This Aesthetic and Traditional Hotel in Central Java Offers Three Scenic Views all at Once

It’s also close to Borobudur Temple and Tourism Village Attractions.——

By. Rido Ivanus

There’s truly no end to explore the tourist areas of Central Java. Our destination this time located around Borobudur Temple, specifically on Jl. Borobudur-Ngadiharjo, Gopalan, Magelang, Central Java. This aesthetically pleasing traditional hotel named Hotel Gopalan, located within a pristine village near the Borobudur Temple complex. It’s only about 10 minutes away, or approximately 2 km from the hotel. The hotel offers scenic views of Mount Merbabu-Merapi, vast rice paddies, and the peak of Borobudur Temple, all at once.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at this hotel. When visiting Borobudur Temple as part of a short trip around Java with my family. This hotel is considered traditional, with a strong rural atmosphere, with simple houses. The rooms are located in several adjacent houses, each with a Joglo roof—a typical Javanese architectural style.

The grass, stone floors, and plants between the houses are neatly arranged, adding to the beautiful ambiance. The doors, windows, chairs, tables, and furnishings are mostly carved teak, while the walls are made of brick. I believe the architectural style reflects the simplicity and authenticity of rural Java. However, this doesn’t diminish the comfort and authenticity of experience.

The Availability of Hotel Rooms and Amenities

I truly believe that simplicity and small things are also absolutely beautiful. It also depends on your perspective. If you’re a traveller who appreciates simplicity and unique new experiences, then staying at this hotel is the right choice. This hotel doesn’t offer 5-star facilities or extensive properties with luxurious and sophisticated amenities. They offer uniquely beautiful views as well as sincere services.

Room types include Superior Double/Twin, Standard Double, Family Rooms up to 4 people, and Rooms with mountain and peak of Borobudur views. Room amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen/cable TV, complimentary bottled water, a minibar/mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker, work desk, and a water heater (shower) with toiletries.

Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool for children and adults, garden area, a Joglo pavilion that doubles as a restaurant, and 24-hour room service and front desk. Airport/train station shuttle services are also available upon request. Breakfast includes a selection of local, western, or oriental dishes.

Views of Mount Merbabu, Vast Rice Paddies, and the Peak of Borobudur Temple

One thing I found most appealing about this hotel is the rare and expensive view. You can admire the peaks of Borobudur Temple’s stupas from a distance while swimming in the pool or sunbathing on the pool lounge chair. Not only that, but you can also enjoy the vast rice paddies and Mount Merbabu in front of you; from the pool or one of the rooms. So, you can enjoy three beautiful panoramas at once. It’s captivating!

These three views are like a beautiful postcard, if you can enjoy them all. Especially if you’re a photography enthusiast and bring your camera equipment when you stay there.

Activities and Tourist Attractions

There are many activities and attractions around the Gopalan Hotel. You can enjoy the day sunbathing while reading your favourite book by the pool. Of course, while taking in the three scenic views before your eyes 😊. Or, you can take photos around the hotel. As there are so many unique sights, including candid natural scenes. These can include farmers hoeing in the rice fields, strolling along the rice paddies, and the bustling activities of villagers passing by with andongs (horse-drawn carriages), or bicycles from in the distance. All of which can be seen from the pool side.

And even more exciting, you can enjoy sunrise over Borobudur Temple at a spot called Puncak Setumbhu. Setumbhu Peak is only about 3.2 km (7 minutes) from the Gopalan Hotel. You can leave early in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise with the Borobudur Temple’s background. Be sure to make an appointment with a local tour guide to get there. You can also take a safari tour of the Karangrejo or Candirejo tourist village and visit interesting attractions around, such as Chicken Church prayer house and Svargabumi, a selfie-spot amidst the rice fields in Tingal village.

How to Get to Hotel Gopalan

There are many ways to get to Hotel Gopalan. You can travel by land via the Trans-Java Toll Road, by train, or by plane to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). There’s no specific time to visit Hotel Gopalan and the surrounding Borobudur tourist area. Generally, the dry season on Java is the best time to visit, as the rainy season can make things a bit more difficult in the tourist village. But don’t worry, there are plenty of village facilities and infrastructure available, and the hotel staff is always ready to assist you.

Enjoy your visit! 😊