Kalisuci Cave Tubing

Kalisuci Cave Tubing is located in the village of Pancarejo, Semanu, Gunung Kidul about 60 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta, takes about 1.5 – 2 hours drive. Called Kalisuci because there is a fountain which is located next to the river where the water flow is very clear and remains clear despite the murky river water during the rainy season.

Kalisuci a karst cave tours to the underground river that is currently used as a new tourist attraction in Gunung Kidul. Special interest tourism continues to gain the attention of the public turned out. This is evident by tourists to Gunung reservation during this long holiday.

An exciting rides visit is Susur Goa (cave tubing) Jetis Kalisuci in Hamlet, Village Pacarejo, Semanu. This place has actually been initiated as a tourist in the Soeharto era around 1997 with the construction of the access stairs down to the river, but the lack of attention from the local government then makes this place is not well maintained, even used by local people for bathing and wash.

It’s really a very sad case because it can contaminate the ground water conditions under the river. Without boiling, the water from the water source at Kalisuci can be directly drink without fear of pain, because the water source is not polluted.

Visitors began many that visit the cave tubing Kalisuci. They come from outside the area. They are very keen to explore the beauty of the earth immediately presented traverse through the cave.

Characteristics of the soil type limestone in Mount Kidul that is dry in the dry season did not dampen the swift flow of the river Kalisuci. According to the village elders stories Kalisuci springs believed to cure diseases has not been tested, although the truth of the story.

Not only springs that exist in Kalisuci mystery but the scenery is so magnificent could also eliminate fatigue After struggling with the work week. We can see the limestone cliffs that is so beautiful plus clear water is so refreshing.

Along the twists in Goa Kalisuci was really fun. Atmosphere of unspoiled nature and a desire to invite exotic adventure. Gunungkidul karst beauty is not really a myth. Some karst caves can be enjoyed by way of adventure and explore the carvings beautiful nature. We can enjoy the beautiful nature in the stomach Earth Handy with fringe cave (cave tubing).

Underground river that flows beneath the cave became one of the challenging adventure, how not, the ceiling caves are formed in such a beautiful and green river.

View of the cave that we usually can only see on the Discovery Channel or from magazines, can be enjoyed in Kalisuci. The beauty of stalactites and stalagmites and cericit bats hanging above the cave ceiling adds to the atmosphere even more astounding and amazing.

Kalisuci has its own challenges and requires each visitor have extra energy. It was due to reach Kalisuci, visitors had to walk 70 meters along the trekking path. The path has been casted concrete, but there are some parts that are still maintained its authenticity.

The adventure begins when the tubes provided great start into the water. The tour then began to move the tubes so as not restrained rock and tourists are also invited to sit with ease. Tube moves in rhythm and flow of water in the cave adventure brings calm water and cool temperatures.

Up to Cave Tubing location, you will see the underground river with flowing water to penetrate karst caves like Grubug, and the cave that is often used group of nature lovers to search the cave.

In this cave, enjoy the river flow turn. Turquoise water looks brown contrast with soil, karst cliffs, and shouted, while the guide proceeded to explain all the caves. According to the guide, Goa Kalisuci often considered society as Siti Wot (land bridge).

It takes about 2 hours to complete the cave traversal, starting from the Holy Cave, Luweng Senglat, Luweng head, and ended up in Cave Mburi Omah.

In some sections, tourists can also play around for just a photo and swimming. The driver was already familiar with the behaviors of tourists to linger with delight. Normally, playing a very busy place in the near Watu Gajah, a large white stone brown. Nearby are the emerald water depths of about 1.5 to 1.8 meters.

Not rare mob flying bats in a cave using only accompany visitors as torch head lamp. Also various shapes that adorn the cave karst scenery love to be ignored. Do not need to worry about fatigue, because after completion of trip Cave Tubing, villagers owned cottage ready to be the resting place of the visitors.

Cave Tubing trips done as an individual match or cluster. These rides suitable for all ages because anyone done peacefully enough. Members and experienced instructors are ready to ensure the enjoyment and safety during the trip. A variety of equipment is mandatory for cave tubing participants also completed, such as tube, keeping the helmet, head lamp, floating vests, boat shoes also.

Kalisuci location is also ideal for othr activities such as outbound, hiking and other adventures. Steep cliffs and footpaths around the river into its own place to train, skill, and courage. (source: yogyes[dot]com)

Kotagede

Since the 1930′s, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silver work industry. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as “Yogya Silver”. Kotagede is easily reached by “andong”, the four-wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.

In that cemetery complex one can still visit the cemetery of the Mataram kings like Sutowijoyo or Ngabei Loring Pasar, the founder of Mataram Kingdom, who was then called Panembahan Senopati. There is also the unique tomb of Ki Ageng Mangir. He was Panembahan Senopati son in law and also Panembahan Senopati enemy. His dead body was buried half inside of the special area for kings and Panembahan Senopati families, and a half of his body was buried outside of the complex. There is a stone called ” Watu Gilang “, a stone on which Panembahan Senopati smashed the Ki Ageng Mangir head to dead.

Those who want to go inside the cemetery have to wear traditional clothes that one can hire at the place. Kota Gede Royal cemetery is open on Monday at. 10.00 am – 12.00 am, and Friday at 01.30 pm. – 04.00 pm. In addition to the cemetery, there are also graceful gates, a pond full of Clarius Melanodermas and a yellow turtle. This turtle is hundred years of age and people believe it as a sacred miraculous turtle.

Since the 1930′s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the centre of the Yogya silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by “among”, the four wheeled horse drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as “Yogya Silver”. (http://www[dot]indonesia-tourism[dot]com/)

Punthuk Setumbu Hill - Chasing Sunrise

There is one good spot, also cheap, to see the sunrise. It’s called Borobudur Nirwana Sunrise –  Punthuk Setumbu Hill. Not so far from Borobudur located. It’s a small area on the top of the hill. But, we can see Mount Merbabu, Mount Merapi and Borobudur Temple straight. On May 24, 2014 I was there to guide my guests. Surprisingly, weather in good condition. From the top, we can see Borobudur Temple surrounded by the mist. From the hill we could only see the top stupa of Borobudur Temple. Just amazingly beautiful.

From the top, we could breath the fresh morning air. It make our mind so peaceful. The sky slowly turning into red, yellow and orange. People getting ready with the their various camera. Prepared for the sunrise.

And finally, the sun is rising. Right in the middle of Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi. I heard many people scream in happiness. It is not a regular condition that the sun came up from the middle. I think I was so lucky that day. And maybe you will be the next lucky persons. Who knows…

Mendut Temple

Built around early ninth century AD, Candi Mendut is the oldest of the three temples including Pawon and Borobudur. According to the Karangtengah inscription, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra dynasty.

The still standing temple was originally merely one building in a large temple complex that was surrounded by a brick wall. However, only fragments of a few memorial stupas are left from all the other buildings. Candi Mendut appears to have a flat rooftop, but this is merely the result of an incomplete restoration.

Originally the temple had two rooms, a small porch in the front, and the large main chamber in the center. The porch has only been partially rebuilt because exact layout of its original roof is disputed.

The eight great Bodhisattvas are displayed at the eight corners of the building. Their names are the following: Khagarbha, Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani, Maitreya, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha and Sarvanirvana Viskambhin.

The main chamber houses three beautifully carved large stone statues. Each of them was carved from a single block of stone on site, with the walls and the ceiling of the temple constructed around them afterwards. The centrally located 3m tall Buddha is flanked either side by the statues of two bodhisattvas. To the left sits Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, he is identified by the small figure of the Amitabha that he wears in his hair. The Bodhisattva to the right as Vajrapani due to his slightly demonic, threatening expression. All six currently empty niches are decorated with the same Kala-Makara theme. Their emptyness indicates that they might have contained statues made out of highly prized materials such as bronze, silver or gold.

Elo River Rafting

With the exotic location, River Elo offers a challenge and beautiful panorama while your adrenalin rushes in fast in rafting along the river. Surely, rafting at River Elo will give you a sensational experience.

River Elo rafting is on grade II, means  that it is safe enough for beginners. With some challenges of the rapid current of the river along with some big rocks in it, the trip will take around 2.5 hours to finish a 12.5 km track. That's challenging enough to increase your adrenaline even if you have tried river rafting before.

The Elo River is situated close to Borobudur Temple and Mendut Temple in Magelang district, tipped on the western slopes of Mount Merbabu. River Elo has clearer water than River Progo. It offers not only a challenging journey, but also beautiful natural scenery such as trees and chirping  birds along the rafting river.

This trip starts from Blondo bridge and finishes at Mendut  or a point where River Elo and River Progo meet. In the middle of the trip, participants will take a short break  and have their snack, served with fresh coconut water which will give them more energy to get back in the rafting game.

Jomblang Cave

The journey to get to the bottom of Jomblang Cave are indeed exhausting. Vertical step path to reach the bottom of the Jomblang Cave requires bravery, especially for first timers. The cave horrible history indeed scares the local people. Many eerie stories come along with it. However, when we reached the bottom of the cave, all the fatigue and fear will be replaced by a sense of awe of the beauty of Jomblang Cave.

Jomblang Cave is a vertical cave characteristics which diametrically 50 m wide with vertical sides varies between 60-80 meters. Because getting enough sunlight, at the bottom some trees grow exuberantly like an underground forest and on karst wall grow shrubs.

When we reach the bottom of the cave, we can take a rest for a while in a cubicle from natural phenomenon. After sort resting, explorers can continue the journey by tracing the tunnel that connects the Jomblang Cave with other vertical cave named Grubug. The tunnel is quite wide with a length of about 500 m. It's not difficult to pass the tunnel because there is a stone passageway. The both of cave is a cave that type of combination of vertical and horizontal cave.

If we can reach the bottom of Grubug at 01.00 pm, the views of the sun through the eternal darkness at the bottom of the Cave Grubug would be so amazing. The ray has touched a number of stalactites and stalagmites formed by dripping water over thousands of years. Sunlight broke into the mouth of Grubug cave and one large stalagmite cave located at the bottom. On the north side of the huge stalagmites, there is the river flow that comes from Kalisuci.

Jomblang Cave and Grubug located in Semanu district,  Gunugkidul Regency, 50 km  southeast Yogyakarta, about 10 km from Wonosari (the capital of Gunungkidul regency). We suggested To reach Jomblang cave with use private transportation vehicle or motorcycle and will take about 2 hours drive from the city of Yogyakarta. Location of the cave was in middle of field rice by the way is quite challenging with rocks along the road to the location of the cave.

Ratu Boko Temple

Ratu Boko Palace Complex is located on a plateau, south of Prambanan Temple in the province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. To get to the Ratu Boko Palace, take the minor road from Prambanan towards Piyungan for less than half an hour and you will easily find the palace complex.

Ratu Boko Temple (Ratu Boko Palace) is a magnificent building which was built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, a descendant of Sailendra dynast. The palace was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara ( meaning monastery on a peaceful hill ) was built for seclusion and focus on the spiritual life. Being in this palace, you can feel the peace as well as see the sights of the city of Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple with a backdrop of Mount Merapi.

On a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more likely to have been a king of a local dynasty.

The position gives a view worthy of royalty, but in addition, it is possible that the location was chosen for strategic reasons, as the structures also show signs of being fortified, and a dry moat was used for additional security.

Grand stone gates, built on two levels, are the largest and most often photographed structures of the site, it is clear that these lead to what was once a settlement, which sets Ratu Boko apart from the other archeological sites in Central Java which are entirely religious in nature.
The hilltop plateau is divided into terraces that are separated by stone walls and stone faced fortifications. The main residence is thought to have been built on a set of stone foundations with a timber structure for pillars and roof. The timber elements are no longer in place, but the stone base shows the scale of the residence.

Throughout the area you can find small Hindu and Buddhist temples and structures, a fountain adorned bathing area, bath house, a crematorium, multiple caves, an area used as a public hall.

The highly recommended time to get here is before sunset. When the sky is clear you will see the very beautiful view of this temple.

Ramayana Ballet Performance - Purawisata

Ramayana Ballet Purawisata (Mandira Baruga) performed at The Open Theatre every Night, starting at 8 PM to 9.30 PM. Ramayana Ballet Purawisata has won the Award Winner of  Indonesian Guiness Book Of Record (MURI) 2001 for the best Ramayana Ballet in Yogyakarta has been performed nightly for 25 years continuously and became a famous attraction of the tourist object in Yogyakarta. The performance tells about love story between Rama and Shinta against Rahwana, besides the loyalty and the brave act of Hanuman.

There is also package for Ballet Performance included special dinner, combine with a beautiful and warm garden atmosphere with great architecture of Java ambience. The strains of music accompanied by Javanese Gamelan and Dancer during dinner time at Gazebo Garden Restaurant.

The tickets are:

1. USD 15 for Dinner only
2. USD 25 for Performance only
3. USD 35 for both Dinner and Performance

Parangtritis Beach

Parangtritis is a popular tourists beach and village area on the southern coast of Java in Bantul Regency within the province of the Yogyakarta Special Region. There is a good road to the area which is about 30 km south of the city of Yogyakarta, located just on the border between Bantul and Gunung Kidul regencies.

Parangtritis is sometimes said to be a place to meet the legendary Nyai Loro Kidul (also known as Ratu Kidul) or 'Queen of the South'. Local folklore warns visitors not to wear green clothes or the Ratu Kidul is likely to try to entice the wearer into the ocean to drown. The beach is not really a good swimming beach.

Parangtritis is the best tourist place for enjoying the sunset while having fun conquering sand dune with ATV (All-terrain Vehicle) or walking along the beach with a carriage in the romantic evening.

When the sun is leaning to the west and the weather is sunny, it is time for having fun. Although visitors are prohibited from swimming, Parangtritis Beach is not lack of the means for having fun. On the beach there is ATVs (All-terrain Vehicle) rental, the tariff is around Rp. 50.000 to 100.000 per half hour. Enter its gear and then release the clutch while pulling the gas. ATVs may only be suitable for those who are more adventurous. Another option is the carriage. Walking along the sand surface that is smoothly swept by the wave with two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage is no less enjoyable. The carriage will bring us to the end of the east coast of Parangtritis Beach where the cluster of rocks that is so beautiful , so it is often used as the spot of a pre-wedding photo shoot. The dim twilight and golden shade of the sun on the water surface more raise a romantic atmosphere.

Parangtritis Beach also offers the excitement for those who travel with family. Kite-flying with your child is also enjoyable. The strong sea breeze is very helpful to make a kite flying high, even if you've never played a kite.

Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari also known as Taman Sari Water Castle is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Built in mid 18th century, the Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place.

The name Taman Sari comes from the Javanese words taman, meaning a "garden" or "park" and sari, which means "beautiful" or "flowers". Hence, the name Taman Sari means an area of a beautiful garden adorned with flowers. An old article described it as a "water castle" (Dutch: waterkasteel); as by shutting the watergates, the complex would be completely immersed in water, leaving tall structures standing out.

Sultan's Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta)

Visiting Yogyakarta Palace will provide both valuable and memorable experience. The palace that became the center of an imaginary line connecting Parangtritis Beach and Mount Merapi has 2 booth doors. The first in Tepas Keprajuritan (in front of Alun-Alun Utara), and in Tepas Tourism (Regol Keben). If entering from Tepas Keprajuritan, visitors can only enter Bangsal Pagelaran and Siti Hinggil and see a collection of some palace carriages, if entering from Tepas Pariwisata, then you can enter Sri Manganti complex and Kedhaton where there is Bangsal Kencono (Kencono Ward) that is the main hall of the kingdom.

There are many things that can be seen at Yogyakarta Palace, ranging from the activity of servants in the palace who are doing the job or to see properties collection of the palace. Collections are kept in glass boxes that are spread various rooms ranging from ceramics and glassware, weapons, photographs, miniatures and replicas, to various kinds of batik and its deorama of the making process. Furthermore, tourists can also enjoy the art performances with different schedules each day. The show starts from the human puppet, macapat, puppet show, shadow puppets, and dances. To enjoy art performances, tourists do not need to pay additional costs. If you come on Tuesday Wage, you can watch Jemparingan or archery competition in Mataraman style in Kemandhungan Kidul (South Kemandhungan). Jemparingan is conducted for the heritage of Sri Sultan HB X. The uniqueness of this jemparingan is that every participant must wear Javanese traditional clothing and archery in a sitting position.

Pindul Cave

Pindul Cave

Feel the different sensation of an adventure in the river inside a cave using a  tube and a life jacket. While going through the dark valley in the cave that full of stalactites and stalagmites. Besides telling us about the legend of the name of Pindul cave, the guide also told us about some pretty ornament that we find in the activity, such as crystal, moonmilk, stalactites, and stalagmites. A huge pillar formed from the join process between the stalactites and stalagmites which were thousands years old will greet in front of us. On some parts of the top of the cave, we could see natural picture as formation of bats living there. Meanwhile, in the middle of the cave was a place resembles wide pool where visitors usually take a rest, swim, and jump from above.

Pindul Cave

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple

The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. This awe inspiring monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here you will understand why it is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located on the island of Java, the temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers an enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue.

Borobudur Temple

You can see the beautiful view of Borobudur Temple at sunrise started at 4.00 am to 6.00 am with the additional charge. Also you can see the exotic sunset inside the Borobudur Temple park at 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

Borobudur Temple

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple Complex is located 17 km east of Yogyakarta, on the road to Solo.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple of ancient Java, and the construction of this royal temple was probably started by Rakai Pikatan as the Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty's answer to the Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty's Borobudur and Sewu temples nearby. Historians suggest that the construction of Prambanan probably was meant to mark the return of the Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty to power in Central Java after almost a century of Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty domination. Nevertheless, the construction of this massive Hindu temple signifies that the Medang court had shifted the focus of its patronage from Mahayana Buddhism to Shivaist Hinduism.

Prambanan’s status as one of the most extraordinary pieces of South East Asian religious architecture was recognised by a UNESCO in 1991 when it named this complex a World Heritage Site.

Dieng Plateau

Sunrise at Sikunir, Dieng Plateau

At Dieng Plateau we can chase the sunrise, but if only the sky is clear. It's not easy to chase because rain or mist normally down there. Only persons with the big luck could chase the sunrise.

Telaga Warna / Colorful Lake, Dieng Plateau

This is the extraordinary natural and cultural wealth of Dieng Plateau. You will see the beautiful  Telaga Warna (the Colorful Lake), with natural forest around the lake.

Sikidang Crater, Dieng Plateau

Sikidang Crater is a large pool of water mixed with gray mud which keep bubbling all the time. The bubbling mud always jump and change locations on the pond, that is why the crater named Sikidang which mean deer in bahasa. Sikidang only one from eight craters which formed in Dieng Plateau after Prahu giant volcano erupted thousand years ago. Hot steam from the crater transformed into geothermal energy that supply electricity for Java.

Arjuna Temple, Dieng Plateau

Arjuna Temple temples is one of the group of 7th century Hindu temple compound located in Dieng Plateau,Indonesia. The plateau is home of eight small Hindu temples that are among the oldest surviving religious structure ever built in Java. The real name of the temple, the history and the king responsible for the construction of these temples were unknown. This is because the scarcity of data and inscription connected to the construction of these temples. Local Javanese population named each temples according to Javanese wayang characters, mostly taken from Mahabharata epic.

Farm at Dieng Plateau

The livelihood of Dieng People is as farmers, potatoes is planted by most of Dieng people, Dieng’s Potatoes is famous and its suit for the French fries, because this potatoes having lower sugar content than other common potatoes. Beside of that the farmers plant carrots, cabbage and another vegetables. But, the most popular in Dieng Plateau is Carica, a local fruit that similar to papaya but smaller in shape and size. Usually they sell carica in bottle or cups that fill to with somekind of simple syrup.