The border between Central and East Java runs through the inactive Mount Lawu. On one side (at the foot of the eastern slope) lies the Magetan regency, and on the other, Karanganyar and further on, Surakarta. Despite its remote location and the lack of railway access within a 40 km radius of the crater, this area attracts a large number of local travelers and is gradually becoming popular among expats and foreign visitors.
So what makes Lawu so attractive? Inside the crater of the dormant volcano lies Lake Sarangan, which is easily accessible by car or motorbike, allowing you to stay close to the lake. Along the mountain pass, you’ll find numerous amusement parks, eco-parks, ancient temples, and other points of interest. This means that by staying in Magetan or Tawangmangu for a few days or even weeks, you can leisurely explore this remote tropical paradise amidst mountain peaks without exhausting yourself with long journeys.
Due to the convenient proximity of the attractions, it’s easy to visit 2-3 places a day. East Java is not yet overrun with foreign tourists, so with the local prices, you can enjoy a luxurious stay on a budget. Additionally, you can combine this trip with a visit to the nearby city of Surakarta. You can find more detailed information about the attractions in Surakarta and Tawangmangu here. Compared to Batu and Malang, this resort area offers several advantages: no traffic jams, a cooler climate, breathtaking mountain views, and maximum enjoyment for minimal cost.
How to get there?
1. Flight from Denpasar to Surakarta:
From there, take a car via the Grab or Gojek app to your destination. The direct flight lasts just over an hour and is relatively affordable—about 1 million rupiah. Lion Air operates this route twice a day, in the morning and evening.
2. By car or rented bike:
Drive from Bali via Gilimanuk-Ketapang directly to the destination.
3. By bus from Bali to Surakarta or Magetan:
From the bus station, take Grab or Gojek to your accommodation. This option is budget-friendly—around 300-400 thousand rupiah per person—but be prepared for a 14-16 hour journey. You can find information on how to purchase bus tickets online. In this case, choose the Denpasar-Solo, Denpasar-Karanganyar, or Denpasar-Magetan route, depending on which terminal is closer to your accommodation.
Where to stay?
Depending on your travel budget, you can stay at resort hotels in Tawangmangu or in guesthouses along the winding mountain road of the Lawu pass.
Pondok Asri: A cozy, well-located resort nestled among lush green mountain slopes, perfect for families with children. The property has several playgrounds with swings, slides, and a trampoline. The stunning natural surroundings, including green hills, well-maintained gardens, and fresh air, offer a truly heavenly experience. Nearby, you’ll find eco-parks, amusement parks, and guided tours of natural and cultural attractions. Prices start from 400,000 rupiah per night.
D'LAWU BISTRO & MOUNTAIN COTTAGE: This glamping site (luxury camping) offers spacious parking, a children's play area, and magnificent views of the tropical pine forests.
D'LAWU BISTRO & MOUNTAIN COTTAGE offers a harmonious blend of comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine amidst the scenic mountain nature, making it an ideal choice for relaxation and unwinding away from daily concerns. Prices start from 700,000 rupiah per night.
This luxurious resort is located in a picturesque setting, offering a unique experience surrounded by nature. Various leisure and wellness services are available, such as spa treatments, massages, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Allura Azana Resort Tawangmangu is the perfect destination for those seeking a combination of luxury, comfort, and closeness to nature. The resort provides a high level of service and amenities, making your stay unforgettable. Prices start from 700,000 rupiah per night.
For those looking to stay in the area long-term and seeking budget-friendly accommodation, renting a house in Magetan is a good option. Prices range from 5 to 20 million rupiah per year, depending on the size and location. In my opinion, Magetan is an ideal place for downshifting, where the low cost of living blends harmoniously with the unique natural beauty.
What to visit?
A significant advantage of Tawangmangu and Magetan is that most tourist spots are nearly deserted on weekdays, allowing you to fully embrace the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the cool mountain air.
1. Sukuh and Cetho Temples
Located close to each other on the steep slopes of Mount Lawu, Cetho Temple, built in a Hindu style, is situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest temples in Indonesia alongside Arjuna Temple, Gedong Songo Temple, and Ijo Temple.
The Sukuh Temple complex, located at 910 meters above sea level, covers an area of about 5,500 m², consisting of three terraces. At first glance, this temple resembles the Mayan pyramids in Peru and Mexico. The main gate, another gate leading to each terrace, and the main building all face west, unlike Central Javanese temples, which typically face east. The three terraces are separated by stones forming a path that leads to the next gate.
Entrance fees: 10,000 rupiah for Indonesians and KITAS/KITAP holders, 30,000 rupiah for foreigners. Parking costs 5,000 rupiah.
One of the main attractions of the Mojosemi Dinosaur Park is the highly realistic replicas of large dinosaurs, including types like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.
Some replicas are equipped with interactive features like movement and sound, making the visit more lively and engaging for children. The park also has food courts and cafes offering a variety of snacks and meals. Clean restrooms and medical facilities are available at several points throughout the park for visitors' comfort.
Entrance fees: 60,000 rupiah for adults, 40,000 rupiah for children. Dinosaur show: 10,000 rupiah.
For travelers who love the peace and solitude of pine forests, it is worth visiting the pine grove near Lake Sarangan. You can organize a picnic or set up a tent to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the scent of pine. Admission is free. On weekends, for a fee and with prior arrangement, the base organizes active sports such as tree climbing, ziplining, and go-karting for outdoor enthusiasts. The base provides all necessary equipment, such as safety ropes and helmets, and ensures participants' safety.
Originally, this area was a valley inhabited by agricultural communities. In 1927, the Dutch built a dam on the Cemoro Sewu River to irrigate the rice fields in the Magetan area. The construction of this dam created an artificial lake named Sarangan, which became a popular tourist attraction in Magetan.
The Lake Sarangan area offers a beautiful natural panorama with the green waters of the lake and a small island in the middle. Additionally, there are several tourist attractions around the lake, such as waterfalls, hot springs, and camping areas. You can take boat or catamaran rides on the lake, and those who wish can swim in the cool mountain waters.
Entry to the area around the lake costs 10,000 rupiah per person. Horse riding around the lake is 80,000 rupiah, and boat rides are also 80,000 rupiah.
An eco-park with century-old trees, massive ferns, and a swimming pool where visitors can enjoy the cool mountain air and breathtaking natural scenery.
In the park, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and children can enjoy swings and playgrounds. There are several cafes where you can satisfy your hunger with local cuisine.
Entrance fees: 10,000 rupiah on weekdays, 20,000 rupiah on weekends and holidays, plus 10,000 rupiah for car parking. The swimming pool costs an additional 20,000 rupiah per person.
Sadon Temple is located in the village of Sadon, Cepoko village, Panekan district, Magetan regency, East Java. Locals refer to it as the Reog Temple (after the traditional ritual dance).
Sadon Temple, or Reog Temple, is considered one of the oldest sites on the island of Java, but not much information is known about it. The temple is believed to be a relic of King Airlangga, though the exact year of construction and its purpose remain unknown.
Entrance to the temple and its sanctuary is free.
Nearby is a small Hindu shrine, Candi Reka Sapi, which houses one of the oldest statues of the sacred cow, Nandini.
One of the historical tourist attractions in Magetan is Simbatan Temple, which is an important royal relic on Java.
Simbatan Temple is located in Simbatan village, Ngunutornadi district, Magetan, East Java. This historical site is a relic of the Medang Kingdom and was previously used as a water source and sacred bathing place for the royal family.
In the bathing pool, you can find a statue of Devi Sri. For this reason, Simbatan Temple is sometimes also called Petiirtaan Devi Sri, although historical records from 1913 refer to it as Sendang Bedji.
Simbatan Temple is a brick structure with a pool area of 400 square meters and a depth of 6 meters.
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