Five Things to Prepare Before Chasing the Sunrise in Borobudur

Chasing the sunrise view has become a popular tourist activity. It’s often the first choice when visiting a destination known for its beautiful sunrise, like Borobudur. However, not every sunrise-chasing experience yields satisfying results.

Before chasing the sunrise, there are five things you need to pay attention to — especially to get the perfect shot of the rising sun:

1. Choose the Right Location

When chasing the sunrise, make sure you choose the right location. The right spot will offer a breathtaking sunrise view, allowing you to capture the sun as it first appears.

In Borobudur, there are several popular sunrise-chasing locations. These include Borobudur Temple via Hotel Manohara, Punthuk Setumbu, and Bukit Rhema. All three offer equally stunning sunrise views.

Each location has its own advantages. Hotel Manohara provides exclusive early morning access to Borobudur Temple, though tickets are expensive — IDR 275,000 for hotel guests and IDR 325,000 for non-staying visitors.

Punthuk Setumbu offers a sunrise spot with cheaper tickets, located about 20 minutes from Borobudur Temple. Entrance is only IDR 15,000 per person.

Bukit Rhema provides an equally attractive sunrise experience. Here, you can experience a private sunrise at Gereja Ayam. The entrance fee is affordable at IDR 25,000 per person, and Private Sunrise can be reserved every day via WhatsApp +6285725779520.

2. Choose the Right Time

After choosing the right location, you also need to arrive on time. In the Borobudur area, the best moment to watch the sunrise is between 04:30–05:15 WIB. This is when you can witness the exact moment the sun begins to show itself.

You should also pay attention to the season. The best time to watch the sunrise in Borobudur is during the dry season, from April to September. The sky will be clear, so the rising sun can be seen clearly.

3. Prepare Adequate Equipment

To get the best results, you also need a capable camera. Today, some smartphones on the market have capabilities comparable to DSLR cameras — especially higher-end models.

Not just a camera, you also need to bring support equipment like a tripod. This allows you to position the camera correctly for the best shot, and ensures the photos come out sharp and not blurry.

4. Learn Some Photography Techniques

When wanting to chase sunrise photos, it’s worth learning some photography techniques — especially those related to getting good sunrise shots. At minimum, know the basics: how ISO, shutter speed, and aperture work.

5. Be Patient

You may have found the right location and arrived on time. Willing to wake up early to get the perfect sunrise view. You may have also prepared complete equipment and skills to ensure the shots won’t disappoint.

However, none of this guarantees you’ll get great photos. At the same time, you also need to be patient — because nature doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes, your arrival is greeted by bad weather that ultimately ruins the shots.

Not everyone successfully gets great photos when chasing the sunrise in Borobudur. Even so, very few visitors leave disappointed — they can still get great photos of Borobudur shrouded in morning mist.

See Also

• Bukit Rhema Ticket Price 2026 — Private Sunrise Guide
• Nature Tourism at Bukit Rhema — Sunrise in Borobudur
• Book Private Sunrise — Bukit Rhema