Java: Selogriyo Temple Trek, Rice Terraces & Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Selogriyo temple trek, rice fields and waterfall from Yogyakarta

You’ll wander Java’s living rice terraces near Selogriyo Temple with a local guide, greet villagers along winding paths, and pause at a cool hidden waterfall below Mount Merapi. Feel mud beneath your feet and mountain air on your skin—this day trip from Yogyakarta brings you close to real countryside life.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk through those endless green rice terraces you see in photos? I didn’t know either, until we set out from Yogyakarta before sunrise. The air was thick with mist and the van was quiet except for Pak Joko, our guide, humming something old and Javanese. It took about two hours to reach Magelang, but honestly, I barely noticed—watching the volcano shapes appear out the window kept me busy. When we finally got out, my shoes squished in the wet grass. I remember thinking: this is real countryside. Not curated or tidy—just honest earth and that smell of growing things.

The trek up to Selogriyo Temple isn’t hard but it does wind a lot. We passed women bent over in the paddies, their hands moving so fast it looked like a dance. One stopped to wave and shout something (I think she was teasing Pak Joko about his city shoes). The path was muddy in places—slippery enough that I nearly lost my balance once or twice. You can see Mount Sumbing looming behind everything; it makes you feel small in a good way. At one point we stopped just to listen: frogs somewhere, distant birds, nothing else. The quiet gets under your skin.

The temple itself is smaller than I pictured but somehow more… peaceful? There’s moss on the stones and flowers tucked into cracks by someone’s careful hand. Pak Joko told us stories about old Hindu rituals here—I probably butchered half the names when I tried repeating them back (he laughed). We lingered longer than planned because nobody really wanted to leave that view over the valley. Then it was back down through the fields again, legs a bit wobbly now.

I didn’t expect much from the last stop—a “hidden” waterfall always sounds like marketing talk—but this one actually felt secret. Cool spray on my face after all that walking; water so clear you could see pebbles between your toes. Some local kids were there too, splashing around and daring each other to stand under the falls (I tried for maybe three seconds—not as brave as they are). On the drive back I kept replaying those little moments—the laughter in the fields, wet socks drying on my bag—and thinking how different Java feels when you slow down enough to notice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek rice terraces and visit temple

• Trek through Selogriyo rice terraces
• Explore Selogriyo Hindu temple and gardens
• Meet local people and learn stories
• Visit hidden waterfall near Merapi Volcano
• Relax and return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Yogyakarta to Selogriyo Temple?

It takes about two hours by car from Yogyakarta to reach Selogriyo Temple in Magelang.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bring snacks or buy food locally during stops.

How difficult is the trek through Java’s rice terraces?

The trek is moderate—paths can be muddy but are manageable for most fitness levels.

What should I wear for trekking at Selogriyo?

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; expect some mud and uneven ground.

Are entry fees included in this tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Yogyakarta, all entry fees for Selogriyo Temple and the waterfall area, travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide leading your small group (up to 10 people), plus time to explore both sites before returning comfortably in the afternoon.