Family Trips Jogjakarta: 5 Unique Destinations in Magelang

Family Trips Jogjakarta – Borobudur Temple has been so famous worldwide and it was one of 7 wonders of the world. The history recorded that the temple which was built in 825 BC required 92 years to complete its construction. As the biggest Buddhist Temple, the design is so fabulous like a giant lotus on the pond. Its megastructure with thousands of Buddha’s statues beautified with stone carvings which described the epic story of Ramayana and the story of Manohara.

Borobudur Temple and Magelang District in Central Java Province

Most tourists assume that Borobudur Temple belongs to Jogjakarta City. The flaw is quite reasonable since tourists reached the temple mostly through the Adi Soetjipto International Airport in Jogjakarta. There are direct flights from some big cities in Indonesia such as Bandung, Denpasar, Surabaya, or Makassar to Jogjakarta. Also some international flights such as from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, some visitors reach Jogjakarta by using trains from Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya or Malang. Moreover, it is not too far from the city around 1 hour by vehicles. Therefore, after visiting Borobudur Temple, visitors immediately leave the district and return to Jogjakarta.

However, there are many attractive destinations around Borobudur Temple located in Magelang area. So, even though the title of this article “Family Trips Jogjakarta”, somehow it will share the information about unique destinations that travelers could visit in Magelang. Let’s check further below regarding 5 unique spots around Borobudur Temple:

Family Trips Jogjakarta: Explore Spots Around Borobudur Temple

1. Punthuk Setumbu

Punthuk Setumbu located in Karangrejo Village, Magelang and not too far around 4.8 km from Borobudur Temple. Punthuk, in local words, means hill, 400 meters above the sea level. This one of family trips Jogjakarta destination becomes popular currently among travelers as one of the best spots to hunting sunrise or sunset. Villagers manage the spot and called it Borobudur Nirvana Sunrise.

The exoticism of sunrise light in the morning with the background of Mountains and the temple in the distance is awesome. And it is a magnet that could attract travelers getting up so early. However, it is really worth it because the beautiful scenery in the morning that we could enjoy from the top of the hills. The trekking path is not steep with the easy level for trekking and not dangerous for children. The villagers also built the gazebo and small bamboo houses for visitors to take a rest. So, if you are in a plan for family trips Jogjakarta, you could choose this hill into your list before or after visiting Borobudur.

2. Chicken Church, House of Prayer, Rhema Hill

Another unique spot that you could put into the list of family trips Jogjakarta is Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam). Don’t miss this spot because you could reach it by walking from Punthuk Setumbu. It is an abandoned and unfinished giant building looks like a chicken. Since the beginning of the construction in the 1980s, there was no intention from the owner, Mr. Daniel Alamsjah to make it as tourists’ destination. Originally, he intended to build the building as the center for prayer. And, it is a dove church actually, not a chicken, but visitors think it is more look like a chicken roasting. Somehow, due to financial constraint, he could not complete the construction. But, lately, many travelers like to visit the abandoned church and take selfies.

Located in Kembanglimus Village, Borobudur, the location of the Chicken Church is very strategies. Visitors could enjoy the Menoreh Hill panorama from the highest floor of the building. There is an open space where visitors could take a selfie. Make sure to visit Chicken Church when enjoying family trips Jogjakarta!

3. Ketep Pass

Ketep Pass located at Sawangan Hill, Magelang on the height of 1,200 meters above the sea where you could enjoy the best mountainous scenery. There are 5 mountains surrounding the spot, namely Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing, Sindoro, and Slamet Mountains. Somehow, you could see the best panorama of Merbabu and Merapi Mountains. There are binoculars that could be used by visitors. You should not miss visiting Ketep Pass during Family Trips Jogjakarta, since your kids could enjoy the edu-tourism. There are a mini theater and volcano center where we could learn about volcanoes in Indonesia. While enjoying the local menu at the restaurant, your children could also spend time at the playground.

4. Tourism Villages (Balkondes)

Balai Ekonomi Desa (Balkondes) or Village Economic Center is a program promoted by the Ministry of State Enterprises to support a target of 2 million visitors to visit Borobudur. Therefore, the Ministry participated in supporting the village economy by developing home stays with appropriate amenities, and villagers providing attractive activities when visitors stay at the village. Until this year, the Ministry has successfully developed 20 Balkondes at 20 villages around Borobudur Temple. In total, there are 94 bedrooms with unique designs which could accommodate 105 people. Some rooms are equipped with AC, shower, wi-fi, etc. Therefore, you and family have the alternative for spending a night and having meals at the homestays and restaurants. You could make a direct impact on villagers by gaining income.

5. Andong Tour or Jeep Tour

Family trips Jogjakarta could be more excited by visiting neighboring villages around Borobudur Temple by using Andong or wagon tour. Enjoy the scenery of villages and interact with local people. You could join some activities like farming/harvesting, pottery, batik, handicraft, and others. You could see how local people produce sugar cone or food home industries.

Alternatively, you could rent a jeep for exploring the Merapi Mountain. Have a fun adventure by joining the mount scenery on the old jeep. Then, you could visit the Merapi Eruption Museum, Alien Rock, bunker, Maridjan House and so on.

Would you like to have family trips to Batu Malang? Check our article here.