Views around Balkondes Ngadiharjo, Magelang
With its iconic Borobudur Temple, Magelang has long been a favorite destination for travelers. Its relatively cool air, friendly locals, and close proximity to Yogyakarta make it especially attractive to tourists.
Magelang is rich in tourist attractions and perfect for a refreshing getaway from the daily grind. To kickstart your trip planning, here are some exciting things to explore in Magelang. Guaranteed, you’ll fall in love!
Staying at Balkondes Ngadiharjo Feels Like Grandma's House
The homestay at Balkondes Ngadiharjo offers peace and nostalgia. Built in a traditional stilt-house style from wood, it brings back memories of going home to grandma’s house. The dominant brown colors create a cozy atmosphere, making it feel as though you're welcomed by family.
The nostalgic feeling is enhanced by views of the Menoreh Hills, and Mounts Merapi, Sumbing, Merbabu, and Suroloyo. Imagine enjoying these mountains with a hot cup of tea or coffee on your porch! The homestay covers an area of 1.5 hectares, with a restaurant and gazebo. The management can help organize gatherings or outdoor activities if desired. Don’t forget to try the electric bikes to explore the homestay area. There are seven guest houses available, so don’t miss a visit if you’re ever in Magelang!
Sipping Coffee and Enjoying Ornamental Plants at Rudy Coffee & Flowers
About 3 kilometers from Balkondes Ngadiharjo is Rudy Coffee & Flowers in Kebonsari Village. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, this ornamental plant farm is a perfect spot to relax in the afternoon..
Together with his wife Aprilia, Rudy cultivates various ornamental plants, mainly Aglaonema and Begonia, making it a haven for plant lovers. The plants have also brought economic benefits, as customers from Magelang and Yogyakarta come to buy them directly or online.
Now, these plants don't just stay at Rumah Rudy Coffee & Flowers. Their beauty brings economic benefits. Customers from Magelang and Yogyakarta come to buy them either in person or online, with flower prices ranging from IDR 10,000. Here, while admiring the plants, visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee at Rudy and Aprilia’s café.
Mrs. Mulyana and Her Two Sons
Talking about tourism wouldn’t be complete without mentioning food, right? So, let’s continue exploring in a nearby village from Kebonsari called Majaksingi. In this village, besides farming, some homes also engage in tofu-making businesses. Among them are Mr. Wiyoto’s Tofu Factory and Mrs. Mulyana’s Tofu Factory.
Mrs. Mulyana’s Tofu Processing Site
Mrs. Mulyana started producing tofu with her two sons in 2022. Their tofu is crafted simply but with great care. Each day, they produce around 75 kilograms of tofu, both white and yellow. There’s no large or sophisticated machinery – everything is still processed traditionally. They begin at 2 a.m. and work until 3 p.m., cleaning the soybeans, cooking, and shaping them into blocks.
Mrs. Mulyana’s Tofu Processing Site
Tofu here is also affordable. Small packs are priced between IDR 500 to IDR 1,000, while larger blocks are sold for IDR 35,000.
Mr. Wiyoto’s Tofu Factory
Visiting the tofu production site and talking with the artisans provides a unique experience for visitors. You can also purchase tofu as a snack for the journey or as a souvenir to take home.
Meeting the Upanat Artisans, Weaving Sandals and Bags for Borobudur Temple Visitors
Since 2020, visitors to Borobudur Temple have been required to wear special sandals called Upanat, woven to help minimize damage to the stones at this historic site.
Upanat Products Made by Mizbah
The government has entrusted the production of these sandals to local communities. Working with the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDES), a community-based preservation program has been established around Borobudur. About 14 artisans supply Upanat sandals and bags to Borobudur’s management.
One of the artisans involved is Misbah. Living in Majaksingi Village, Misbah shares that he is one of the 14 artisans crafting Upanat products. With the help of his wife, Indri, Misbah produces 50-80 pairs of Upanat sandals and bags each day.
This program is not only a preservation effort but also empowers the community around Borobudur. Through this program, Misbah and other artisans earn an income while also becoming part of Borobudur’s preservation efforts.
Exploring the Creativity of a Couple Crafting Besek, Bamboo Baskets Used in Five-Star Hotels in Magelang.
Bamboo Basket Artisans in Majaksingi Village
Still in Majaksingi Village, the use of bamboo doesn’t stop at crafting Upanat sandals and bags. Musarofah and her husband use bamboo to make besek, woven containers used to store items like spices or food.
Eco-Friendly Besek Packaging Option
These unique, eco-friendly containers have gained popularity. Since 2001, Musarofah has been making besek, and in recent years, demand has surged as Amanjiwo, a five-star hotel, frequently orders them. According to her, besek has become a souvenir icon for welcoming foreign guests at the hotel.
Shopping for Carica Fruit Products While Watching the Production Process
If you’re used to buying souvenirs in stores, why not visit the factory directly?
In Kebonsari Village, Magelang, visitors can stop by Sukirman’s Carica fruit processing house. Here, you can purchase this sweet treat while observing the preparation and packaging process.
Through Sukirman’s hands, Carica fruit, which grows in highland areas, is transformed into a unique delicacy. Originally based in Wonosobo, Sukirman and his wife moved their business to Magelang around five years ago, now employing five people. Each day, they produce around 2,000 cups of Carica
.
Sukirman and His Wife
Carica Product
Workers at the Carica Factory
Their products are distributed across Klaten, Magelang, and Solo. Through his business, Sukirman not only boosts the economic value of Carica but also creates jobs. Keep up the great work!
So, dear visitors, these are some of the exciting activities you can do in the villages of Ngadiharjo, Kebonsari, and Majaksingi. So, if you’re visiting Magelang, don’t just go to Borobudur Temple – explore the nearby tourism villages too! Invite your friends and family for a holiday here!
