There are many activities you can do when visiting Borobudur. From witnessing the grandeur of the largest temple in Southeast Asia to chasing the phenomenal sunrise. There is also another activity that is equally interesting in the Borobudur area — trekking from Punthuk Setumbu to Bukit Rhema.
This trekking activity can be a great choice if you want to try a light and fun outdoor sport. Especially since this activity can fill the time between chasing sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu. Labeled as fun tracking, exploring the Punthuk Setumbu–Bukit Rhema trail can be done by anyone.
Chasing Borobudur Nirwana Sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu
To start this trekking activity, you first need to go to Punthuk Setumbu, located in Dusun Kerahan, Desa Karangrejo, Borobudur District. Visitors entering this area are charged an entrance fee of IDR 15,000 per person.
Once you arrive, you can relax for a while. Punthuk Setumbu, situated at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, is known as one of the best locations to watch the Borobudur sunrise. The sunrise view here has even been given the special name: Borobudur Nirwana Sunrise.
That name truly matches the view it offers. From Punthuk Setumbu, you can watch the sunrise adorned by the distant Borobudur Temple. This panorama looks even more exotic when mist envelops the temple. To witness this sunrise, you must arrive between 04:30–05:15 WIB.
Starting the Punthuk Setumbu–Bukit Rhema Trek
After enjoying the sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu, you can start the exploration. The distance between the two locations is very close — about 200 meters. You can even directly see the crown of Gereja Ayam from Punthuk Setumbu. You can do this trek without a guide as the trail between both places has been laid out so visitors won’t get lost.
Although not too far, the journey from Punthuk Setumbu to Bukit Rhema is quite physically demanding — mainly because of the steep slope. Be careful too, as the path is somewhat slippery and still consists of muddy stone tracks. So make sure your body is in good shape before starting this trek.
The trekking journey ends when you see the Gereja Ayam building. This building has a unique form — resembling a chicken in a crouching position. Though often called Gereja Ayam, the building’s design was actually meant to resemble a dove.
Taking Instagrammable Photos at Gereja Ayam
Gereja Ayam at Bukit Rhema has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors from various cities across Indonesia have flocked to this place. The main reason is that Gereja Ayam became one of the filming locations in the movie Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (AADC) 2, starring Nicholas Saputra and Dian Sastrowardoyo.
In addition, its unique shape makes visitors love taking narcissistic photos here. Plus, the entrance fee to the church area is cheap — only IDR 25,000 per person — which includes access to the crown and beak sections and a free Cheese Cassava snack. At both locations, visitors can enjoy the surrounding views of Bukit Rhema from above.
The crown area of Gereja Ayam is also a great Instagrammable photo spot. Visitors in this area often take photos like Rangga in the film AADC 2. Many visitors also feel that the view from here is far more beautiful than the view from Punthuk Setumbu.
If you’d like, you can also watch the sunrise from the crown area at Gereja Ayam. However, the sunrise activity at Bukit Rhema is available every day with advance reservation.
Interested in exploring the Punthuk Setumbu–Bukit Rhema trail? This activity can be an exciting and healthy experience!
