Annissa Wulan
Aug 07, 2025
There's something magical about watching the day begin in Yogyakarta. The mix of misty landscapes, ancient ruins, and volcanic silhouettes creates unforgettable sunrise scenes. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most iconic—and some hidden—sunrise viewpoints to start your day the most beautiful way possible.
Bukit Cendana
Bukit Cendana is accessible with a light 5–10 minute trek from the parking area, making it easy for visitors of all levels. At the summit, guests are rewarded with stunning 360-degree panoramic views of lush hills and the vast Sermo Reservoir. The cool air and peaceful atmosphere create a perfect setting for relaxation and photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Nearby attractions like Kalibiru and Waduk Sermo can complement the visit.
Bukit Ngisis
Bukit Ngisis, also known as Bukit Isis, is a captivating sunrise destination. Approximately 40 km from Yogyakarta city center. Situated at an elevation of about 900 meters above sea level, this hill offers a refreshing mountain atmosphere with gentle breezes, making it an ideal spot for sunrise enthusiasts. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of four majestic mountains—Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing, and Sindoro—especially on clear mornings.
Bukit Panguk Kediwung
Bukit Panguk Kediwung is celebrated as a magical “negeri di atas awan” at sunrise. Visitors arrive around 05:00–05:30 WIB to witness the golden sun piercing through a thick mist that drapes over the forests, river valleys, and rolling hills below—creating the illusion of floating above clouds.
Candi Ratu Boko
Candi Ratu Boko offers a unique and serene sunrise experience just 18 km east of central Yogyakarta. In the early morning, visitors can climb to its elevated terraces—like the main gate or paseban area—to see the horizon glow with soft golden light while ancient stone architecture frames the scene. On clear days, views extend across the Prambanan plain toward the silhouette of Mount Merapi and the lush mosaic of rice fields below.
Embung Tambakboyo
Embung Tambakboyo is a serene man-made reservoir covering approximately 7.8 hectares and holding up to 400,000 m³ of water. In the early morning, the still water mirrors the pastel hues of sunrise, while the fresh, cool air and framed views of distant Mount Merapi create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Gunung Ireng
Gunung Ireng is a rising star among sunrise enthusiasts. Despite its modest elevation of 200 meters above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and the distant Gunung Merapi. The name "Ireng," meaning "black" in Javanese, refers to the distinctive black volcanic rocks that characterize the area. A short 5-minute walk from the parking area leads visitors to the top, where they can enjoy the sunrise amidst cool temperatures and serene surroundings.
Gunung Merapi
Gunung Merapi is Indonesia's most active volcano and a renowned sunrise destination near Yogyakarta. Adventurers can embark on a sunrise trek from Selo or Kaliurang, reaching the summit or the scenic Pasar Bubrah. The journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. For a more accessible experience, jeep tours from Kaliurang provide a thrilling ride through volcanic terrain, culminating at the Bunker Kaliadem viewpoint. Both options offer unparalleled vistas of Merapi's rugged beauty bathed in the golden hues of dawn.
Jurang Tembelan Kanigoro
Jurang Tembelan Kanigoro serves as an enchanting "negeri di atas awan" sunrise spot. Perched overlooking the Oya River valley and the rolling Sewu hills, this cliffside viewpoint is especially striking at dawn when early light filters through mist, offering panoramic scenes of lush landscapes below.
Kebun Buah Mangunan
Kebun Buah Mangunan is famed as the quintessential “Negeri di Atas Awan” (Land Above the Clouds). At an elevation of 150–200 m asl and spanning 23 hectares, it delivers breathtaking panoramic views at sunrise—golden light illuminating mist-laced valleys and the winding Oyo River below, creating a magical illusion of floating above clouds. Best experienced between 05:00–06:00 WIB, especially during the northeast rainy season, visitors are welcomed by crisp morning air and cozy local warungs serving snacks and hot drinks.
Pantai Jungwok
Pantai Jungwok is a hidden gem renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views. Unlike most southern beaches that face west, Jungwok's unique orientation towards the east allows visitors to witness the sun rising over the Indian Ocean, casting golden hues over the white sandy shores and surrounding karst hills. The presence of large coral rocks along the coastline adds to the dramatic beauty, creating perfect silhouettes as the first light of day breaks. For those seeking a more immersive experience, camping is permitted, offering the opportunity to enjoy both the serene sunrise and the tranquil ambiance of the beach at night.
Pantai Krakal
Pantai Krakal is renowned for its captivating sunrise views. The beach features a long stretch of white sand, clear turquoise waters, and unique coral rock formations that create a picturesque setting. To capture the best sunrise experience, visitors are encouraged to ascend the nearby hill to the west of the beach, where a small pavilion offers panoramic views of the ocean and sky. The combination of the rising sun illuminating the sea and the dramatic rock formations provides a stunning visual spectacle.
Pantai Sundak
Pantai Sundak may be small, but it holds remarkable charm for sunrise seekers. Under clear skies, the golden sun emerges from the horizon and streams through distinctive rocky formations flanking the white sandy beach, creating mesmerizing light play over the ocean—a view that rivals mountainous vistas.
Puncak Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran
Puncak Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran (locally known as Gunung Gede) is among the most sought‑after sunrise vantage points in the Yogyakarta region. Located about 25 km southeast of Yogyakarta in Desa Wisata Nglanggeran, Patuk, visitors embark on a moderately paced trek of 40–60 minutes, winding past sculpted andesite rock formations, narrow stone corridors, and vantage posts—culminating in a panoramic summit. At dawn, the early light floods mist‑clad hills, ancient volcanic peaks, and rural landscapes, with views stretching north toward Mount Merapi and Merbabu.
Puncak Suroloyo
Puncak Suroloyo offers one of the most dramatic sunrise experiences in the region. Sitting at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, this viewpoint provides early risers panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and, on clear mornings, the majestic silhouettes of Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, and even the Borobudur Temple in the distance. The trek to the top involves climbing hundreds of stone steps, but the reward is a serene, almost mystical atmosphere as the sun rises above the horizon.
Tebing Pantai Kesirat
Tebing Pantai Kesirat, unlike typical sandy beaches, features dramatic cliffs that plunge directly into the ocean, offering a unique and tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sunrise over the open sea, with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks enhancing the experience. The area is also popular for camping, allowing guests to witness both sunrise and sunset in a serene environment.