Ngandong Beach in Gunung Kidul is a hidden paradise offering beautiful sea views and a peaceful atmosphere that calms visitors.
Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, is known for its array of stunning beaches, and one of its hidden gems is Ngandong Beach.
Although it is not as popular as other beaches like Baron Beach, Indrayanti Beach, or Cemara Sewu Beach, Ngandong Beach has its own unique charm and appeal, making it well worth exploring.
Located in a secluded area, reaching this beach may require extra effort, but every step will be rewarded with breathtaking natural views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Here’s a complete overview of what makes Ngandong Beach so special, the exciting activities you can do there, and the available facilities.
Attractions of Ngandong Beach
Ngandong Beach has several attractions that make it stand out from the other beaches in the Gunung Kidul region. Here are some of its main attractions:
1. Breathtaking Rock Hills
Ngandong Beach is surrounded by rock hills on both sides. These hills are covered in lush green plants, adding an exotic and natural touch to the scenery.
Additionally, there is a large rock in the middle of the sea that appears like a small island when the tide is high, creating a dramatic view for visitors.
The presence of these rock hills not only beautifies the beach panorama but also offers a perfect viewpoint for enjoying the beach from above.
2. Mesmerizing Sea Color Gradation
The color of the sea at Ngandong Beach is just as captivating. With a color gradient ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green, the sea here looks stunning, especially on clear days.
The sunlight reflecting off the clear water adds sparkle and enhances the beauty of the view, making it an ideal spot for photography or simply enjoying the tropical nature.
3. Soft and Clean White Sand
Ngandong Beach features soft and clean white sand, making it a perfect place for walking or relaxing. Thanks to the efforts of the local community in maintaining the cleanliness of the beach, the sand remains well-kept.
When the small waves touch the shore, the white sand turns a creamy color, adding to the beach’s beautiful color gradient.
4. Exquisite Coral Reefs During Low Tide
When the tide recedes, coral reefs covered with green moss and seaweed become visible along the beach. This sight enhances the beauty of the beach and often becomes a favorite spot for photos.
The natural charm of the coral reefs revealed during low tide is one of Ngandong Beach’s unique attractions, especially for nature photographers.
5. Freshwater Spring in the Sea
A rare and fascinating natural phenomenon at Ngandong Beach is the presence of a freshwater spring that appears in the sea, located near one of the rock hills.
This spring looks like it’s boiling, with bubbles rising to the surface, creating a remarkable sight and drawing curiosity from visitors eager to see this unique phenomenon firsthand.
Location and Access to Ngandong Beach
Ngandong Beach is located on Jalan Pantai Selatan Jawa, Sidoharjo, Tepus, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. The beach can be accessed via the Imogiri West road, continuing towards Panggang for 5 km, and then following the Southern Java Coast Road to Ngandong Beach.
The journey from the center of Yogyakarta takes approximately 2 to 3 hours by private vehicle, and the route is relatively good for both cars and motorbikes.
Ticket Prices and Parking Fees
Visiting Ngandong Beach is quite affordable. Here is the breakdown of the entrance and parking fees:
- Entrance fee: IDR 10,000 per person
- Motorcycle parking: IDR 3,000
- Car parking: IDR 5,000
With these affordable fees, Ngandong Beach becomes an ideal destination for all visitors looking to enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank.
Exciting Activities at Ngandong Beach
In addition to enjoying the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere of the beach, Ngandong Beach offers several exciting activities for visitors:
1. Relaxing While Enjoying the Hill and Sea Views
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the blue sea surrounded by karst hills. This view is extremely calming and ideal for unwinding from daily stress.
You can also hike up the rock hills surrounding the beach to get a different perspective and enjoy the beauty of the beach from above.
2. Swimming and Snorkeling
The clear seawater at Ngandong Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear around the beach and explore its underwater beauty, which is home to colorful small fish and stunning coral reefs.
3. Watching the Beautiful Sunset
Ngandong Beach is known as one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Gunung Kidul. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns into a gradation of red, orange, and purple, creating a breathtaking view.
This romantic moment is perfect for spending time with a loved one or friends while sitting on the sand or rocks.
4. Eating Fresh Seafood
After enjoying the beach activities, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the stalls around the beach. You can choose from various menu items like grilled fish, squid, shrimp, or crabs, all served with delicious spices. This seafood meal will be the perfect ending to your day at Ngandong Beach.
Facilities at Ngandong Beach
Ngandong Beach is equipped with several facilities to ensure the comfort of visitors. These include:
- Clean public toilets
- A mosque for those wishing to pray
- Food stalls offering snacks and fresh seafood
- A spacious parking area
- Relaxation spots and gazebos for resting
With its natural beauty, various exciting activities, and adequate facilities, Ngandong Beach offers a complete vacation experience. It is an ideal destination to spend time with family, loved ones, or friends.
If you’re looking for a peaceful holiday spot with stunning views in Yogyakarta, Pok Tunggal Beach should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
