Borobudur and Prambanan Temples

What to expect

Early in the morning, around 08:00, your guide will meet you at Yogyakarta Airport, and together you will head to the Prambanan temple complex. You’ll learn about its fascinating history, walk around the temple grounds, and visit the individual shrines, including the main temple of Shiva. Inside, you’ll see numerous bas-reliefs depicting gods, animals, and scenes from the life of the Javanese people of the 9th century.

Next, you will visit Mendut — a 9th-century Buddhist temple located in the village of Mendut, about three kilometers east of Borobudur. The three temples — Mendut, Borobudur, and Pawon — are all Buddhist sanctuaries aligned on a single line. There is said to be a spiritual connection between them.

After that, you will head to the magnificent Borobudur temple. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant nearby. Then you’ll explore this ancient monument, walking through its multiple levels and admiring its unique architecture. The bas-reliefs carved into the walls tell stories from the history of Buddhism. On the upper platform, you’ll find 72 small bell-shaped stupas and one large central stupa. Each smaller stupa has diamond-shaped openings through which you can see a hidden statue of Buddha. According to legend, those who touch the fingers of the statue will be blessed with happiness and good fortune. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding tropical forest and mountains, and capture stunning photos of this sacred site.

In the evening, around 16:30–17:00, after finishing your visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or the airport. Estimated arrival time at the airport is between 19:00 and 20:00.

What to expect

Day 1

Early in the morning, around 08:00, your guide from Java Tours will meet you at Yogyakarta Airport. You will begin your journey by visiting the magnificent Prambanan temple complex, where you’ll learn about its rich history. Take a walk through the grounds and explore the individual temples, including the main Shiva temple, which features intricate bas-reliefs depicting deities, animals, and everyday life in 9th-century Java.

Next, you will visit the Sultan’s Palace — Kraton. This is a vast complex that includes courtyards, narrow streets, a mosque, small shops and markets, a music and dance pavilion, an armory, stables, and a palace museum. Take photos of the beautifully decorated gates and ancient platforms, and stroll through the palace interiors and nearby streets full of local stores.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the world-famous Borobudur temple. Before the tour, enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. Then embark on a fascinating exploration of this ancient site. You’ll walk through all the temple’s levels, admiring its unique architecture and intricate carvings. The bas-reliefs along the walls depict stories from the history of Buddhism. On the upper platform, there are 72 small bell-shaped stupas and one main central stupa. Each stupa has diamond-shaped openings revealing hidden Buddha statues inside. According to legend, touching the fingers of the statue brings happiness and good fortune. Take in the breathtaking views of tropical forests and mountains, and capture stunning photos of this sacred site.

In the evening, around 17:00–18:00, after finishing your visit, you’ll be transferred to Jambuluwuk Hotel. You’ll check into a bright and spacious room with a modern European-style interior. The hotel features a large swimming pool and a spa where you can relax after an eventful day.

Day 2

After breakfast, enjoy some free time — you can swim in the pool or visit the hotel gym. Check-out time is at 12:00. Your driver will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you back to the airport.

What to expect

Day 1

Early in the morning, around 08:00, your guide from Java Tours will meet you at Yogyakarta Airport. Your journey begins with a visit to the majestic Prambanan temple complex, where you’ll learn about its fascinating history. Stroll through the grounds and explore the individual temples, including the main Shiva temple adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting deities, animals, and everyday life of 9th-century Javanese people.

Next, you’ll visit the Sultan’s Palace — Kraton. This is a vast cultural complex that includes courtyards, streets, a mosque, small shops and markets, a music and dance pavilion, an armory, stables, and a palace museum. Take photos of the beautifully decorated gates and ancient platforms, walk through the palace interiors, and explore the surrounding streets and local shops.

After that, you’ll continue to the magnificent Borobudur temple. Before the visit, enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. Then, you’ll embark on an exciting tour of this ancient monument. Walk through all the temple’s levels, admire its unique architecture, and discover the detailed bas-reliefs that depict stories from Buddhist teachings.

On the upper platform, you’ll find 72 small bell-shaped stupas and one main central stupa. Each stupa has diamond-shaped openings revealing Buddha statues hidden inside. According to legend, those who touch the Buddha’s fingers will be blessed with happiness and good fortune. Take in the stunning views of lush tropical forests and distant mountains, and capture unforgettable photos of the temple in its breathtaking surroundings.

In the evening, around 17:00–18:00, after finishing your visit, you’ll be transferred to Jambuluwuk Hotel, where you’ll check into a spacious, bright room with a modern European-style interior. The hotel features a large swimming pool and a spa — the perfect place to relax after an eventful day and regain energy for the next adventure.

Day 2

Early in the morning, around 04:00, you’ll set off toward Mount Merapi — an active volcano that continuously smokes and erupts from time to time. Riding in a 4x4 jeep, you’ll travel through the rugged volcanic terrain and reach areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. You’ll witness the dramatic aftermath of powerful eruptions — vast lava fields, destroyed houses, and scorched landscapes.

You’ll visit a unique structure — an underground bunker that once served as a shelter for locals during eruptions. You’ll also explore the “House of Memory” museum, where you’ll learn about the impact of volcanic activity on the lives of nearby residents.

Another highlight of the trip is the Alien Stone — a giant boulder with a peculiar shape created by lava flows. But the most magical moment of your adventure will be witnessing the sunrise over the active volcano. The silence of dawn and the first rays of sunlight illuminating the smoking crater will make this an unforgettable and almost mystical experience.

At around 08:00, after your jeep adventure, you’ll return to the hotel to take a shower and enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport.