Umbul Ponggok

As you know (from my previous post), we didn't have fun enough when visiting Sadranan Beach to do snorkeling. One day when one of our classes were called off, we decided to go to Umbul Ponggok. This place is located in Klaten, Central Java. It takes about 1 hour to get there, not as far as those southern beaches in Yogyakarta.

perfect light for swimming

Umbul Ponggok is a one-stop place for swimming, snorkeling, or even diving. It is a natural water-spring pond, filed with many colorful fish. Unlike the usual pool, the base of this pool is natural sands. Though it has many fish live there, the water is not fishy since the water spring keeps on flowing. 

swarm of fish

If you want to snorkel, they provide the snorkel gear with affordable price as well. The ultimate thing to do in Umbul Ponggok is absolutely taking picture underwater. The natural water spring here is so clear, so you might not want to miss the opportunity. Many photographic tools are also to be rented here. And oh, they also provide services for pre-wedding photos or any other occasional underwater photo purposes. The perfect time for visiting here is in the morning or afternoon, where the light is sufficient enough to take good pictures.

geared up?

Sadranan Beach

Sadranan Beach is one of the beaches located in the southern sea of Central Java. Southern sea is known for its steep coral beaches, therefore it is not suitable for swimming. After visiting Ngrenehan beach, I'm still curious about visiting any other beaches along Jogjakarta. One of my friends wanted to snorkel on the sea, so we decided to go to Sadranan beach, which is according to some information we got, it is the nearest beach to go snorkeling.

Realxing in The Hut

The path to go to Sadranan is the same as to go to Baron beach. It takes approximately 2 hours from Jogja to be here. Sadranan beach is located in Wonosari, Gunung Kidul area. Once you get there, there are many retribution layers to be paid. As soon as you get there, many huts are provided for rent. There are many seafood stalls as well. Since this beach is well known for snorkeling activity, there are many snorkel gear rentals. The price is quite affordable.

Sadranan Corals

Once we were ready, we went snorkeling at 13.00. the water there is quite cold, so you don't have to mind the hot whether, but please put on your sunblock before swimming lol. Actually the edge of the sea is not too deep. I didn't use any life vest when snorkeling there. The are little number of fish, so don't expect to have an incredible experience of snorkeling here. The corals are rather steep and sharp. My friends were wounded by the corals. Me, who wore long legging was also get bleeding since the sharp one went through the fabric. We only swam for less than one hour, since knowing it is not too nice to snorkel here.

Snorkel Gear Rental

Beautiful Sadranan View

So our curiosity had ended. We went home by 3 pm after sipped some coffee there. Before going home, we stopped by at Bukit Bintang to have a supper. The view was not so good that time, since we got there before night. Thank God we finally had our stomach full after such an unsatisfying journey haha. But in the end, the beautiful view of the beach didn't disappoint us.

Supper at Bukit Bintang

Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari is one of the cultural heritage palaces of Keraton Jogja, which is a former royal garden of Sultanate of Jogja. It is a place where Sultans took bath, swam, had fun with his mistresses. The location of this bath is in the central of Taman Sari. It is considered a World Heritage Site, but unfortunately when Yogyakarta having earthquake in 2006, some of the authentic ruins were stolen. The maintenance of Taman Sari was abandoned after Sultan Hamengkubuwono I died, mostly because the elaborate hydraulic works were so difficult to maintain. The pond now is left blank in every morning, but the committee fill the pond with water every afternoon. This place is really crowded, especially during weekend. The tourists are not only from domestic area, but also many foreigners are attracted to this place. There are many good spots to take picture here but once again, not during weekends.

Pond/Pool Area

Private Pool of the Sultans

The Gate

When you enter the area, you will smell kemenyan during you seeing. Particularly, Taman Sari is divided into four areas. The first area is the artificial lake Segaran which is located in the west side. The second area is the bathing complex in the south of the Segaran lake, called Umbul Binangun. The third area, where now is completely gone, is the Pasarean Ledok Sari and Garjitawati Pool, located in the south of the bathing complex. The fourth area is the east side of the first and second area.

  

 

 

 

 

Upside Area where Sultans watch his mistresses dance

The Ruins Left

Kampung Taman Area

Besides the pond and the heritage buildings and ruins, you can also see any other things here. There are many kepel trees growing in this area. It is known to be the natural perfume for sultanate family. Once you eat it, it will give you nice and good scent from your body. You can also visit Kampung Taman surrounding this area, where you can buy souvenirs from Taman Sari, which is occupied by the local residents there.