The Gunungkidul region already has a complete package regarding tourism potential. This regency in the Special Region of Yogyakarta has natural, cultural, and culinary tourism, contemporary cafes, and various festivals that have become tourist attractions. One of the festivals held in June is Geopark Night Specta (GNS), an annual event that appreciates the earth and introduces crops in the UNESCO Global Geopark Geoarea Gunungkidul area.

The event is also included in the Karisma Event Nusantara 2024 (KEN), which will be held on June 21-22, 2024, at the Nglanggeran Amphitheater. If you plan to come and experience the excitement of Geopark Night Specta (GNS), explore the beautiful beaches in the Gunungkidul area. As mentioned earlier, beaches are one of the tourist attractions in Gunungkidul.

About 25 beaches in the Gunungkidul area have been documented and named, each with a unique character and tourist attractions. Here are some lesser-visited beaches in the Gunungkidul area that can serve as a tourist reference:

Kesirat Beach

If you are looking for a healing destination while enjoying a beautiful sunset in Gunungkidul, Kesirat Beach can be your main destination. Unlike other beaches in Gunungkidul, this beach in Karang Hamlet, Girikarto Village, Panggang, does not have white sand. Kesirat Beach's main attractions are the stunning view of the coral cliffs and the relaxing sound of splashing water. The grassy area atop the cliff is often used as a campsite, providing a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Watunene Beach

Like a hidden paradise, this beach in Kapanewon Tepus, Gunungkidul, suits those who like challenges and adrenaline. To get to the soft white sand at Watunene Beach, you must use a jeep and walk down the path from the karst cliffs. Watunene Beach is surrounded by karst cliffs as high as about 100 meters, making it one of the hidden paradises of Gunungkidul.

Photo: Beauty waterfall at Jogan Beach in Gunungkidul (Shutterstock/Mazur Travel)

Jogan Beach

Do you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the beach and the waterfall at the same time? You can visit Jogan Beach in Gunungkidul. The reason is that at Jogan Beach, there is the end of a river whose water falls directly onto the beach, much like a waterfall. This view is rare in Indonesia. To enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and the soft white beach sand at Jogan Beach in Gunungkidul, you can go canyoning or descend the cliff using a rope between the waterfalls. It is perfect for an adrenaline rush.

Grigak Beach

Grigak Beach, located in Giriwungu Village, Panggang, Gunungkidul, is just as stunning as other beaches. The beach features towering karst cliffs surrounding pristine white sand. Snorkeling is a highly recommended activity at Grigak Beach, where you might even spot turtles swimming in the area if you're lucky.

Srakung Beach

If you are looking for a quiet beach resembling a private one, visit Srakung Beach in Pucung Village, Girisubo, Gunungkidul. This beach offers beautiful, clean scenery and is still devoid of visitors, ideal for peaceful healing. However, reaching Srakung Beach requires climbing the cliff first. Once you arrive, the clean, white, sandy beach welcomes you.

Cover: Enjoying a beautiful sunset in Kesirat Beach Gunungkidul (Shutterstock/Rahayu Susilo Rini)