Things to Do in Magelang

November 7, 2026

Rafting the Elo River

The Elo is the easy river: Grade II to III water over roughly 8 to 12 km, taking 2.5 to 3 hours and finishing near Candi Mendut. Operators price it per boat, not per person, with a maximum of 4 paddlers plus a guide. Expect about IDR 600,000 to 750,000 a boat depending on what is included; the cheaper packages cover gear, local transfer and lunch, while dearer ones add photos and a young coconut on the bank. One operator rates its family trip for children from about age 6.

Basecamps cluster around Mendut and Mungkid, including Rafting Elo Magelang, Mendut Rafting and Dreamliner Rafting on Jl. Raya Borobudur. The Progo is the harder river. The upper section runs about IDR 750,000 to 1,000,000 a boat and the lower section about IDR 2,000,000, both as morning trips for fit, experienced rafters. Heavy rain changes water levels fast, so operators may cancel at short notice.

Bukit Rhema, the Chicken Church

This unfinished seven-storey prayer house in Kembanglimus, near Borobudur, was built from about 1990 in the shape of a dove, though most visitors see a hen. It welcomes people of every faith. The 2026 ticket is IDR 25,000 for everyone, foreign or Indonesian, and children under 100 cm go free. That price includes a guide in Indonesian or English and a plate of fried cassava at Kedai Bukit Rhema after you come down.

It opens daily from 06:00 to 19:00. The last 200 m from the car park is a steep climb, or ride the jeep shuttle for IDR 10,000 one way or IDR 15,000 return. Private sunrise visits are arranged by reservation.

Sunrise on Mount Andong

Andong (1,726 m) in Ngablak district is the classic first volcano hike in Magelang. The trail climbs to a narrow ridge with several small peaks, and on a clear dawn you see Merapi, Merbabu, Telomoyo, Sumbing and Sindoro in one sweep. Most people start from the Sawit (Taruna Jaya Giri) or Pendem basecamps. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours up depending on pace, bring a headlamp and a warm layer, and expect a small entry fee plus parking.

Volcano Safety

Merapi itself is off limits. It has been at alert Level III since November 2020 and climbing on every route is closed. Watch it from Ketep Pass instead, and check the current status on MAGMA Indonesia before any trip toward the mountain.

Drives, Clay and Telomoyo

Classic open-top VW 181s take small groups along village lanes around Borobudur, stopping at palm-sugar kitchens, viewpoints and the Klipoh pottery hamlet about 3 km west of the temple, where village women shape pots and visitors can try the wheel for half an hour or so. Private drives start from a few hundred thousand rupiah per car for an hour or two.

For a summit without the walk, Mount Telomoyo (1,894 m) has a paved road to the top. Ride up on a motorbike or hire a jeep, since private cars are not allowed to the summit. Entry is about IDR 15,000 per person.

Eat Kupat Tahu

Magelang’s signature plate is kupat tahu: fried tofu, rice cake, cabbage and sprouts under a sweet peanut and soy sauce. Kupat Tahu Pojok on Jl. Tentara Pelajar has served it since 1942 and charges roughly IDR 13,000 to 20,000 a plate.

Booking

Compare rafting and village drives on GetYourGuide , and read Visit Jawa Tengah on Elo rafting for operator background.