The Special Region of Yogyakarta is a vast province dotted with many sections. We have Bantul occupying the southern space of Yogyakarta province. There are plenty of attractions in Bantul Yogyakarta that are proof of Bantul’s greatness.
Kebun Buah Mangunan
Bantul has no Laputa, but they have a “country” above the sky named Kebun Buah (Orchard Garden) Mangunan. Kebun Buah Mangunan receives such nickname due to its location, as it is located 2000 meters above the sea level. Because of the location, they are able to experience the feel of clouds wrapping us and our surroundings.
Just as the name implies, Kebun Buah Mangunan is filled with fruit orchards. It has at least 1500 durian trees, 220 orange trees, 300 watery rose apple trees, and many more fruit trees. Besides fruits, you can also check out the cattle breeding that is often used for educational tourism. Gaining more knowledge while breathing the air of “country above clouds” is definitely be a great way to spend the holiday.
Seribu Batu Songgo Langit
Bantul has its own pine forest that can rival its northern counterpart. What makes Seribu Batu Songgo Langit different is the decorations it has. Bantul’s pine forest has wooden cottages lining up nicely for visitors to check out. The forest also has a wooden bridge that can assist visitors in exploring the forest without getting lost. Children can also release their energy by trying out the kids-only flying fox.
If you need to sate your primary needs such as food, there are local vendors ready to sell their merchandise with the normal price.
Pantai Parangtritis
Pantai Parangtritis (Parangtritis Beach) is one of the beaches visitors can find in Bantul. The beach has a vast area that allows visitors to try out many different activities in one day. Some of those activities are riding ATV motors, ponies, or delman (Indonesian traditional house cart). If beachgoers do not want to spend money on the activities, they can play sand football or bring their picnic equipment to spend some time at the shore.
Pantai Parangtritis has a myth that has been passed down from generation to generation. The myth states that Pantai Parangtritis is the region of Nyai Loro Kidul, the sea goddess of Java, Indonesia. Due to the legend, the locals always recommend visitors not to wear green clothes to Prangtritis, as green is the sea goddess’ favorite color.
Gumuk Parangkusumo
If you’re craving for some adventure at the sand-dune, seek no more because Gumuk Parangkusumo is ready for you. In fact, sand-dune is a rare occurrence, so visiting Parangkusumo’s sand-dune is a must.
Gumuk Parangkusumo was first known only as mere piles of sand. Now, it becomes one of the favorite tourist spots due to the activity we can do: sandboarding. That’s right! You can “surf” the sand-dune at Gumuk Parangkusumo. You can only do sandboarding in a few places, so you must try out the sandboarding when you visit Yogyakarta province.
Bukit Panguk Bantul
We’ve talked about sunset, but what about sunrise? Bukit Panguk Bantul is the perfect spot for those who want to see the sunrise. The hill has an elevated platform that allows visitors to see the view of the cloudy mountains across the hill. If you find the perfect spot, you’ll be able to catch the sunrise. Make sure you arrive there before others because the hill can get quite crowded.
Kasongan
Unlike the other locations, Kasongan is actually a village. It is, however, still a tourist attraction, as it is famous for its pottery. It wasn’t originally like this, of course. The villagers only started to focus on pottery when the locals gave up their lands to prevent the wrath of a Dutch official, as the official’s horse died on one of the local’s lands. Since the locals have nothing, they decided to focus on pottery.
Since the village emphasizes pottery and its beauty, visitors can check the local craft directly and bargain for the best price. Besides seeing the pottery in real life, you can also attend workshops and gain new knowledge regarding pottery.
Tembi Art House
If you think you can only see beaches and forests in Bantul, then you’re mistaken. Bantul also archives some artifacts of Javanese culture, and the artifacts are hosted in Tembi Art House.
Tembi Art House is the center of art in Bantul. It regularly hosts art-related events and has daily exhibition visitors can check out. The art-house has a museum, library, swimming pool, and a restaurant. Basically, it has everything you need for a peaceful art experience. If you want to visit the art house, make sure you have booked the admission online.
Goa Banyu Semurup
The last attraction in Bantul is Goa Banyu Semurup. Just like any other caves, Goa (Cave) Banyu (Water) Semurup is decked with stalactites and stalagmites that were accumulated over time. The cave is pretty dark, but rest assured, as the cave is already decked with street lamps to guide visitors. Still, it never hurts to be more cautious. Thankfully, there are bamboo handles at the side you can hold onto.
Once you’re done exploring the cave, you can visit Siwata Sejarah TB (Historical Tourism of TB) nearby. There, you can learn more about TB Simatupang and his heroic deeds for Indonesia. It never hurts to know more about the country you are visiting, right?