Borobudur Sunrise & Merapi Volcano Tour: temple climb
You climb inside Borobudur itself, not just look at it from outside.
A full-day heritage and adventure tour in Yogyakarta that takes you to three major temples—Borobudur, Merapi Volcano and Prambanan—with sunrise views from Setumbu Hill, a jeep ride across active volcano lava, and entry tickets to climb to the top of Borobudur included. Your driver speaks English and picks you up from your hotel; children from age 7 are welcome. A local guide joins you at Prambanan on some options.
12h
Step-by-step itinerary
Borobudur sunrise and temple tour
- Pick up from accommodation early morning
- Travel to Setumbu Hill for sunrise
- Watch sunrise over volcanoes and fields
- Explore Borobudur temple
- Jeep lava tour at Merapi Volcano
- Visit Prambanan Hindu temple
The Experience
The day starts at 4 AM when your driver collects you from your hotel and heads to Setumbu Hill, a vantage point behind Borobudur temple where you watch the sunrise between two volcanoes—Merbabu and Merapi. The light hits the terraced fields and the mist lifts as the sun rises. After sunrise, you move to Borobudur itself. This is the single largest Buddhist structure on earth, built in the ninth century and set in the Kedu Plain with active volcanoes as the backdrop. You have a ticket to climb all the way to the top, which most visitors do not get.
Next comes the Merapi Volcano section. You ride a jeep across the lava fields of one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, seeing the raw landscape where eruptions have shaped the terrain. The jeep rental and the route are arranged for you. After that, you finish at Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia and dedicated to Shiva. Built in the ninth century, it has three main temples decorated with reliefs from the Ramayana epic, plus three smaller temples for the animals that serve the gods. The air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees and all entrance tickets are included.
The tour runs 12 hours total. You can choose whether to catch the sunrise from Setumbu Hill, climb Borobudur from the top (the VIP option), enter at the main gate, or skip the sunrise altogether—each option changes the timing and the experience. Every Monday, Prambanan is visited at ground level only. The driver is your guide throughout, speaking English and familiar with the Yogyakarta area.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- ticket to climb to the top of Borobudur Temple.
- entry to Prambanan Temple.
- jeep rental across Merapi Volcano lava fields.
- all parking fees.
- air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
- English-speaking driver as your guide for the full day.
Operated by Asmaradhana Borobudur Tours
Is this one for you?Book the VIP Sunrise option if you want to be on top of Borobudur when the sun breaks—the climb takes time and the crowds are smallest at dawn. Choose the Setumbu Hill sunrise if you prefer the view from outside the temple but still want the early light and the volcanoes in the frame. Pick the no-sunrise option if you're arriving late or prefer a later start and a more relaxed morning pace.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Borobudur Sunrise & Merapi Volcano Tour: temple climb★ 4.91 (1,124)12hENUS$ 99
Borobudur & Prambanan Temple Climb: Priority Access to the TopVisit Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, then explore Prambanan's Hindu shrines and Mendut monastery on a guided full-day tour★ 4.93 (688)8hENUS$ 49View ›
Borobudur & Prambanan temple climb: private tour from YogyakartaClimb both Borobudur and Prambanan temples on a private 10-hour tour from Yogyakarta with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, and all tickets included★ 4.97 (209)10hENUS$ 45View ›
Yogyakarta: Prambanan Temple & Ramayana Ballet with DinnerPrambanan Temple tour with Ramayana Ballet performance, VIP seating, Indonesian dinner, and local guide. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday evenings. May–October.★ 4.90 (136)7hENUS$ 110View ›
Yogyakarta: Borobudur Top Access & Prambanan Private TourPrivate tour of Borobudur's summit and Prambanan Temple from Yogyakarta. Includes guide, transport, water, and structure access. Only 150 climbers per hour—book ahead.★ 4.95 (398)8h–10hENUS$ 72per groupView ›
Borobudur & Prambanan Temples Tour with Ramayana BalletVisit Borobudur temple and Prambanan's Hindu shrines, then watch the Ramayana Ballet performed against the temple backdrop on this full-day Yogyakarta★ 4.92 (125)12hENUS$ 136View ›
Yogyakarta: Borobudur & Prambanan Climb with PickupTwo UNESCO temples in one day from Yogyakarta: climb Borobudur's 504 Buddha statues and Prambanan's Hindu spires. Includes guide, entry, hotel pickup. Small group.★ 4.97 (238)8hENUS$ 60View ›
Yogyakarta to Bali: Borobudur Sunrise, Bromo & Ijen Crater TourWake before dawn for Borobudur sunrise, ride the train across Java, hike Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater, and end with a ferry to Bali—all with local guides and hotel pickup.★ 4.94 (93)5dENUS$ 600View ›
Borobudur & Prambanan temples climb shared guided tourTen-hour shared temple tour from Yogyakarta with full climb access to Borobudur's top levels and Prambanan's stone reliefs; hotel pickup★ 4.94 (77)10hENUS$ 17View ›
Yogyakarta: Borobudur, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Day TripWake up to Borobudur’s ancient stones, ride a jeep near Merapi Volcano, and wander Prambanan’s temples—all in one Yogyakarta day tour with tickets and pickup.★ 4.91 (327)12hENUS$ 125View ›
Borobudur, Merapi & Prambanan Private Tour: climb both templesVisit Borobudur temple with a local guide, drive a 4x4 jeep through Mount Merapi, and explore Prambanan temple. Includes entry, water, and transport.★ 4.86 (109)12hENUS$ 50View ›
Yogyakarta: Borobudur Sunrise & Merapi Jeep with PrambananBorobudur sunrise from Setumbu Hill, Merapi volcano 4WD jeep, Prambanan Temple entry & local guide. Hotel pickup included, full day from Yogyakarta.★ 4.96 (138)10hENUS$ 85View ›
Borobudur & Prambanan: Climb Up Tour with Pickup & Local GuideFeel ancient stones under your hands at Borobudur and Prambanan, climb to the top with a local guide, and skip the ticket hassle—includes pickup from your hotel.★ 4.96 (171)8h–10hENUS$ 21View › 
Top questions
Can I actually climb inside Borobudur to the top, or do I just walk around the base?
Your ticket includes climbing all the way to the top of Borobudur Temple. This is guaranteed on every option and is not available on every tour operator—most visitors see it from outside only.
What does the Merapi Volcano part of the tour involve?
You ride a jeep across the lava fields of Merapi Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The jeep is rented and included, and the route takes you through the raw landscape shaped by past eruptions.
Do I need to be fit or experienced to do this tour?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children from age 7 are welcome. The climbing at Borobudur is steep but the pace is yours, and the jeep ride at Merapi requires no special fitness.
What time does the day start and how long does it take?
Pickup is at 4 AM if you choose a sunrise option, so you can watch the sun rise from Setumbu Hill. The full tour runs 12 hours. If you skip the sunrise, pickup is later in the morning.
Is lunch included in the price?
Lunch is not included. You'll have time to eat during the day, and your driver can recommend local spots, but you arrange and pay for your own meal.
Will there be a guide at Prambanan Temple, or just the driver?
A local guide in English joins you at Prambanan Temple on some options. Check which option you're booking—the guide is included on certain choices but not all.
Borobudur Sunrise & Merapi Volcano Tour: temple climb
12h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 99 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.911,124 reviews
