 degree panorama of the Menoreh hills, and if we are lucky when the weather is clear, Candi Borobudur looks majestic in the distance. My children are very amazed, after eating or breakfast they can play in the playground, you could say Kedai Bukit Rhema is Cafe playground at Borobudur with natural nuances that you must visit.
Child Friendly Facilities
Playground Cafe
Unique Exploration Areas: Even though there is no conventional playground, the entire building is a giant “play area” for children. They can explore the halls, see murals, and climb to the top. This is an adventure in itself.
Interesting Photo Spots: There are lots of unique spots to capture moments with family.
Children’s Favorite Snack Menu: The menu is simple and really liked by children.
Main Menu & Prices
The mainstay of the menu is local snacks, especially Cassava Cheese they are legendary. It tastes delicious and soft, perfect to enjoy with hot tea or coffee. The price is great affordable, and often the entrance ticket to Bukit Rhema includes a voucher that can be exchanged for this cheese cassava.
Price Range: IDR 25,000 – IDR 60,000 per person.
Menu di Kedai Bukit Rhema
Menu Detil di Kedai Bukit Rhema
Why Child Friendly?
2-in-1 concept: adventure and culinary tourism in one location.
A unique building that sparks children’s imaginations.
The view from the top is an unforgettable experience.
A snack menu that is pocket friendly and loved by children.
Menu Minuman di Kedai Bukit Rhema
Tips from My Experience:
Make sure you and the children wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of climbing up stairs to reach the top. Not suitable if you bring a stroller.
Take advantage of the entrance ticket which usually includes free cassava! This is an effective saving tip.
The best time is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and get the best light for photos.
They have a Batik Together package Kedai Bukit Rhema Must try
Not only that, the sunrise package there is really beautiful, try checking the video:
2. Stupa Restaurant by Plataran
This is a “safe” and premium choice, the location is very strategic because it is in the Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa complex, very close to the Candi Borobudur exit. Suitable for lunch after being tired of touring the temples.
Atmosphere & Views
The atmosphere is semi-outdoor with magnificent and elegant Javanese pyramid architecture. Even though it seems luxurious, the atmosphere is still relaxed. The view is straight to the beautiful green garden and the silhouette of the Menoreh hills. Kids will definitely love it because it has a large area for a little running around.
Wide Open Area: There are gardens and grassy areas around the restaurant that are safe for children to move freely (of course with supervision).
Baby High Chair (High Chair): Completely available, just ask the staff who are very alert.
Clean Toilets: Resort standard, so it’s definitely clean and comfortable.
Main Menu & Prices
The menu is a mix of modern and Indonesian cuisine westerns. Try their legendary “Tuna Sambal Matah” or “Sop Buntut”. For children, you can order fried potatoes or non-spicy chicken dishes.
Price Range: That’s enough pricey, around IDR 100,000 – IDR 250,000 per person.
Why Child Friendly?
Super location near the temple, no need to travel far anymore.
Available high chairs.
Large outdoor area for children to move around.
Tips from My Experience:
This place is perfect for a cozy lunch “reward” after a tiring temple walking session.
Even though there is no special playground, the area is large enough for children under 5 years old.
3. Alea Coffee & Eatery
For families who like a more modern and modern place stylish but still comfortable for children, Alea could be an option.
Atmosphere & Views
The design is modern industrial with a tropical touch. There are air-conditioned indoor areas and semi-outdoor areas. Even though it’s not as large as Kedai Bukit Rhema, the spatial arrangement is smart so it feels spacious. The view is more towards a calm rural atmosphere.
Child Friendly Facilities
Wide Enough: The semi-outdoor area is safe enough for children to walk around our table.
Baby High Chair (High Chair): Available, the staff is also family friendly.
Comfortable Sofa: There are several comfortable sofa spots if you come with a baby or toddler who needs to sleep.
Main Menu & Prices
The menu is contemporary, there are various coffees, mocktails, pasta, and even rice bowls. Very suitable for the tastes of today’s youth and children. Their Chicken Katsu Rice Bowl is usually a children’s favorite.
Price Range: IDR 40,000 – IDR 100,000 per person.
Why Child Friendly?
A contemporary menu that children like.
Available high chairs and sofa.
There is an indoor air-conditioned area, comfortable in sweltering hot weather.
Tips from My Experience:
This place is suitable for afternoon coffee or a light dinner.
Choose a table in a semi-outdoor area near a small garden so that children can move around a bit without disturbing other visitors.
4. Senthong Asri
Want to introduce your children to the authentic Javanese village atmosphere? Senthong Asri is the place. This is not a modern cafe, however culinary tourism Borobudur with a traditional restaurant concept.
Atmosphere & Views
In the form of a joglo house with a very large yard (courtyard). Surrounded by gardens and shady trees. The atmosphere is cool, calm and very traditional. Here children can see chickens roaming freely, adding to their exciting experience.
Child Friendly Facilities
Very Large Pages: This is the best natural playground! Children can run around, play hide and seek, or just observe the natural surroundings.
Saung/Gazebo: There is the option of sitting in private gazebos, so there is more freedom if you come with a large family.
Spacious Parking: Very easy to park the car.
Main Menu & Prices
The menu is authentic Javanese home cooking. There are catfish mangut, lodeh vegetables, village fried chicken, and various chili sauces. It really tastes like grandmother’s cooking in the village. The price is also very pocket friendly.
Price Range: IDR 30,000 – IDR 80,000 per person.
Why Child Friendly?
Super large yard as a natural play area.
An educational rural atmosphere for children.
Option to sit in a private gazebo.
Tips from My Experience:
This is the best choice if you are looking for a truly local culinary experience.
Apply anti-mosquito lotion to children if they come in the afternoon, because the location is near the garden.
Every child friendly cafe at Borobudur each offers its own charm.
If you are looking for luxury and comfort just after the temple, Stupa Restaurant is the champion.
If unique experience and view from above is a priority, Kedai Bukit Rhema is an exciting, unforgettable adventure.
If you want authentic rural atmosphere and home-cooked food, go to Senthong Asri.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that best suits your vacation style and your family’s needs. The most important thing is that the stomach is full, the children are happy, and the parents can enjoy the holiday moments more relaxed.
Do you have recommendations for other child-friendly cafes around Borobudur? Or have experience in one of the places above? Come on, share in the comments column! I am very happy to discuss with you.
If this article was helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with friends or family who are planning a vacation to Borobudur! Happy holidays!
Short Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Q: Of all the cafes, which one has the most gaming facilities?A: If what is meant is a large and unique exploration area, Kedai Bukit Rhema offers adventure within its premises, while Senthong Asri has a very large rural yard as a natural playground. Both are very popular with children.
Q: Do these cafes require advance reservations?A: For weekends or holiday seasons, it is highly recommended to make a reservation at Stupa Restaurant by Plataran. For Kedai Bukit Rhema and Senthong Asri, because it is a large tourist area, you can usually come straight away, but arriving earlier is always better.
