Magelang It’s the type of city that is good for “breathing” during a long holiday. There are temples, there are hills, there are villages with slow roads, suitable for those of you who are on holiday with your family or just want a cooler atmosphere.
During Eid, many people still choose tourist destinations during Eid at Magelang because the route is easy: after the friendship, continue sightseeing without having to move far from the city. And around Borobudur, one name that often comes up in itinerary chat is Bukit Rhema—which is also known as “Chicken Church”, although its original form is closer to pigeon.
There are several reasons that are simple but really felt during the Eid holiday.
Firstly, the location is still in the same area as Borobudur, so you don’t feel like you are “far away”. Bukit Rhema is on the west side of Borobudur at a distance of about 2.5 km.
Second, the atmosphere is different from the temple area which tends to be open and busy. Bukit Rhema is in the Menoreh hills, so the vibe is greener and windier.
Third, this is not a place to just take a quick photo and then go home. Inside the building there are several floors with murals/paintings with themes about life’s journey, social values, and local wisdom—so you can walk slowly while “capturing the story” that will be told by the guide facility at Bukit Rhema.
Also Read: Cafe at Borobudur which is suitable for gathering during Eid
What makes people choose to come to Magelang tourism during Eid
If you pay attention to the Eid holiday pattern, many people are looking for 3 things: easy to reach, can be enjoyed together, and doesn’t make you tired on the road.
Magelang (especially the Borobudur–Menoreh area) is suitable because the activity options are close together. You can make a simple day: morning at Borobudur, lunch break in the afternoon, climb to the hill in the afternoon to see the view.
The Bukit Rhema site itself also mentions that Magelang is often chosen for family holiday activities during the holiday season or weekends.
Bukit Rhema is the next destination after visiting Candi Borobudur
If the question is “is this a mandatory destination after Borobudur?”, the answer is more neutral: many people make it onward destination because it is close and provides a contrasting experience.
Borobudur is strong on the history and scale of the building. Bukit Rhema is strong in terms of viewpoints, hillside atmosphere, and the experience of entering a unique building whose contents contain layers of stories.
For those of you who bring a large family, this is also suitable because you can “break the rhythm”. You don’t have to go all the way—you can sit, chat, then continue slowly up to the crown area.
The best time to visit Bukit Rhema after Candi Borobudur
The choice of time depends on your holiday style (and who you bring).
In the morning if you are chasing a calm atmosphere + the possibility of sunrise
In the official Indonesian tourism article, Bukit Rhema has a sunrise package which usually starts very early in the morning and includes a guide, shuttle and breakfast.
If you’re not the sunrise type, many people still come early because the air is still nice and the photo light is softer.
In the afternoon before going home if you want a “slower” transition
If you’re from Borobudur it’s quite late in the day, the safe option is to come in the afternoon. Usually your body is tired of walking, so Bukit Rhema can be a more relaxing “ending the day” place: look at the hills, go up for a while, then go down without rushing.
For regular operating hours, Traveloka lists Bukit Rhema as being open around 06.00–19.00 (info can change, so keep checking for the latest before leaving).
Is there a guide explaining the history of Bukit Rhema?
If you want to get the historical story, don’t worry.
At Bukit Rhema there is a guide/caretaker who can explain the history of Bukit Rhema, and the sunrise package is said to include a guide.
Many reviews also mention the staff who helped with photos and took the family around the area.
If you come regularly and want a more detailed explanation, don’t forget to come and buy the Bukit Rhema entrance ticket and also get a guide who will share history and show you around.
What is the distance from Candi Borobudur to Bukit Rhema?
the distance is approx 2.5km – 5km from Candi Borobudur. Usually due to differences in starting point (which gate in Borobudur) and the chosen road route.
So if you need a quick benchmark: the distance is close, but the terrain is hilly and some of the access is uphill. If you bring parents/small children, you will be more comfortable if you don’t have to walk long distances.
If the group goes from Borobudur to Bukit Rhema using a large bus, is there parking?
This is an important question during Eid because groups often come together.
Several travel articles say the parking area is at the bottom of the hill and is quite spacious, including for buses.
But there is still a reality on the ground: access to the hill is uphill and not all points are convenient for maneuvering large vehicles. The safest strategy is usually like this: the bus parks at the parking point directed by the manager, then the group continues with the shuttle/jeep available in that area.
If you hold the PIC for a group, Mimin’s advice: confirm the bus parking point and drop-off route before the big day. Information & Reservations
085 725 779 520
Reserve here:Bukit Rhema
Also Read: A place to eat for groups during Eid
A practical info box that is usually sought after during Eid
- Location: Karangrejo Gombong, Kurahan, Kembanglimus, District. Borobudur, Magelang (area Borobudur)
- Regular hours: around 06.00–19.00
- Distance from Borobudur: about 2.5 km
- Access from parking to main area: there is a walking option, there is also a shuttle/jeep option
Quick tips to make your Eid visit more comfortable
Come early if you don’t like queuing and want a quieter atmosphere. Eid usually causes the rhythm of tourist attractions to increase, so you can feel a difference of 1-2 hours.
If you bring parents or small children, prioritize comfort of access. Don’t hesitate to take the shuttle/jeep option if the group’s physical condition requires it.
If you bring a bus group, hold one PIC to coordinate parking, tickets and boarding and descending routes. That’s what usually saves the mood of a group.
FAQ – 5 most frequently searched questions
Kenapa Magelang ramai jadi pilihan?
Karena rutenya cenderung praktis untuk keluarga: banyak spot wisata berdekatan (Borobudur–perbukitan–desa sekitar), jadi kamu bisa jalan-jalan tanpa harus pindah kota jauh. Ini biasanya cocok buat liburan singkat setelah silaturahmi.
Apakah Bukit Rhema cocok dikunjungi setelah dari Candi Borobudur?
Cocok kalau kamu ingin suasana yang kontras dari area candi: lebih hijau, lebih tenang, dan bisa dinikmati pelan. Banyak orang menjadikannya pemberhentian lanjutan karena lokasinya masih satu kawasan.
Jam berapa waktu terbaik ke Bukit Rhema setelah dari Borobudur saat Lebaran?
Kalau kamu ingin lebih lengang, biasanya lebih enak datang lebih pagi. Kalau kamu datang dari Borobudur siang–sore, Bukit Rhema bisa jadi “penutup hari” yang santai karena suasananya cenderung adem di perbukitan. Saat musim libur, selisih 1–2 jam bisa terasa karena potensi antre.
Apakah ada pemandu yang bisa menjelaskan sejarah Bukit Rhema di lokasi?
Di beberapa kunjungan, pengunjung biasanya bisa mendapat penjelasan dari staf/pendamping yang merupakan fasilitas gratis. Kalau kamu datang rombongan atau ingin penjelasan yang lebih runtut, sebaiknya tanya opsi pemandu/guide dan alurnya sebelum hari H lewat kontak resmi Bukit Rhema 085 725 779 520
Kalau rombongan dari Borobudur pakai bus besar, apakah tersedia parkir di Bukit Rhema?
Umumnya bus akan diarahkan parkir di area yang disediakan dan rombongan mengikuti alur yang ditentukan pengelola (termasuk opsi lanjut dengan kendaraan penghubung bila diperlukan). Karena kondisi libur Lebaran bisa berubah-ubah, yang paling aman: konfirmasi titik parkir bus, drop-off, dan kapasitas di hari kunjungan sebelum berangkat.
Eid holiday, you must visit Bukit Rhema!
If you are planning an Eid holiday in Magelang, Bukit Rhema is often the choice because it is close to Borobudur and the atmosphere is different—greener, quieter, and there is a story inside the building. You can put it as a short stop, or as a more relaxed end to your itinerary.