Shores

PARANGTRITIS BEACH,
Where the Queen of South Seas reigns.
Parangtritis has long been famous, not only as a beach resort where sand-dunes, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs meet, but also as a historical place which is closely related to the mysterious legend of the Queen of the south sea, “Kanjeng Ratu Kidul”, who together with her confident, the feared Nyai Loro Kidul, the ever youthful and beautiful queen, reign over seanymphs and spirits. The legends say that Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was married to one of the Mataram Monarchs, Panembahan Senopati, whom she visited and communed with on certain occasions.

It is said that the name Parangtritis expresses a natural phenomenon, where from the wall of one of the hills, drops of water containing calcium continuously drip down and finally form a pool of very clear water. Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII found and took care of the pool, now used as the bathing pool of Parangtritis' swimming pool.

There are two routes to get to Parangtritis:

First route: Yogyakarta – Kretek – Parangtritis
Those who are interested by bus can travel from the Umbulharjo bus station in Yogyakarta.

Second route: Yogyakarta – Imogiri – Siluk – Parangtritis
At a distance of about 35 km and connected with a sequence of tourism route consisting of the royal cemeteries. Those interested to travel by bus can take a bus at the Umbulharjo bus station in Yogyakarta.

PARANGKUSUMO
According to beliefs, Parangkusumo used to be the meeting place between the kings who reigned Mataram kingdom and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. Every year, on the 30th day of the Javanese month of Rejeb, (its consideration is based on the rotation of the moon when it revolves around the earth).

The Labuhan ceremony, which involve the giving of offerings to the Queen of the south-sea, is held on the shore of Parangkusumo, coincided with the commemoration of the inauguration of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

Every night, especially every Friday and Tuesday Kliwon (according to the Javanese calendar), many people come to visit the resthouse built on this place to meditate and to get spiritual tranquillity. The legends say that the rocks resulted from a post volcanic activity found at Parangkusumo used to be the place where Panembahan Senopati and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul sat confering on special occasions.

KRAKAL BEACH
Krakal is about 21 km from Wonosari, located some 7 km east from the road that branches off the main road to Baron, crossing limestone hills with their harsh appearance, alternated with terraced rocks which all present a blend of very enchanting scenery.

Geologist say that a long time ago, this palace was below sea level. In the remaining coral bed, many fossils can still be found. Among all the beaches that stretch along the coast of Java, Krakal with its white sandy beach surrounded with mountainous rocky hills is the most beautiful one.

Meanwhile, the battering of its gigantic waves in a mass of white foam gives more enchantment to this beach. It has enchanted may tourism planning experts from Foreign countries. Their interest in exploring Krakal is supported by its attractive potentials such as: a sloping and white sandy beach stretching out from dawn until twilight during the whole dry and rainy seasons. The seawind always blows softly. As a whole, it is most suitable for sun-bathing. It also offers a very fascinating opportunity, for those interested in tropical marine life since it is alive with ornamental tropical fish of every hue and multicolored marine growth.

Krakal is the close to Kukup beach and Baron cove. This cove is in fact an estuary of an underground river that comes up exactly at the water-front.