Borobudur & Prambanan: Temple Climb, Entry Tickets & Local Guide

Summary

Climb Borobudur’s top, walk Prambanan’s legends, meet Yogyakarta’s warm guides

You’ll climb Borobudur Temple before most crowds arrive (priority entry included), feel incense drift through Mendut’s peaceful halls, and wander among Prambanan’s ancient towers with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect quiet moments, unexpected laughter, and views you’ll remember long after you leave Java.

What’s the experience like?

Pak Dwi greeted us outside our hotel in Yogyakarta with this easy grin—he handed me a bottle of water and said something about “saving energy for the climb.” I laughed because it was barely 7am and I’d already spilled coffee on my shirt. The drive out to Borobudur was quiet except for the way he pointed out the morning mist over rice paddies. It smelled like wet earth and clove cigarettes. When we reached the temple, there were only a few others waiting (they really do limit tickets now), so it felt almost private. The stone steps were cool under my hands. I’m not sure what I expected at the top—maybe just another view—but standing above those ancient stupas with jungle stretching forever, I just went silent. Even Pak Dwi didn’t say much. Sometimes you don’t need words.

We stopped at Mendut Temple next—smaller, quieter, and honestly I might’ve missed it if our guide hadn’t insisted. There was incense burning somewhere inside; an old woman swept leaves from the steps and smiled without looking up. The air felt heavier here, or maybe that was just me thinking too much about how old these stones are. Anyway, it was peaceful in a way that stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

By midday we were at Prambanan. It’s huge—towers everywhere—and Pak Dwi explained some of the Ramayana carvings (I tried to repeat one of the names in Javanese and he burst out laughing). We wandered between temples while kids played tag around us. The sun was sharp but there were pockets of shade if you hugged the walls. After two hours my legs were wobbly but I didn’t really want to leave yet—you get used to that feeling of being somewhere old but still alive. On the way back to Yogyakarta we stopped for lunch at a roadside spot Pak Dwi recommended; I can’t remember what the dish was called but it tasted smoky and sweet and made me wish I could cook like that at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Borobudur, Mendut, and Prambanan Temples

• Climb to the top of Borobudur temple
• Explore Mendut temple for 30 minutes
• Explore Prambanan temple for 2 hours
• Return to hotel with optional lunch stop

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Borobudur & Prambanan day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Yogyakarta for this day trip.

Do I get entry to the top of Borobudur Temple?

Yes, your ticket includes access to climb to the top of Borobudur Temple.

How many temples are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit three: Borobudur, Mendut, and Prambanan Temples.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No set lunch is included but you can stop for lunch during the return journey.

Are guides English-speaking locals?

Yes, your driver/guide speaks English and is local to Yogyakarta.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible; all areas are accessible as well.

How long do we spend at each temple?

Borobudur includes time for climbing; Mendut about 30 minutes; Prambanan around 2 hours.

Are entrance fees included?

All entrance fees—including priority access to Borobudur’s top—are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Yogyakarta by an English-speaking local guide/driver, all entrance fees (including priority ticket for climbing to Borobudur’s summit), parking costs covered along the way, plus plenty of time exploring Mendut and Prambanan Temples before returning comfortably back to your hotel—with space for a lunch stop if you want one.