Hello friends! Some time ago I had the opportunity to explore the Borobudur area again, and this time the experience was completely different from previous visits. Usually we just focus on the main temple, take photos, then go home. But it turns out, there are lots of exciting activities around Borobudur that can make your holiday more colorful and memorable.
What’s interesting, I came here after hearing the story from Anang Ashanti, who just came here last week. He said there were several spots that you had to try, and after I tried it myself… wow, it was really worth it! So, for those of you who are planning to go to Borobudur, try listening to my experience. Who knows, it could be a reference for your itinerary.
Ride VW Safari: Nostalgia with Stunning Views
The first time I heard there was VW Safari in Borobudur, I was immediately curious. Just imagine, riding in a classic car that has been modified to be open-air, while enjoying views of the rice fields and hills around Borobudur. It feels like something out of old movies!
VW Safari itself has several color choices, and the one I tried was bright yellow. The car is old, but well maintained. What makes it exciting is that the seats are comfortable and the position is high, so the view of the surroundings is really open. The route usually passes through small roads in the surrounding villages, green rice fields, and sometimes through residential areas.
What you need to remember, because the car is open-air, just be prepared for wind and maybe a little dust. But this is precisely what makes the experience more authentic. I went up in the afternoon, around 4 o’clock, and the weather was quite cool. The view of the sunset from the car while passing through the rice fields… makes the heart really cool.
My tip: Try to book in advance, especially on weekends or holidays. And don’t forget to bring a jacket or scarf, because the wind can sometimes be quite strong. Oh yes, the photos will also be really cool in this car!
Sunrise at Gereja Ayam: A Moment That Makes Goosebumps
Well, this is something that maybe not many people know. Gereja Ayam, or what is often called Chicken Church, turns out to have a truly amazing sunrise spot. The location is on a hill, so we can see the sunrise against the background of the hills and the morning mist that still covers the valley.
I left around 5 am from the accommodation. The journey to Gereja Ayam takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the location of your accommodation. When we got there, the atmosphere was still quiet and cold. Gereja Ayam itself has a very unique shape—like a brooding chicken. The architecture really attracts attention.
But what makes it special is the view from the top of this church. We can climb to the roof (it’s safe, there are stairs and safety rails), and from there… wow. 360 degree views! Rice fields, hills, and in the distance we can see the silhouette Candi Borobudur. When the sun begins to appear, the sky changes color from dark blue to orange, pink and golden yellow. It’s truly a sight that gives you goosebumps.
What you need to pay attention to: Climbing to the top takes a little effort, so make sure you are physically fit. And bring a good camera, because the morning lighting here is perfect for photography.
Javanese Sugar Education: Learning While Snacking
After enjoying the sunrise, I continued to the Javanese sugar education place. This place is quite close to Gereja Ayam, and it turns out to be really fun for those who want to know the process of making Javanese sugar from start to finish.
Here we can see directly how sap from coconut or palm trees is processed into Javanese sugar. Starting from tapping, cooking, to printing. What’s interesting, the manager is very friendly and wants to explain the details. They also told you the difference between Javanese sugar from coconut and palm sugar.
The most exciting thing is of course to try the brown sugar directly! The taste is naturally sweet, and the texture is different from the granulated sugar we usually use. They also sell palm sugar in various shapes—some are round, square, and even other unique shapes.
For me, who likes to cook, this knowledge about palm sugar is very useful. It turns out that real Javanese sugar has a distinctive aroma and a more natural color. And what is important, we also support local businesses of local residents.
Tip: Try buying Javanese sugar directly here, the quality is guaranteed and the price is cheaper than buying it in the city. Very suitable for souvenirs!
Batik Making on Kedai Bukit Rhema: Unleash Your Creative Side
So, if you want a more hands-on activity, try going to Kedai Bukit Rhema to learn how to make batik. The place is very beautiful, with views of the hills. The atmosphere is calm and very suitable for those who want to try something new.
I myself have never tried making batik before, so I was a bit nervous at first. But it turns out, the process is really fun! The instructor patiently taught us from the basics: how to hold the canting, the technique of applying wax (batik wax), to choosing a pattern.
What I made was a simple motif with the theme Borobudur. The process requires patience, because it must be slow and thorough. But that’s where the fun is—we become focused and forget about time. The sound of birds and the gentle breeze make the atmosphere more relaxed.
After finishing batik, the cloth will be colored and we can take it home as a keepsake. It feels really satisfying to see your own work, even though it may not be as good as the batik made by the maestro. But what matters is the experience!
The time required is around 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the pattern chosen. It’s really suitable to do it during the day, when the weather is hot.
Riding an ATV: Adventure a la Anang Ashanti
Well, this is the most exciting thing in my opinion—riding an ATV! This recommendation from Anang Ashanti is really worth trying. The ATV locations are in areas with varied tracks: some pass through rice fields, rocky roads, and even a bit of off-road terrain.
Before starting, we were given a briefing on how to ride an ATV safely. Helmets and other safety equipment are also provided. For beginners like me, at first it was a bit scary. But after a few minutes, you start to get used to it and become addicted!
The track I tried was quite challenging but still safe for beginners. There are sections that pass through rice fields with expansive green views, there are also sections that pass through village roads with views of the lives of local residents. The most exciting thing is when passing through rocky sections—the sensation is like a real adventure!
According to the guide, last week Anang Ashanti also rode an ATV on the same track. He said the experience was really exciting, especially when passing through a large rice field area. And I really agree—the view from the ATV while crossing the rice fields is truly epic.
Important tips: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and be prepared to get a little dirty. But believe me, the experience is worth the dirty bit!
Why does this combination of activities make your vacation to Borobudur more memorable?
After trying all these activities, I realized that Borobudur wasn’t just about temples. By exploring the activities around us, we can:
First, get to know the culture and life of local residents better. From the process of making Javanese sugar to seeing directly the activities of residents in the surrounding villages, we have a deeper understanding of life here.
Second, get varied experiences. In one day, we can experience nostalgia (VW Safari), spiritual (sunrise at Gereja Ayam), educational (jaggery), creative (batik making) and adventure (ATV). Very complete, right?
Third, support the local economy. By participating in these activities, we are also helping the businesses of local residents. And usually, the prices offered are quite reasonable for the quality of the experience obtained.
Finally, you can get more diverse stories and photos. Instead of just taking photos at the temple, now you have stories about riding a classic VW, seeing the sunrise from a unique place, learning to make batik, and adventures on ATV rides.
So for those of you who are planning to go to Borobudur, consider trying some of the activities above. You don’t need all of them, choose what suits your interests and budget. But believe me, by adding these activities to your itinerary, your holiday to Borobudur will be more impressive and memorable.
I myself am already planning to come back again, maybe with a different combination of activities. Who knows, next time you might try something else. If you’ve tried it, please share your experience! It would be really exciting to hear the story from a different point of view.
Happy traveling, and I hope your holiday to Borobudur is full of exciting experiences!