Best Sunset Viewpoints in Yogyakarta

Sunset hunting is a favorite activity for both locals and travelers. Discover Yogyakarta’s top golden hour locations, offering a peaceful ambiance and Instagram-worthy views.

Best Sunset Viewpoints in Yogyakarta

Bukit Bintang (Star Hill)

Located about 16 km from Yogyakarta in Gunung Kidul, Bukit Bintang is a popular hilltop spot to catch breathtaking sunsets. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes as the sky lights up with vibrant colors.

The cool mountain breeze and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Several cafes nearby let you relax with a meal or drink while soaking in the sunset.

Bukit Pengilon (Pengilon Hill)

Located in Dusun Wates, Desa Purwodadi, Kecamatan Tepus, Gunung Kidul, Bukit Pengilon offers a serene and picturesque setting to witness the sunset over the southern coast of Yogyakarta. The journey to Bukit Pengilon involves a scenic drive followed by a short trek, rewarding visitors with breathtaking vistas upon arrival. The expansive grassy fields atop the hill create a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and capturing stunning photographs.

For those seeking an immersive experience, camping is permitted, allowing guests to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise in this idyllic location. The area is equipped with basic facilities, including parking, toilets, and food stalls, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Candi Ijo (Ijo Temple)

Perched at approximately 425 meters above sea level in Desa Sambirejo, Sleman, Candi Ijo is the highest Hindu temple complex in Yogyakarta. Built around the 9th century during the Medang Kingdom era, it offers a unique blend of historical architecture and natural beauty.

The temple's elevated position provides unobstructed western views, making it an ideal spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into vibrant hues, creating a picturesque backdrop for the temple's silhouette. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the bustling city of Yogyakarta and the distant Adisutjipto International Airport.

Candi Ratu Boko (Ratu Boko Temple)

Perched approximately 196 meters above sea level in Bokoharjo, Sleman, Candi Ratu Boko offers a unique vantage point to witness the sunset. The site, believed to be the former palace of King Boko, features expansive grounds with remnants of gates, a bathing pool, and a pendopo, providing a rich historical backdrop.

Gunung Api Purba & Embung Nglanggeran

Located in Nglanggeran, Gunung Kidul, Gunung Api Purba is an ancient volcanic site offering panoramic views of Yogyakarta's southern landscape. The summit, known as Gunung Gedhe, stands at 700 meters above sea level and provides an unobstructed western horizon, making it a prime spot for sunset enthusiasts.

Adjacent to the mountain is Embung Nglanggeran, a 0.34-hectare reservoir situated at 495 meters above sea level. This tranquil embung, surrounded by fruit orchards, reflects the vibrant hues of the setting sun, creating a picturesque scene.

Both locations are easily accessible, with Embung Nglanggeran being approximately 1.5 km southeast of the Gunung Api Purba entrance. Visitors can enjoy the sunset from either spot, each offering a unique perspective of the evening sky.

Hutan Pinus Mangunan

Located in Desa Mangunan, Kecamatan Dlingo, Kabupaten Bantul, Hutan Pinus Mangunan is a serene forest park approximately 24 km south of Yogyakarta City. Established in 2014, it has transformed from a barren area into a lush pine forest, offering a refreshing escape from urban life.

Jogan Beach

Located in Tepus, Gunung Kidul, Jogan Beach is renowned for its unique feature—a freshwater waterfall cascading directly into the Indian Ocean. This rare natural phenomenon, combined with rugged cliffs and coral outcrops, creates a dramatic and picturesque setting, especially during sunset.

The best time to visit is late afternoon, just before sunset, when the sky turns vibrant hues and the waterfall adds a magical touch to the scenery. Visitors can enjoy the view from the cliffside or descend carefully to the base of the waterfall for a closer experience. The area is accessible via a short walk from the nearby Siung Beach parking area.

Kesirat Beach

Tucked away in Gunung Kidul, Kesirat Beach offers a different kind of coastal experience—no soft sand, but dramatic cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its rugged charm makes it one of Yogyakarta’s most unique and serene sunset spots.

The beach is best known for its iconic “eternal tree,” a lone tree perched on the cliff’s edge, creating a striking silhouette as the sun sets behind it. This natural viewpoint offers uninterrupted horizon views, perfect for photography, quiet reflection, or camping under the stars.

Laguna Depok Beach

Located in Depok Village, Parangtritis, Bantul, Laguna Depok offers a tranquil and scenic setting to enjoy one of Yogyakarta’s most underrated sunsets. Set at the mouth of the Opak River with the impressive Kretek 2 Bridge in the background, the lagoon creates a calm, mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects the colors of the sky.

Visitors can take a traditional dragon boat ride, explore the water by jet ski, or simply relax along the shore as the sun dips below the horizon. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it a favorite among photographers and couples seeking a quiet escape.

Local seafood stalls line the area, serving fresh catches at affordable prices—perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the sky turn gold and pink.

The best time to visit is around 5:00 PM, just before sunset. With easy access and a low entrance fee, Laguna Depok is a must-visit spot for those looking to experience a more serene side of Yogyakarta’s coastal beauty.

Parangtritis Beach

Just 27 km south of Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in the region. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and purple, reflecting beautifully on the waves of the Indian Ocean.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Parangtritis holds cultural significance tied to the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Sea, adding a mystical charm to the experience. Visitors can also enjoy activities like horseback riding or ATV rides along the shore before settling in for golden hour.

Puncak Paralayang Watugupit

Situated in Desa Giricahyo, Kecamatan Purwosari, Gunung Kidul, approximately 32 km southeast of Yogyakarta, Puncak Paralayang Watugupit offers a stunning vantage point to witness the sunset. In addition to its natural beauty, Puncak Paralayang Watugupit is renowned as a premier paragliding site in Indonesia. The stable winds and favorable terrain make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Puncak Sosok

Located about 15 km south of Yogyakarta in Bantul, Puncak Sosok offers peaceful hilltop views at around 210 meters elevation. It’s a favorite spot for watching vibrant sunsets over the city and lush landscapes.

The site features cozy seating, local food stalls, and Instagram-worthy spots like swings and gazebos. The cool breeze and calm atmosphere make it ideal for relaxation or capturing stunning photos.

Tebing Breksi

Located in Sambirejo, Prambanan, Sleman, Tebing Breksi is a former limestone quarry transformed into a captivating natural and cultural attraction. Perched at approximately 200 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of Yogyakarta's landscape, including Candi Prambanan, Gunung Merapi, and the city skyline.

The site is renowned for its intricate carvings and reliefs depicting Javanese mythology, including motifs of wayang and dragons, which adorn the cliff walls. These artistic features, combined with the stunning sunset vistas, make it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts and visitors seeking a unique experience.

Tumpeng Menoreh

Nestled in the Menoreh Hills of Kulon Progo, Tumpeng Menoreh offers a unique blend of natural beauty and culinary delights. Opened in May 2021 by musician Erix Soekamti, this heksagonal-shaped restaurant is designed to resemble a traditional tumpeng, symbolizing gratitude and blessings.

Perched at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, Tumpeng Menoreh provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed vistas of Gunung Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, and Sumbing, as well as the lush valleys below.