Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
The unique shape of Chicken Church building is very rare and uncommon for a church. The building replicates the shape of a giant chicken, which initially meant to be a pigeon by design but still it is one of the best place to watch sunrise in Yogyakarta as well as a haven for photography. Known to the locals as Gereja Ayam, this place actually have rooms and painted walls that beautifies the house of prayer as you climb up to the head of the chicken for amazing view of the city and nature surrounding it.
Chicken Church in Borobudur is an alternative spot to view sunrise aside the famous Setumbu Hill. Interestingly, the church was designed as a pigeon form at first in 1992. But it has a different look argued by the locals as the crown was put on the top of the chicken’s head. It looks more like chicken than pigeon or ‘dove’. Then, it become famous as the Chicken Church. The long-abandoned structure known locally as Gereja Ayam attracts hundreds of curious travellers and photographers to the hills annually, especially after the release of a popular Indonesian movie ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta’ which took place here in the scenic views of the Chicken Church.
The eccentric creator of this attraction, Daniel Alamsjah said the building is neither a church nor a chicken and was built to be a praying house as a result of divine message he received from God to build a dove-like building. With services in the upper floors, the lower floors also provide rehab and juvenile outreach among other charitable services in this sacred place.
Today, the church is no longer used as a Christian church but more as a “House of Praying” open to many religions. People of many different religions make their journey here to this remote prayer house to speak to God in their own way or even to calmly meditate. The abandoned Chicken Church welcomes travellers of any religion including Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims.
Chicken Church in Borobudur is an alternative spot to view sunrise aside the famous Setumbu Hill. Interestingly, the church was designed as a pigeon form at first in 1992. But it has a different look argued by the locals as the crown was put on the top of the chicken’s head. It looks more like chicken than pigeon or ‘dove’. Then, it become famous as the Chicken Church. The long-abandoned structure known locally as Gereja Ayam attracts hundreds of curious travellers and photographers to the hills annually, especially after the release of a popular Indonesian movie ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta’ which took place here in the scenic views of the Chicken Church.
The eccentric creator of this attraction, Daniel Alamsjah said the building is neither a church nor a chicken and was built to be a praying house as a result of divine message he received from God to build a dove-like building. With services in the upper floors, the lower floors also provide rehab and juvenile outreach among other charitable services in this sacred place.
Today, the church is no longer used as a Christian church but more as a “House of Praying” open to many religions. People of many different religions make their journey here to this remote prayer house to speak to God in their own way or even to calmly meditate. The abandoned Chicken Church welcomes travellers of any religion including Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Nearby attractions that you can explore here in Borobudur including the famous Borobudur Temple and the Setumbu Hill or Puncak Setumbu for views of sunrise and sunset specifically. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, consider making your trip to Chicken Church planned with rafting activity in Elo River.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Bring home plenty of photos and unrivalled experience of amazing Yogyakarta view from the top of the church, exactly at the head of the chicken!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
The Chicken Church is located within a 15-minute drive from Borobudur Temple. Public buses go to Borobudur, but you will have to use a taxi or ‘Ojek’ (motorcycle; the cheapest for of transportation here) to get to the church as there is no local public transport. Get on the Trans Jogja bus, operating from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm daily as a cheaper option to get here. Otherwise, charter a private vehicle to get here along with visiting other Borobudur attractions.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- To watch sunrise at Chicken Church, leave from Yogyakarta central at 4.00 am. It is also hard to find taxi and bus even in the center early in the morning, therefore the available options is to rent a private vehicle with a driver to guide you.
- Rainy season is the recommended time to visit as the jungle will look magically green and charming. However, bring along your umbrella or windbreaker to prepare for the rain.
- From the top of church, see other major landmarks of Yogyakarta surrounded by amazing volcanoes and mountain such as Mount Sumbing, Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu and Suroloyo Peak.
- Dry season or summer is also great to visit this attraction as sunrise is best seen during this time as well as to avoid the wetness and slipperiness of the rainy season.
- Parking space is provided if you come here by private vehicle.
Hidden deep inside the Indonesian jungle lies an enchanted abandoned church known as Gereja Ayam or Chicken Church, which replicates a gigantic chicken.
Opening hours
| Monday | 06:00 am to 05:50 pm |
| Tuesday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
Hidden deep inside the Indonesian jungle lies an enchanted abandoned church known as Gereja Ayam or Chicken Church, which replicates a gigantic chicken.
Opening hours
| Monday | 06:00 am to 05:50 pm |
| Tuesday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 06:00 am to 05:00 pm |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
The unique shape of Chicken Church building is very rare and uncommon for a church. The building replicates the shape of a giant chicken, which initially meant to be a pigeon by design but still it is one of the best place to watch sunrise in Yogyakarta as well as a haven for photography. Known to the locals as Gereja Ayam, this place actually have rooms and painted walls that beautifies the house of prayer as you climb up to the head of the chicken for amazing view of the city and nature surrounding it.
Chicken Church in Borobudur is an alternative spot to view sunrise aside the famous Setumbu Hill. Interestingly, the church was designed as a pigeon form at first in 1992. But it has a different look argued by the locals as the crown was put on the top of the chicken’s head. It looks more like chicken than pigeon or ‘dove’. Then, it become famous as the Chicken Church. The long-abandoned structure known locally as Gereja Ayam attracts hundreds of curious travellers and photographers to the hills annually, especially after the release of a popular Indonesian movie ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta’ which took place here in the scenic views of the Chicken Church.
The eccentric creator of this attraction, Daniel Alamsjah said the building is neither a church nor a chicken and was built to be a praying house as a result of divine message he received from God to build a dove-like building. With services in the upper floors, the lower floors also provide rehab and juvenile outreach among other charitable services in this sacred place.
Today, the church is no longer used as a Christian church but more as a “House of Praying” open to many religions. People of many different religions make their journey here to this remote prayer house to speak to God in their own way or even to calmly meditate. The abandoned Chicken Church welcomes travellers of any religion including Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims.
Chicken Church in Borobudur is an alternative spot to view sunrise aside the famous Setumbu Hill. Interestingly, the church was designed as a pigeon form at first in 1992. But it has a different look argued by the locals as the crown was put on the top of the chicken’s head. It looks more like chicken than pigeon or ‘dove’. Then, it become famous as the Chicken Church. The long-abandoned structure known locally as Gereja Ayam attracts hundreds of curious travellers and photographers to the hills annually, especially after the release of a popular Indonesian movie ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta’ which took place here in the scenic views of the Chicken Church.
The eccentric creator of this attraction, Daniel Alamsjah said the building is neither a church nor a chicken and was built to be a praying house as a result of divine message he received from God to build a dove-like building. With services in the upper floors, the lower floors also provide rehab and juvenile outreach among other charitable services in this sacred place.
Today, the church is no longer used as a Christian church but more as a “House of Praying” open to many religions. People of many different religions make their journey here to this remote prayer house to speak to God in their own way or even to calmly meditate. The abandoned Chicken Church welcomes travellers of any religion including Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Nearby attractions that you can explore here in Borobudur including the famous Borobudur Temple and the Setumbu Hill or Puncak Setumbu for views of sunrise and sunset specifically. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, consider making your trip to Chicken Church planned with rafting activity in Elo River.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Bring home plenty of photos and unrivalled experience of amazing Yogyakarta view from the top of the church, exactly at the head of the chicken!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
The Chicken Church is located within a 15-minute drive from Borobudur Temple. Public buses go to Borobudur, but you will have to use a taxi or ‘Ojek’ (motorcycle; the cheapest for of transportation here) to get to the church as there is no local public transport. Get on the Trans Jogja bus, operating from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm daily as a cheaper option to get here. Otherwise, charter a private vehicle to get here along with visiting other Borobudur attractions.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- To watch sunrise at Chicken Church, leave from Yogyakarta central at 4.00 am. It is also hard to find taxi and bus even in the center early in the morning, therefore the available options is to rent a private vehicle with a driver to guide you.
- Rainy season is the recommended time to visit as the jungle will look magically green and charming. However, bring along your umbrella or windbreaker to prepare for the rain.
- From the top of church, see other major landmarks of Yogyakarta surrounded by amazing volcanoes and mountain such as Mount Sumbing, Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu and Suroloyo Peak.
- Dry season or summer is also great to visit this attraction as sunrise is best seen during this time as well as to avoid the wetness and slipperiness of the rainy season.
- Parking space is provided if you come here by private vehicle.
