9 Reasons to Visit Magelang

9 Reasons to Visit Magelang

Indonesia Travel Destinations

With the more popular Yogyakarta and Solo, it is easy to overlook other cities in Central Java that if you look closer, actually stores a plethora of things to see, do, and experience. One worth mentioning is Magelang, a city 43 km north of Yogyakarta and 75 km south of Semarang, with air much cooler than Yogyakarta, perfect for those who want to experience Central Java’s greener side. Although Magelang doesn’t yet have their own Airport, travel is easy either from Yogyakarta, or Semarang. Yogyakarta is closer but we a drive from Semarang is much more pleasant with the recently constructed toll-road and the breathtaking view.

1. Borobudur Temple

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Although Borobudur has been recorded as the single most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia, not many tourists realized that this magnificent Buddhist temple is actually located in Magelang, and not Yogyakarta. Borobudur is located in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. Although there are still awalys hundreds of persistent sellers hustling souvenirs on your way out, the Borobudur Park has undergone major restorations and improvements in many of its facilities, making it a much more pleasant tourist destination that it deserves to be.

2. Rafting in Elo and Progo River

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For the more adventurous type, not far from Borobudur temple you will be surprised to find such a great place for water activity in Elo River, at Mungkid region, Magelang. Rafting in this river will take you about 12 km downstream, or roughly 3 hours. The raft falls in the grade II- III category, suitable for beginners and intermediate level rafters. For a more challenging ride, opt for Progo River, categorized in Grade III + difficulty, with about 15 km of river length. The two rivers no not only offer a challenging journey, but also beautiful – natural scenery along the rafting river.

3. Marvel Merapi from Ketep Pass

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Ketep Pass is where you can get one of the best views of Mount Merapi from a comfortable distance. Located about 32 km off Magelang city center, Ketep Pass is located between Mount Merapi and Merbabu, on the peaks of Sawangan Mountain, 1200 meter high above sea level. In this area, you can also check out the Ketep Volcano Theater which plays a documentary on Merapi volcano’s activities over the years, or the Ketep Vulcano Center which documents volcanological facts and samples of rocks from Merapi’s eruptions. From the highest viewing point in Ketep Pass, you can have a sweeping view of the five surrounding mountains, Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, Sumbing, and Slamet.

4. Appreciate local art at OHD Museum of Art

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OHD Museum is a private museum of modern and contemporary Indonesian art, founded and owned by one of the most renowned art collector in Indonesia, Dr. Oei Hong Djien (OHD), who started his collection in the 70s. Currently, with Dr. Oei’s collection of more than 2000 artworks, ranging from paintings, sculptures, installations and new media art, OHD Museum provides a collection representing the essence of modern and contemporary Indonesian art. From time to time the museum exhibits an artist show. The museum is said to also keep paintings by Affandi and Abdullah, which are not publicly displayed but can be viewed by request.

Jl. Jenggolo 14, Magelang, Central Java
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

5. Recharge at MesaStila Hotel & Resort

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If you haven’t already, this beautiful resort should be your one reason to visit Magelang. Mesa Stila was once known as Losari Coffee Plantation, a tranquil coffee plantation in the highland of Magelang, which was then turned into a retreat that incorporates an impressive collection of remarkable antiques and enchanting buildings; including a Colonial railway station; historic Joglo-villas with a true wellness experience. The property has twenty-three unique villas set within an area of twenty-two hectares of outstanding natural beauty; surrounded by cooling highland-air, eight mountains, tropical gardens and lush vegetation. Built within a charming coffee plantation producing up to seven tons of coffee a year, the true magnificence of MesaStila is in its spectacular setting and its Hammam Spa.

Desa Losari – Grabag Magelang, Central Java
Phone: (62-298) 596 333 | E. intouch@stila.mesahotelsandresorts.com
www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/mesastila

6. Gemawang Batik Village

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Solo is the Batik center of Central Java and also Indonesia, but if you’re looking for a less mainstream batik and a more authentic batik village, Gemawang has quite the unique style with more minimalist choice of colour and subtle patterns. It is geographically part of Semarang, but this village is by very convenient distance from Magelang. The village started to gain recognition in 2006, when Losari Foundation, provided trainings of batik and other craftsmanship to Gemawang people. Gemawang Batik exclusively uses natural coloring, also known as indigofera, which some are made by locals made of plants and seeds sourced from coffee plants in the surrounding area.

7. Sekar Langit Waterfall

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Located on the foot of the Telomoyo mountain, in the Grabag district of Magelang, about 30 minutes away from Magelang city center. Sekar Langit is one of the many natural destinations in Magelang perfect for a refreshing break, and made famous by an old Javanese folktale of Jaka Tarub; the legend tells a story about seven beautiful angels from heaven that descends and plays in the waterfall. This waterfall is located not far from Telaga Bleder, another attraction popular among locals, and the Umbul Temple.

8. Umbul Temple

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Umbul Temple (Candi Umbul) is a Mataram-era Hindu temple in Kartoharjo, Grabag, Magelang. It consists of numerous stones around two bathing pools which derive their water from a nearby spring. The temple is believed to have been built in 9th century as a bathing and resting place for the King of Mataram, and was abandoned in the early 11th century but rediscovered by the 19th century. The temple complex, considered a Cultural Property of Indonesia, is open to tourists – including bathers and pilgrims.

9. Tidar Hill

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pic. google.com

Magelang is home to the Indonesia’s National Military Academy, and Tidar hill represents the military cadres’ lives as many of their trainings are located in the beautiful hill. Located right in the heart of Magelang city, Tidar is seen as the heart and also lungs of the city, and it is considered as Magelang’s icon. Visitors can hike and walk the 503 meter tall hill, where many large pine trees and salak (thorny palm fruit) trees can be found.

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