The Southern Coast Of Gunung Kidul: The Riveting Natural Blend

Behind the desolate karst landscape of Mount Kidul lies the enchanting and hypnotizing southern coast. Don’t let the reefs fool you, this vast plane of white sand is well worth an exploration. There are also interesting stories behind the names of each of the coast’s beaches.

Take ngobaran beach, for istance. The name of one of the beaches also the souther coastline of Mount Kidul originated from the word kobong or kobar. According to statements from the locals, this was where Prabu Brawijaya V burned himself as a refusal to convert to Islam.

There are many versions of the story about the end of the story about the end of Majapahit at the hands of Prabu Brawijaya V, however. Some say that he achieved moksa (a state of liberation, salvation or emancipation of the soul) in Mount Lawu, while Darmu gandhul recorded that Brawijaya was already converted by Kalijogo. Each version holds its fair share of controversy, and none are unanimously accepted as true.

Not far from Ngobaran, only a few minutes’ walk, you can find Ngrenehan Beach. The coast is quite small, with a cliff on each side, and dozens of fishing boats scattered along the shore.

Next, there is Baron Beach. The sands that cover this area are of a darker shade similar to those on Perangtritis. This beach is the most accessible as it has been well-organized and well-known for quite some time, being that at one time it was the mascot of the area. Here, you can find a creek where the river streams off the cliff.

If you travel eastward by private vehicle, a smooth trail will lead you to the Kukup, Drini, and Krakal beaches, all lying in line. Kukup beach might look familiar, reminding you of Tanah Lot with a house situated offshore. These shores are not far from each other, making it easy to visit them all in one trip. They are all covered with the same uniquely textured and khaki-colored sand.

Farther east, you will find more beaches with their own unique beauties and quirks. (again, trying not to depict the beaches negatively. ‘Unique’ and ‘quirky’ are places that people are curious enough to visit, ‘flawed’ is pushing it). Take Wediombo beach, for example. The shore of this beach is particularly wide, which is appropriate given that its name comes from the words Wedi (sand) and Ombo (broad).

Once you’ve reached Wediombo, you shouldn’t leave before paying a visit to Siung Beach. This beachnis famous amongst rock climbers for it 250 climbing trails, which range from light and easy to incredibly strenuous and challenging. In 2005, this beach hosted a gathering of rock climbers from all over Asia for a special event.

One of the most famous climbing tracks is the seahorse track. In addition to its high level high level of complexity, it is located face to face with the southern ocean. As you might imagine, a single mistake can put you in a very perilous position. At the top of the cliff sits a reef shaped like a seahorse, from which this track gets its well-known nickname.

There are plenty of other beaches in the area that are also worth visiting, including Drini Beach, Indrayani Beach, and Sundak Beach, just to name a few.

Unfortunarely, you’ll have to drive your own vehicle to visit these beaches, as public transportation will only tak ou as far Baron Beach from Wonosari.

DO & DON’TS

• Bring along some sunscreen when you’re visiting during the day.
• Keep from littering, especially because some of the beaches are untouched, with no one managing the area.
• Some of the beaches don’t have food stalls, so be sure to pack some of your own food just in case!