Major city · Indonesia
MagelangKota Magelang
Base in Magelang for 2 nights to see Borobudur at sunrise and the OHD art museum; skip it as a day trip from Yogyakarta (1 h each way).
Magelang is a hill city in Central Java, 36 km from Yogyakarta, used mainly as the closest base for Borobudur. The city itself has a military academy, a private modern-art museum (OHD), the Chicken Church on Punthuk Setumbu hill, and cheap Javanese food. Two nights covers Borobudur, the museum and one hill; most travellers pass through in a day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season)
- avoid Dec–Feb (rain), Idul Fitri week
- Airports
- YIA · JOG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Magelang112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Magelang, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetyMagelang is a calm hill city and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 110 police · 118 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYIA Yogyakarta International Airport (Kulon Progo) (About 2 h by car to Magelang; check current transfer options).
- Getting aroundNo train station in the city; arrive by bus to Tidar terminal or by car from Yogyakarta (about 1 h).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a roadhouse on the Semarang roadRp20,000–40,000
- Street or quick mealNasi magelangan (fried rice and noodles)Rp20,000–35,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)Basic fare about Rp5,000 plus Rp2,500/km.Rp15,000–20,000
- Museum or sight ticketOHD Museum entry (foreign ID)Closed public holidays; last entry 16:00.Closed public holidays; last entry 4:00 PM.Rp100,000 adultsRp50,000 students
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personRp120,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp600,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp1,200,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp300,000 · Mid Rp700,000 · High Rp1,500,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YIA Yogyakarta International Airport (Kulon Progo) (About 2 h by car to Magelang; check current transfer options) · JOG Yogyakarta Adisutjipto (About 1 h by car; fewer international flights than YIA)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jan (19 rain days), driest Aug (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Magelang: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
19 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No train station in the city; arrive by bus to Tidar terminal or by car from Yogyakarta (about 1 h). Around town use taxis (basic fare about Rp5,000 plus Rp2,500/km), minibuses, pedicabs or a rented scooter. For Borobudur and the hill sights, hire a car with driver for the day.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Borobudur
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car or tour van from Magelang, about 40–60 min
Go at opening for cooler air and fewer groups; sunrise slots need a separate ticket.
Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam) and Punthuk Setumbu
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car to the parking area, then a 15-min steep walk up
Opens 05:00; entry about Rp30,000 plus parking. Closed shoes.Opens 5:00 AM; entry about Rp30,000 plus parking. Closed shoes.
Door to door: 1–1.5 h
Bus from Tidar terminal, about 1 h, about Rp35,000
Use it as a transfer, not a day trip: the city needs its own nights.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Car north over the shoulder of Mount Merbabu
Better as a stop on the way to Semarang than a return trip.
Wonosobo and the Dieng plateau
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Car north-west, mountain roads
Too far to return the same day comfortably.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Magelang city centre (Jl. Daha / Jl. Sudirman)
Walkable to food stalls, OHD Museum and the mall; 40–60 min by car to Borobudur.
Borobudur / Mungkid side
Closest to the temple for a sunrise slot; fewer restaurants, quieter evenings.
North Magelang (Jl. Semarang–Yogyakarta)
Roadhouse hotels and coffee stops on the Semarang road; car needed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp250,000–450,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp500,000–900,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp1,200,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × Rp600,000 | Rp1,200,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Rp700,000 | Rp2,800,000 |
| Car with driver, one day (Borobudur and hills)1 × Rp700,000 · check | Rp700,000 |
| Bus Yogyakarta → Magelang, one way2 × Rp35,000 · check | Rp70,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp507,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp1,394,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp5,577,000≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in rupiah; flights and Borobudur tickets excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Kupat tahu Magelang (tofu with rice cake in peanut sauce) | Rp15,000–30,000 |
| Nasi magelangan (fried rice and noodles) | Rp20,000–35,000 |
| Es semanggi drink | Rp5,000–12,000 |
| Coffee at a roadhouse on the Semarang road | Rp20,000–40,000 |
| Taxi, 5 kmBasic fare about Rp5,000 plus Rp2,500/km. | Rp15,000–20,000 |
| OHD Museum entry (foreign ID)Closed public holidays; last entry 16:00.Closed public holidays; last entry 4:00 PM. | Rp100,000 adults / Rp50,000 students |
| Taman Kyai Langgeng entry | Rp20,000 weekdays / Rp25,000 weekends |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Borobudur sunrise slots are limited and ticketed separately — book ahead and check the official site.
- The walk up to the Chicken Church is steep; bring closed shoes and go early (opens 05:00).The walk up to the Chicken Church is steep; bring closed shoes and go early (opens 5:00 AM).
- Rainy-season afternoons flood the Semarang road; allow extra time.
- Some OHD Museum areas are by appointment only — check before you go.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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MagelangKota Magelang
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, yaTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police110
- Ambulance118
- Fire113
Embassy
No embassies in Magelang; the US, UK, Australian and other missions are in Jakarta, with consulates in Surabaya and Bali (check each).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Yogyakarta → Magelang: about Rp35,000, about 1 h (check)
- Taxi in town, 5 km: Rp15,000–20,000
- Car with driver, one day: about Rp600,000–900,000 (check)
Say or show
- Permisi / Maaf — Excuse me / Sorry (per-MEE-see / ma-AF)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (te-REE-ma KA-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (be-RA-pa HAR-ga-nya)
- Ini saja — This one, please (EE-nee SA-ja)
- Bisa bayar pakai kartu? — Can I pay by card? (BEE-sa BA-yar PA-kai KAR-tu)
- Di mana toilet? — Where is the toilet? (dee MA-na TOY-let)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Magelang. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season) · avoid Dec–Feb (rain), Idul Fitri week · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YIA and JOG: last transfer times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Jl. Daha and OHD, the mall and Jl. Sudirman, the north Semarang road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Borobudur, OHD Museum, Chicken Church, Selogriyo Temple) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rainy-season and Idul Fitri fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialMagelang city government
- officialOHD Museum
- officialTaman Kyai Langgeng
- secondaryWikivoyage: Magelang, revision 5237151 (CC BY-SA 4.0)