Visiting the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan temples from Yogyakarta is a must-do for travelers seeking a captivating cultural experience. This day trip offers a seamless journey through picturesque villages and lush landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of these UNESCO World Heritage sites. With convenient transportation, included meals, and knowledgeable guides, the tour promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply eager to explore Java’s cultural heritage, this exceptional day trip holds the promise of uncovering secrets that will leave you yearning for more.
Key Points
- A 7-hour day trip from Yogyakarta to Borobudur and Prambanan temples, with private car transportation, entrance tickets, and optional local guide service.
- Scenic drive with photo stops in villages and rice fields, a 15-minute safety briefing at Borobudur, and 1.5 hours to explore each temple site.
- Includes pickup and drop-off services, transportation, fuel, parking fees, mineral water, and lunch at a local restaurant.
- Restrictions on drones, alcohol, and drugs, and requirement for valid ID or passport for temple entry.
- Tour operates rain or shine, with temples closed on Mondays, and Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as the preferred currency.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This day trip from Yogyakarta takes visitors to explore the iconic Borobudur and Prambanan temples, costing KRp 3,011 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.
Transportation is provided via private car, with pickup and drop-off at the traveler’s location in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The day includes a safety briefing at Borobudur, visits to both temple complexes, and a scenic drive through colorful villages and rice fields, with optional photo stops along the way.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Yogyakarta
Itinerary and Transportation
The day trip begins with a pickup from the traveler’s location in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, whether it’s a hotel, train station, or airport. Transportation is provided via a private car. The travel time to reach Borobudur is approximately 75 minutes, followed by another 1.5 hours to get to Prambanan.
The itinerary includes:
-
A 15-minute safety briefing at Borobudur
-
1.5 hours to explore the Borobudur Temple Court (without climbing)
-
1.5 hours to visit the Prambanan Hindu temple complex
-
45 minutes for the return journey to Yogyakarta
Upon request, the tour can include an optional drop-off at the hotel, train station, or international airport.
Highlights and Experience
Travelers can expect to enjoy the cultural and architectural wonders of both the Buddhist Borobudur Temple and the Hindu Prambanan Temple during this day trip.
At Borobudur Temple, they’ll explore the temple courtyard without climbing the upper levels, gaining insights into Buddhist history and symbolism. The scenic journey also offers stops for taking photos of colorful villages and lush rice fields.
At Prambanan, visitors can marvel at the towering Hindu shrines and learn about the interplay between Buddhist and Hindu influences in the region. Optional local guides are available to provide deeper commentary at each site.
Throughout the experience, travelers will enjoy the convenience of private transportation and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver.
Inclusions
The day trip includes pick-up and drop-off services, along with transportation, fuel, and parking fees.
It also includes mineral water and lunch at a local restaurant, as well as entrance tickets to Borobudur (Temple Court only) and Prambanan.
Plus, an English-speaking driver is provided throughout the tour.
The tour doesn’t include:
- Local guide (optional add-on)
- Personal expenses
- Drones
- Alcohol and drugs
Exclusions
Aside from the included services, the tour doesn’t cover local guide (optional add-on), personal expenses, drones, alcohol, and drugs.
While the pick-up, drop-off, transportation, fuel, parking fees, mineral water, and lunch at a local restaurant are all included, visitors will need to pay for any optional local guides at Borobudur and Prambanan if they choose to add that service.
Plus, any personal expenses incurred, such as souvenirs or extra snacks, aren’t part of the package.
It’s important to note that the use of drones, as well as the consumption of alcohol and drugs, are strictly prohibited during the tour for safety and cultural reasons.
Meeting Point
Visitors are to be picked up from their hotels, the train station, or the international airport in the Yogyakarta area at 7 am for the day trip to Borobudur and Prambanan. This early meeting time ensures ample time to visit both iconic temples without feeling rushed. The pickup locations are conveniently located throughout the Special Region of Yogyakarta, making it easy for travelers to join the tour.
Key details regarding the meeting point include:
-
Exact pickup location confirmed upon booking
-
Punctuality is essential to keep the tour on schedule
-
Driver will hold a sign with the traveler’s name for easy identification
-
Travelers should be ready at the agreed upon time to avoid delays
What to Bring
Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat or sunscreen are recommended for the day trip to Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
The terrain can be uneven, and you’ll be spending several hours exploring the sites, so dressing for comfort and protection from the sun is essential.
It’s also a good idea to bring your passport or a valid ID, as you’ll need to present it to enter the temples.
Plus, you may want to pack a small backpack or bag to carry any personal items or snacks you may need throughout the day.
Following these packing tips will help ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience on the tour.
Important Notes
All temples are closed on Mondays, but the tour operates rain or shine.
Visitors should use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as the preferred currency, as credit cards are only accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Plus, drones, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the premises.
Travelers should keep the following in mind:
-
Comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
-
Passports or IDs should be brought for entry.
-
An optional local guide can be arranged for more insight.
-
Drop-off at the hotel, train station, or airport is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit Other Temples Besides Borobudur and Prambanan?
While the tour focuses on Borobudur and Prambanan, visitors can explore other nearby temples if they have extra time and interest. However, the itinerary and transportation may need to be adjusted, which could incur additional costs.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Temples?
There is generally no strict dress code for visiting Hindu and Buddhist temples in Indonesia, but visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended to avoid causing offence.
Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour operators offer private day trips to Borobudur and Prambanan temples from Yogyakarta, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The size of tour groups can vary, but most private tours are designed for small groups, typically ranging from 2 to 8 people. This allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility during the tour.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
Yes, the tour typically allows travelers to customize the itinerary by adding or skipping stops as needed. This provides flexibility to accommodate individual preferences and schedules. The tour operator is generally open to tailoring the experience.
Recap
This day trip provides an excellent opportunity to explore two of Indonesia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With convenient transportation, included meals, and the option for local guides, visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage of Borobudur and Prambanan.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply breathtaking views, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
You can check if your dates are available here:More 1-Day Tours in Yogyakarta
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur – PRIVATE Tour With GUIDE
- 1 Day Tour Borobudur and Prambanan Temples
- From Yogyakarta: Guided Dieng Plateau Sunrise or Day Trip
- Jomblang Cave With Cave Pindul River Tubing One Day Tour
- Jomblang Cave With Pindul Cave River Tubing One Day Tour
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Review
More Tour Reviews in Yogyakarta
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Yogyakarta we have recnetly reviewed
- 4 Best Dining Experiences In Yogyakarta
- 12 Best 2 Day Tours In Yogyakarta
- 11 Best 3 Day Tours In Yogyakarta
- 9 Best 4 Day Tours In Yogyakarta
- 16 Best Food Tours In Yogyakarta
- 12 Best Full-Day Tours In Yogyakarta
- 4 Best Dinner Tours In Yogyakarta
- Yogyakarta: Jomblang Cave & Timang Beach Gondola
- Prambanan, Hidden Temple, & Paralayang Hill Sunset
- Yogyakarta Transport Service
- Lava Tour Jeep Merapi
- Private Transfer From Yogyakarta Airport (Jog) to Brontokusuman