Yogyakarta: Catching the Borobudur Sunrise from Setumbu Hill – Is It Really Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about seeing the Borobudur sunrise, that is from Setumbu Hill? Really, it’s quite a popular thing to do when visiting Yogyakarta, and it is, like, one of those experiences that gets hyped up quite a bit. The idea is to wake up super early, then hike up a hill, and, like, hopefully watch the sun peek over one of the world’s, sort of, most magnificent temples. Anyway, this review should give you a lowdown on whether the “Yogyakarta Borobudur Sunrise From Setumbu Hill Climbup” is actually all that it is cracked up to be.

What Exactly Is Setumbu Hill Anyway?

Basically, Setumbu Hill, you know, sometimes called Punthuk Setumbu, is, well, just a small rise of land not too far from Borobudur Temple. But then what makes it, like, special is that from the top, very early in the morning, you get this fantastic, seemingly, view of Borobudur with Mount Merapi kind of looming in the background. It is, like, pretty much the perfect spot for sunrise viewing, that is if the weather cooperates, I suppose. The hill got kind of famous, too, because it was, actually, featured in the movie “Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2” which boosted tourism quite a bit, as a matter of fact.

Getting There: The Early Bird… Really Has to Be Early

The hardest thing? It’s waking up early, as a matter of fact. Usually, tours will pick you up around 3:30 or 4:00 AM from Yogyakarta. The drive to Setumbu Hill takes about an hour, sometimes, perhaps, a little longer depending on traffic. So, too it’s almost, an early start is almost important so you can get to the viewpoint before the sun starts, very slightly, poking its head above the horizon. You can arrange transport through your hotel, or you can, maybe, find a local tour operator online. Alternatively, if you are the adventurous sort, very possibly, you can rent a scooter, but honestly, the roads are a bit dark and can be winding, as a matter of fact, so I might think twice about that, is that what you are wanting to do?

The Climb: It’s a Walk, That is, Not Exactly a Marathon

When you arrive, you, like your, still half-asleep, will, arguably, have to walk up a path to get to the viewing platform. Don’t expect, basically, a challenging hike; really it’s just a short, like, 15-20 minute walk, although that may depend, of course. The path is, often, well-maintained, but remember to wear, virtually, comfy shoes. Also, really it can get a little muddy, especially if it rained the night before, at the end of the day.

The View: Worth Getting Up So Early For?

Okay, so, at the end of the day this is what you, actually, came for. When the weather does play ball, and you do, literally, get a clear morning, the view is nothing short of amazing, more or less. You can see Borobudur in the distance, that is, shrouded in mist, that seemingly glows as the sun rises behind it. And Mount Merapi, towering in the background, very possibly, adds to the whole spectacular feel. It’s, definitely, the type of view that makes you want to grab your camera, you know, and start clicking away, like you should take pictures. But then be prepared for crowds, in fact; really everyone else had the same idea.

What if the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate?

Let’s, really, be real: the weather in Indonesia can, more or less, be pretty unpredictable. I mean, you could, really, wake up at, actually, some ungodly hour only to find that Setumbu Hill is covered in fog, definitely. Or rain. When that, in fact, happens, the view of Borobudur disappears. That’s, definitely, a risk you take. Although, the atmosphere can, you know, be mysterious and sort of beautiful in its way, depending on you and how you like things, I should imagine. So, okay, really, don’t only come for the sunrise, that seemingly perfect opportunity.

Is the Borobudur Sunrise from Setumbu Hill Worth It?

Whether the whole experience is actually, essentially, “worth it” kind of depends on what you are, seriously, expecting, in that case.

• Pros: The view is, I mean, amazing when the weather is great; it’s just breathtaking, and it offers some photo ops. You can experience a different, similarly to, perspective of Borobudur Temple. And you, literally, get bragging rights to say you woke up before dawn on vacation.
• Cons: There are possible crowds. You also get the whims of Indonesian weather that may impact the whole, definitely, experience. Plus the early wake-up call can really, seriously, be brutal. Also, honestly it may just be best to just enjoy Borobudur as one of the temples that must be visited once, you know.

If you, like, really enjoy photography and do, literally, love sunrises, and if you, actually, don’t mind a little gamble with the weather, then really it might be right up your alley, right? I mean, just think, kind of, twice before agreeing to get out of your bed so early, okay.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Setumbu Hill Sunrise Visit

• Check the Weather Forecast So, okay, there’s no foolproof way, arguably, to know what the weather is, literally, going to be like, but that said, that does not mean to just completely walk in blindly, like you do, really. Very, very briefly, look up the weather situation so you will not just get blindsided by bad climate and think “why did this, kind of, have to happen?”, right.
• Book a Tour Having a tour, arguably, can make things pretty convenient; they generally take care of the transport and the entrance fees. In contrast, of course, you can always DIY with your own vehicle (e.g. motorbike or a rental), if you like driving in those settings, actually.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes The walk up is short, seemingly, so be comfortable while getting to Setumbu. Like you know yourself when your clothes cause issues for you!
• Bring a Jacket That is, arguably, what I’d suggest due to the cool, and, obviously, morning air, even for tropical, Indonesia. That is just for anyone, definitely.
• Get There Extra Early To find a perfect view, that has to, obviously, be found by someone at least at some point. Be one of those people, definitely.