Tempur Tourism Village: A Quiet Nature Escape on the Slopes of Mount Muria, Jepara

For travelers seeking an unspoiled rural atmosphere far from city pollution, Tempur Tourism Village in Keling district, Jepara regency, is a strong option. Set in the hilly landscape of Mount Muria’s foothills, the village offers sweeping views dominated by green ridgelines and wide stretches of terraced rice fields. It lies about 50 kilometers from central Jepara, roughly a two-hour drive by road.

Tempur’s main appeal is its “hidden” feel, as it is encircled by mountains that keep the air cool throughout the day. More than a typical settlement, the area functions as an integrated destination that blends agriculture, heritage and outdoor adventure. Visitors can observe daily village life, where residents continue to uphold long-standing traditions in farming while protecting the surrounding forest.

Because of its position deep in a mountain valley, mobile phone reception in Tempur can be unreliable. For many visitors, that limitation becomes part of the draw—an opportunity to step away from screens and reconnect with the natural setting.

A landscape of rivers and heritage sites

Tempur’s landscape is shaped by fertile valleys and clear waterways fed directly by Mount Muria’s springs. Three main rivers run through the village: the Kaliombo River, the Mbolang River and the Jambu River. The water is notably cold and fresh, and many visitors use it for a quick dip or simply to rinse their face between walks.

Beyond its natural assets, the village also holds exceptionally old historical remnants in the form of Candi Angin and Candi Bubrah in Duplak hamlet. True to their names, the sites were found in a heavily damaged state, with scattered stones and no definitive record of construction dates. Even in ruins, the structures suggest an ancient community once lived high on Muria’s slopes long before the era of Central Java’s better-known temple complexes.

In addition to the temples, visitors can find megalithic remains such as Sumur Batu Lumpang and Batu Yoni at several points around the village. These sites make Tempur not only a recreational destination, but also a potential field location for cultural and historical inquiry.

Hiking and Duplak coffee agro-tourism

For travelers looking for a physical challenge, Tempur provides a hiking route to Gajah Mungkur Peak at around 1,000 meters above sea level. The trail is considered suitable for beginners, taking about two hours to reach the top, which is said to resemble a cow’s hump. From the summit, the village’s terrain and the surrounding hills open up in a wide panorama.

Plantations are another standout attraction, particularly a 352-hectare coffee area located at the highest point of Duplak hamlet. The beans produced here—known locally as Duplak Coffee—are recognized for a distinct flavor and a slightly heavier sediment when brewed. Visitors can follow the process from picking to roasting, then sample the results at small local stalls along the village road.

Beyond coffee, Tempur’s 163 hectares of rice fields also offer hands-on educational activities for those who want to try plowing or planting rice using traditional methods. The terraced layout, shaped by the contours of the hills, creates a neat, calming view that many visitors come specifically to photograph.

Entry fees and facilities

Exploring Tempur’s attractions does not require a large budget, with fees set low for most visitors. Entry to heritage spots such as Candi Angin, or access for hikes to Gajah Mungkur Peak, generally comes with a retribution fee of about Rp5,000. For Sumur Batu, the fee is even lower at around Rp2,000 per person.

Supporting facilities are considered adequate for basic visitor needs. The village provides parking areas, public toilets, rinse-off bathrooms for those who have been in the river, and a mushola for prayer. Food is also easy to find, with many small eateries and coffee stalls run by local residents, reducing the need to bring extensive supplies.

Tempur Tourism Village is open 24 hours a day, but daytime visits—from morning to late afternoon—are usually recommended. That timing allows visitors to enjoy the hills under natural light and avoid navigating darker roads with limited lighting at night.

Getting there from Jepara

Administratively, Tempur Tourism Village sits in Keling district, Jepara regency, Central Java. The main route from Jepara city follows the road toward Keling, with the journey becoming steeper and more winding as it nears Mount Muria’s slopes. Visitors are advised to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before entering the hilly section.

Despite its remote feel, road access to the village is paved and passable for both motorcycles and cars. The drive is marked by shady trees and, in some sections, deep ravines along the roadside, so caution is advised. The village is also known as one of the northern gateways for hikers aiming to reach Muria’s Songolikur Peak.

A cool highland break in Jepara

Sipping coffee in the middle of plantations and following clear rivers on Mount Muria’s slopes can offer a distinctly local kind of holiday in Jepara. Tempur’s calm rural rhythm, paired with traces of ancient heritage, creates a combination that is increasingly hard to find elsewhere.

So when will you plan a trip to see Tempur’s terraced rice fields for yourself?

Indonesianpost.com | GNFI