Sunrise is the best time to see Borobudur. You’ll arrive at the viewpoint overlooking the temple while it’s still dark. From Barede Hill you’ll see Borobudur emerging from the early morning mist as the sun rises up over the hills behind the valley. After sunrise you get to explore Borobudur (quick latest info: Borobudur Temple is closed for public on Monday), before a relaxed tea/coffee time or breakfast (if you want to do it) at a restaurant on the temple grounds. If you still have energy you get the chance to visit Prambanan Temple in the afternoon, before you get dropped off.

There are two Barede Hill Sunrise Trips available. There’s the Barede Hill Sunrise + Borobudur Tour and the Barede Sunrise, Borobudur and Prambanan Tour. The tours are a cheap and hassle free way of visiting Borobudur or Borobudur and Prambanan in a day. All you have to do is get out of bed a little bit before 4 am for your hotel for pickup. There are also regular tours leaving at 5 am and 8 am (obviously you’ll not visit the hill and miss sunrise with these options