If you are visiting Yogyakarta, don’t leave the city without stepping foot in Parangtritis, the legendary beach that has been linked to mystical phenomenons. Legends has it that there is a powerful female called Nyi Roro Kidul here. She is said to be a beautiful queen of the spiritual world, ruling and residing at the southern sea (a part of Indian ocean in the southern part of Java). She reputedly has the power to create earthquakes and tsunamis, hence people periodically conduct sesajen ritual (flower offerings) to prevent her from getting enraged and causing natural disasters.
In addition to its mythical links, the natural beauty of the beach is admirable. As Parangtritis is facing the Indian Ocean (the third largest ocean in the world) directly, you’ll get to see magnificent waves. Looking ahead is one vast blue where the sea meets the sky, and to your left is a cliff still standing high despite being continuously crashed by the waves. Listen to the sound of the crushing waves and indulge in this tranquil space.
Get the thrilling flying experience
You will have the chance of witnessing the vastness of Indian ocean and the beauty of Parangtritis cliffs from the air. Does that sound dreamlike to you? Well, it is not a dream here in Parangtritis, as you can fly a paraglider (an engineless aircraft used in paragliding sports) from the top of Parangtritis’ cliff at around 250 meters above the sea level. Is it dangerous? No, as it’s handled by an experienced team and beginners will be accompanied by a pilot. To enjoy this fantastic experience, you need to prepare about 350,000 IDR or 25.37 USD. The price is totally worth the excitement, isn’t it?
Hop on one of the horse carriages along the beach
There is another cool thing that you will find on the beach. Just for 30,000 IDR (2.17 USD) for a 20-minute ride, you will be able to enjoy the beach from the Javanese style horse carriage (unlike horse carriages in the West, a Javanese carriage’s structure is completely made of wood)! You will see a few horse carriages on the streets of many Javanese small towns, but on the beach? This is the only place! Where else on earth can you find such an experience?
Behold the dazzling sunset
You can certainly see the sunset from your home, but sunset on the beach is different. This is why many people seek magnificent sunset views from a beach. It is no different on Parangtritis beach because you can find many people at the beach around 5.30pm waiting for the sunset. That moment when the sun disappears from the horizon is simply breathtaking. Imagine warm, vibrant colors decorating the sky, which is reflected in the glowing ocean.
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Enjoy wedang ronde, a beverage that warms up your body
Exposing yourself to the ocean breeze may make you feel cold. Luckily, there is an easy way to avoid catching a cold on the beach. Buy wedang ronde from one of the passing vendors along the beach at daytime and evening. It’s a warm drink with ginger syrup served with ronde, round shaped balls made of rice flour and filled with sweetened crushed peanuts. The serving is also often completed by adding cut bread and fried peanuts. It is the traditional beverage that will warm up your body once you drink it.
Yogyakarta Tour Guide
Emir Yamin
When it comes to travel, the journey isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about the experiences you gather along the way. While big group tours might be the conventional choice, opting for a local guide can elevate your travel adventure to new heights. That's why I've decided to become a tour guide.During my tenure as the Chief of Media Relations, I had the opportunity to travel extens... Read more
Tours by Emir
Yogyakarta Tour Guide
Toni Kenpachi
Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more
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Yogyakarta Tour Guide
Dori Januhari
I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science ph... Read more
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Get souvenirs in Gabusan
To bring home souvenirs of your awesome vacation, you may visit an art market called Pasar Seni Gabusan. There are lots of artistic items and small ornaments like key-chains, batik (clothing with Javanese flowery design), pots and statues, which are sold at reasonable prices. Plus, it’s easy to reach on foot since Pasar Seni Gabusan is located in Parangtritis street, the main road leading to Parangtritis beach. So, you can just swing by on your way back from the beach.
More than a sunset viewing
When in Yogyakarta area (downtown, Borobudur or Prambanan temple), you should place Parangtritis beach on your list of places to visit, as this beach is more than just a place to watch sunset. It is the beach that offers unique experiences and fun.
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