You’re probably already familiar with one of Jogja’s top nature spots, Mount Merapi. This popular mountain is surrounded by many amazing attractions with unique features.

We have rounded up the 10 must-visit destinations around Mount Merapi that you should check out this year. From historical educational spots and thrilling adventures to fantasy-themed attractions, there’s something for everyone to make your Merapi trip this year super exciting. Curious about the recommendations? Let’s dive into the details below!

20 tourist Attractions for Best Photo Spot From Mount Merapi

Yogyakarta has a wide variety of attractions, from food tours to educational spots, beaches, and nature trips. Nature tourism is especially trending in Jogja right now, especially the photography spots up on the hills.

The views from these spots offer stunning backdrops of the city. Curious about which hilltop photo spots you can visit? Let’s check out 10 awesome spots in Jogja with a view from above, including Mount Merapi!

1. Bunker Kaliadem

Bunker Kaliadem was originally built as a shelter from the hot clouds of Mount Merapi. After witnessing the eruptions of the volcano in 2006 and 2010, the bunker was reopened by the local villagers.

From around the bunker, you can enjoy a clear view of the slopes of Mount Merapi. You can also go inside this 12 x 8-meter bunker. It’s pretty cool and unique!

2. Batu Alien

Opening Hours: Open every day, 24 hours

Entrance Fee: Starting from Rp5,000 per person

Isn’t the name super unique? Batu Alien is a cool tourist spot with a stretch of artistic rocks formed naturally by the eruption of Mount Merapi.

It’s called Batu Alien because there’s a big rock shaped like an alien face. From here, you get a clear view of Mount Merapi, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful and still untouched, which attracts a lot of visitors.

3. Merapi Lava Tour

For all you adventure lovers, the Merapi Lava Tour is the perfect way to explore the area around Mount Merapi. With an experienced guide, you’ll go on a jeep tour to visit nearby spots without having to walk.

You’ll not only enjoy stunning views, but also ride through some extreme routes that will really get your adrenaline going. The price varies depending on the route you choose, how long you want the tour to last, how many people you’re with, and more. Definitely a must-try adventure!

4. Bukit Klangon

At Bukit Klangon, you’ll be treated to refreshing and breathtaking green views. It’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Not only will you be surrounded by stunning landscapes, but you can also do a variety of activities like photo hunting for Instagram-worthy shots, camping, and even biking through the beautiful and challenging trekking routes. Sounds like fun, right?

Operating Hours: Daily, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM for regular visits and 24 hours for camping.

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp15,000 per person

Camping Fee: Starting from Rp15,000 per person

5. Stonehenge Cangkringan

Inspired by Stonehenge in England, this area is a replica that offers a unique experience with its vertical stone formation resembling the historic structure.

You’ll see a row of 200-meter-long square stones standing on a lush green meadow. The view is perfect for those looking to take outdoor photos that feel like a vacation abroad!

Operating Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp15,000 per person

6. The Lost World Castle

The Lost World Castle offers a fairytale-like atmosphere with a stone castle featuring an adventurous, classic theme. This attraction was built to honor the eruption of Mount Merapi, which wiped out several nearby villages.

As you explore, you’ll come across various classic architectural installations mixed with stunning views. There are plenty of cool photo spots to capture memories.

Operating Hours: Daily, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp30,000 per person

7. Bukit Kali Kuning

If you’ve seen the movie “KKN di Desa Penari,” the bridge at Bukit Kali Kuning is the one used for filming. No wonder this place has become quite famous!

Aside from being a filming location, Bukit Kali Kuning is known for its lush, green, and scenic views. You can also go camping here.

Operating Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp3,000 per person

Camping Fee: Starting from Rp20,000

8. The World Landmark merapi Park

Want to feel like you’re traveling around the world? The World Landmark Merapi Park should definitely be on your list! This recreational park features mini replicas of famous buildings, monuments, and icons like Monas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Dutch windmills, Big Ben, and more.

There are so many cool photo spots! Plus, you can enjoy other attractions like a waterpark and Cowboy Town, where you can ride a horse around the Mount Merapi area.

Operating Hours: Daily, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp20,000 on weekdays and Rp22,000 on weekends

9. Ullen Sentalu Museum

Here’s a unique museum near Mount Merapi that you definitely shouldn’t miss! Ullen Sentalu Museum blends two architectural styles, Mataram and European, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can choose from two different tours: the Adiluhung Mataram tour and the Vorstenlanden tour, each offering different exhibits and topics. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the cool, refreshing air at the foot of Mount Merapi.

Operating Hours: Daily, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Entry Fee for Adiluhung Mataram Tour: Starting from Rp50,000 per person

Entry Fee for Vorstenlanden Tour: Starting from Rp100,000 per person

10. Telogo Muncar Waterfall

Who would’ve guessed that the Merapi area also has a beautiful waterfall called Tlogo Muncar? Located on the slopes of Mount Merapi, about 600 meters on foot from Kaliurang Street, this 40-meter-high waterfall offers stunning views and refreshing air. You can even camp here or swim in the natural pool formed by the waterfall.

Operating Hours: Daily, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Entry Fee: Starting from Rp10,000 per person

Parking Fee: Starting from Rp5,000 for motorcycles and Rp10,000 for cars

11. Pulesari Tourism Village

At Pulesari Tourism Village, you can enjoy a bunch of fun outdoor activities like water stairs, a spider web obstacle, a swinging bridge, and many more.

On top of all the exciting challenges, the village also offers cultural experiences, like traditional food crafts and dance performances. Even cooler, you can check out 8 caves that are historical sites!

It’s open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends.

Location: Dusun Pulesari, Desa Wonokerto, Kecamatan Turi, Kabupaten Sleman.

12. Tlogo Putri Kaliurang

Tlogo Putri Kaliurang is a must-visit spot for nature lovers, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful place. The place is famous for its myth that it’s the bathing spot for angels. You can also enjoy some fun water activities, like canoeing, pedal boats, and water bikes on the lake.

It’s open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Location: Jl. Tlogo Putri, Kaliurang, Hargobinangun, Kec. Pakem, Kabupaten Sleman.

13. Eko Wisata Kali Talang

Eko Wisata Kali Talang became pretty popular on social media because of its beautiful natural views. Located at 1,120 meters above sea level, it’s only about 4 kilometers away from the peak of Mount Merapi.

The spot has several gazebos where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Plus, there are swings and a few great photo spots to capture your moments.

Eko Wisata Kali Talang is open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is just Rp5,000 per person, and it costs Rp5,000 for cars and Rp2,000 for motorcycles.

Location: Kawasan Sambangrejo, Balerante, Kemalang, Klaten

14. Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku

At Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku, you can check out various items left behind by the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi. This museum stands as a silent witness to the eruption. You’ll see things like cow bones, a rusted motorcycle frame covered in volcanic ash, and melted computers and TVs.

The museum is open every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and entry is free.

Location: Jl. Petung Merapi, Kepuharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman

15. Eko Wisata Kali Talang

Eko Wisata Kali Talang became pretty famous on social media because of its stunning natural views. It’s located 1,120 meters above sea level, just about 4 kilometers from the peak of Mount Merapi.

The place has several gazebos where you can chill and take in the beautiful scenery. There are also swings and some cool photo spots for you to snap some great pics.

Eko Wisata Kali Talang is open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It only costs Rp5,000 per person to get in, and parking is Rp5,000 for cars and Rp2,000 for motorcycles.

Location: Kawasan Sambangrejo, Balerante, Kemalang, Klaten

16. Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku

At Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku, you can see things that were left behind after the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi. This museum stands as a quiet reminder of that event. You’ll find things like cow bones, a rusted motorcycle frame covered in ash, and even melted computers and TVs.

The museum is open every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and the best part is, it’s free to visit!

Location: Jl. Petung Merapi, Kepuharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman

17. Candi Ijo

Unlike the more famous temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, which are located on flat land and close to the city, Candi Ijo stands on higher ground.

Because of its elevation, if you take photos here, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city of Yogyakarta. You can even see planes flying in and out of Adi Sucipto Airport. Plus, if you’re visiting with your partner, this spot is super romantic—especially when you catch the sunset from up high.

18. Bukit Bintang

The name “Kota 1000 Lampu” is more of a metaphor. From this spot, you can see the lights of Yogyakarta twinkling like stars. It’s located on Jalan Wonosari KM 16, and traffic can get pretty heavy on Fridays and Saturdays.

This is because the road also leads to tourist spots in Gunung Kidul, so it’s crowded on weekends. If you’ve just visited Indrayanti Beach or Goa Pindul, you can end your day by enjoying a nice dinner while taking in the sparkling city lights from above.

19. Kosakora Hill

Puncak Kosakora is a hill located along the coast in Gunung Kidul, near Pantai Drini and Pantai Ngrumput. It’s no surprise that the beaches in Gunung Kidul are known for their incredible beauty, with dozens of beaches each offering their own unique charm. Every beach in Gunung Kidul has something special about it, like Pantai Ngrumput, which has Puncak Kosakora.

Puncak Kosakora is a relatively new spot that’s gained popularity among tourists. Its location is a bit tricky to get to, making it a hidden gem, even though the view is absolutely stunning. At first, tourists would visit Pantai Drini, which is just to the west of Puncak Kosakora.

But as social media grew and photography trends soared, more and more people started looking for new spots to explore and photograph. So, travelers didn’t mind trekking through hills and local farmland to find Puncak Kosakora.

20. Mount Purba

Mount Purba, which is no longer active, used to be located at the bottom of the sea. Over time, it rose up and formed the solid and unique rock formations we see today.

Mount Purba in Gunungkidul is estimated to be around 60-70 million years old. It was an active volcano back in the day but is now dormant due to geological processes.

Research shows that the volcanic activity stopped because the magma channels lost their push, causing them to disconnect from the magma chamber. Today, this ancient volcano in Yogyakarta has become a popular hiking spot, attracting many visitors.

Mount Purba, which is no longer active, used to be located at the bottom of the sea. Over time, it rose up and formed the solid and unique rock formations we see today.

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