Gunung kidul is one of the regions in Yogyakarta that has several amazing beaches. The beaches along southern coast of Yogyakarta located near Indian Ocean usually have quite high and large waves. That is why almost every beach in southern coast of Yogyakarta prohibits visitors to swim in the nearby sea. But nestled within the row of beaches, there is a hidden beach where the visitors can swim and snorkel. The nice beach with shallow and clear water is Nglambor.
Nglambor beach is located in the village of Tanjung Sari, district of Tepus ini Gunung Kidul, and can be reached by road in approximately two hours from Yogyakarta.
The route to the seaside can be challenging but… ...
To reach Nglambor Beach, you are recommended to rent a car with a driver from the travel agency or car rental company because the location is quite far, and the road is narrow, winding, and it involves going uphill and downhill. The cost to rent a car including driver and fuel is about 600,000 IDR (approximately 43.00 USD) for 12 hours.
Nglambor beach is a new destination flanked by Siung and Jogan Beaches, hence not so many tourists know about this beach. The beach is relatively quiet and you can swim or snorkel with ease.
After you arrived at the destination, park the car at the parking area and make your way to the beach. You can either walk about 15 minutes on foot down a rocky path or take a 5,000 IDR (approximately 0.35 USD) motor ojek (motorcycle taxis) if you do not wish to ‘exercise’.
Guarded by reefs that are shaped like two giant turtles
Nglambor Beach has two coral reefs shaped like giant turtles called “watu kuntul” and “watu kalong” in Javanese. When translated, it means egret and bat stones respectively. Both of these giant reefs can tame the big waves that hit the northern beaches and protect coral reefs underwater. That’s why Nglambor is pointed out as a conservation area for coral reefs and fishes. Amazing underwater views show various coral reefs with beautiful little fishes swimming around them.
The safe beach for snorkeling
The presence of two giant reefs on Nglambor Beach helps in making the water by the beach look clear and calm. It is safe for visitors to do snorkeling or swim without worries.
You don’t have to be an expert swimmer if you want to do snorkeling; the least you need to know is how to float in the water. There is a snorkel shop by the beach where you can get the snorkel equipments as well as a life jacket, which will be a big help. There will be a guide who will accompany you for the entire session to help you learn how to do snorkeling. There is no age limitation for this activity, as long as you can swim and the equipment fits you.
As you would be snorkeling in a shallow sea with no more than 1 meter depth, even a little kid who can swim can do this activity without difficulty.
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Enjoying underwater view at affordable price
You can do snorkeling at Nglambor Beach at an affordable price of 35,000 - 50,000 IDR (approximately 2.50 – 3.60 USD), which includes the snorkeling equipment, life jacket, and a guide. The session will last for one hour and you can bring home 5 underwater pictures for each person.
If you want to visit Nglambor Beach, it’s better to wear a pair of comfortable sporty shoes, as you may have to walk for 15 minutes on rocky and uneven path prior to reaching beach. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of mineral water to keep you fresh and hydrated as well. Towel and change of clothes are the things that you have to prepare by yourself because the snorkel shop doesn’t provide them.
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