Borobudur Climb Up and Selogriyo Temple Rice Terraces Trekking

When it comes to discovering Yogyakarta’s treasures, this private tour offers a well-balanced mix of iconic landmarks and quieter, more authentic experiences. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a compelling picture of a day packed with stunning sights, meaningful interactions, and a good dose of Javanese culture.

What we love about this tour is its focus on personalized pacing—you won’t be herded around with hundreds of other travelers. The chance to climb Borobudur with a knowledgeable guide, enjoy breathtaking views of volcanoes and temples, and stroll through peaceful rice terraces at Selogriyo makes it feel like a true local adventure. Plus, the private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, which is often overlooked in busy group tours.

A potential consideration? The tour is quite full-day, clocking in around 10 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days on the move. Also, note that Borobudur’s climb is not available on Mondays, which might impact your planning if that’s your only free day.

This experience suits travelers seeking cultural depth, authentic scenery, and personal service. If you’re after a well-organized, immersive day that offers both history and nature in one trip, this could be a perfect choice.

Good To Know

• Private tour offers personalized pacing, avoiding the hustle of large groups.
• Climb Borobudur with a guide, capturing incredible views and avoiding tourist crowds.
• Explore Selogriyo Temple and rice terraces, enjoying quiet, scenic walks.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary and help navigate historic sites.
• Comfortable private vehicle ensures smooth transit and flexible timing.
• Cost-effective at $95 for a full-day experience, with many reviews highlighting excellent value.

An Authentic Look at Borobudur and Beyond

This tour is designed for those who want more than just a cursory glance at Yogyakarta’s highlights. It’s perfect if you’re after a more intimate experience that balances major sights with lesser-known gems, all at a reasonable price.

Starting with Borobudur — The Majestic Buddhist Monument

The journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel, usually about 1.5 hours drive to Borobudur, Indonesia’s most famous Buddhist monument. The fact that this is a private tour means you’ll enjoy a stress-free start, avoiding the early-morning crush that often comes with larger groups.

The climb up Borobudur is a highlight—this tour includes special sandals for the ascent, making the experience more comfortable. Imagine walking among the bell domes and intricate stone carvings with your guide pointing out hidden details that you might miss alone. Reviewers consistently mention guides like Arma and Didik—their knowledge and friendly attitudes are often cited as key highlights. One reviewer described Arma as “our historian, driver, and friend,” emphasizing how guides can add warmth and insight to the visit.

The views from the top are breathtaking, with many visitors capturing photos of volcanic peaks and lush landscapes. The unspoiled silence atop Borobudur is a welcomed contrast to the busy ground level, giving you space to soak in the scale and craftsmanship of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Rice Terraces and Selogriyo Temple — A Serene Escape

After exploring Borobudur, the tour heads to Selogriyo Temple, a true hidden gem. This Hindu temple, surrounded by rice terraces, presents a different vibe—more tranquil, more local. The 30-minute walk through the rice paddies isn’t just a trek; it’s a scenic journey that enriches the experience. Many reviews mention stopping mid-way to sit on the rice terraces, sip coffee, and take in the lush landscape, offering a chance for authentic connection with the environment and local farmers.

The Selogriyo Temple itself has a distinctive structure and is surrounded by gardens and natural beauty. It’s not a heavily touristed spot, which gives you a rare chance to feel like you’re exploring Yogyakarta’s countryside without the crowds. Reviewers frequently mention the calm and majesty of the landscape, with one calling it “the most amazing time,” and another describing the silence of the rice terraces as “benediction.”

Along With the temple and rice terraces, there’s often an option to visit other nearby sites—the itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate your interests.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What sets this experience apart is not just the sights, but the personalized service. The guides, like Didik and Maxi, are praised for being informative, friendly, and engaging. They often go beyond the basics, sharing stories about local life, politics, or the history behind each site, making the visit more meaningful.

Another element making this tour attractive is the comfort. The use of air-conditioned private vehicles means you’re not battling the heat or cramped bus rides. Plus, the group size is limited to your party only, providing privacy and the flexibility to linger or move quickly as you prefer.

The Cost and Its Value

At $95 per person, the tour offers exceptional value considering it includes private transportation, entrance tickets, a guide, and even climbing permits for Borobudur. Reviews repeatedly mention that this is well worth the price for the quality of the experience and the personal attention received.

It’s important to note that lunch isn’t included, but with the budget saved, you can enjoy local eateries at your own pace. Also, the ticketing system is well-organized, and advanced booking (on average 12 days ahead) is recommended to secure a spot, especially since climbing Borobudur is limited to 1,200 visitors daily.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Book early — especially since this tour is popular and many travelers book about two weeks in advance.
• Bring comfortable shoes — especially for the rice terraces walk and temple climb.
• Prepare for a full day — the tour lasts about 10 hours, so pack snacks and stay hydrated.
• Check the schedule — note that Borobudur climb is not available on Mondays.
• Consider the VIP upgrade — some travelers may opt for sunrise views or extra personal touches.
• Tipping is optional but appreciated if guides or drivers go above and beyond.
• Bring a camera or smartphone — the views are truly picture-worthy.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for culture lovers who want an authentic experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It suits solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a balance of history, nature, and local life. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet enriching day, with good value for money and knowledgeable guides, this trip hits the mark.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all walking levels?
Yes, the walks are generally accessible, including the 30-minute rice terraces trek and the temple climb, which involves walking but is manageable for most travelers.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. The tour provides bottled water, but extra snacks or a picnic aren’t included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, there’s some flexibility to adjust the stops or pace, depending on your preferences and energy levels.

Is the Borobudur climb available on Mondays?
No, the climb is closed on Mondays, but you can still visit the ground levels.

How early should I book?
Booking about 12 days in advance is typical, but earlier is better during peak seasons.

Is lunch included?
No, but you can plan to buy lunch at your convenience after the tour.

What’s the best time of day for the sunrise upgrade?
While not included in the standard package, sunrise climbs are popular and provide spectacular lighting—check with the tour operator for options.

Final Thoughts

This Borobudur and Selogriyo rice terraces tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances major highlights with genuine local encounters. The combination of expert guides, privacy, and stunning scenery makes it stand out for travelers who want depth and comfort.

If you’re after a personalized journey through Yogyakarta’s sacred sites and peaceful landscapes, this trip delivers in every way. The value for the price, rave reviews from past travelers, and flexible itinerary all point to a memorable day that will enrich your understanding of Java’s spiritual and natural beauty.

Perfect for those who seek a mix of culture, scenery, and authenticity in a manageable, well-organized day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone looking to escape the crowds, this tour could become one of your most treasured memories of Yogyakarta.