PARANGTRITIS BEACH, SUNSET AND MYSTICISM

Parangtritis Beach, Between Natural Beauty and Myth of Ratu Kidul At the south resort of Yogyakarta, there are 13 beach objects, which have tourism beauty. In fact, Parangtritis always places first rank on tourism visit, compared to other beaches. The beach, which is located 27 kilometers from Yogyakarta City, is achievable through Kretek or other longer route that has more beautiful scenery, through Imogiri and Siluk village. The beach, which is in Bantul territory, is a slope beach, with rocky hill, Parangtritis Beach white sands and limestone hill view at the north of beach. In this area, tourists may take a walk by using cart, which is rented and driven by local. Besides known well as recreation place, it is also as a sacred place. A lot of visitors do meditation there. This beach is one of places to do �Labuhan� (discard offerings into the sea) ceremony for Yogyakarta Palace. In the dry season, wind blows rapidly as if it did not want to loose from 2 to 3 meters high wave. It is often heard that a lot of visitors have lost cause of dragged by wave. Strangely, the death body disappeared as if it was eaten by earth. Search and Rescue team could find it at 2-3 days later, after long searching. Generally, the body was found not in an area where it sank. The death body was found in hundreds meters from the location. Sometime, it was found several kilometers from the location. Amidst local people, the mysterious incident strengthens a myth that sea conquer that is usually called Nyi Roro Kidul likes to �eliminate� person who ignores natural laws. Based on scientific, that incident strengthens a theory that canal of Java sea has a lot of downstream that continually move. Anything that is dragged by wave on the beach bank will be dragged down and cast at other location. The people�s belief about Nyi Roro Kidul legend creates its own magnetism. Visitors and local fishermen do rite on night before Friday of Kliwon (Javanese�s day) and Tuesday of Kliwon. The ritual ceremony is followed with offering discarding into the sea. The top of that ritual ceremony usually takes place on nigh before 1 Suro (Javanese�s month), and 2 or three day after Idul Fitri and Idul Adha (Islam�s holy-day) day. The essence of the rite is, the fishermen beg safety and livings from earth and sky owner. CERME CAVE gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta Drive some 20 kilometers south of Yogyakarta, a 1.200 meters long natural cave offers you an alternative way to uncover one of the Java’.s well kept secrets. Experience following underground stream to discover beautiful ornament of stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy the fresh atmosphere inside, feel the cool water flowing under your feet. Sometimes one or two fishes happen to bump your leg. Bat colony flying over your head, surprised by your unexpected visit. Getting out of the cave tunnel panoramic view of the southern Yogyakarta hill range awaits you to enjoy it. IMOGIRI ROYAL CEMETRY. Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendants from Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Built by Sultan Agung in 1645, it is located some 17 kilometres south-east of Yogyakarta. The royal graveyard is located on top of a hill, and you have to climb 345 stone steps to get to it. Once you reach the top of the stairs, a walkway encircles the entire complex. The tombs are built within three main courtyards. In the central courtyard are the tombs of Sultan Agung and his successors. It is interesting to note that on the left are the tombs of the sultans of Surakarta and to the right, that of Yogyakarta. Entry to the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is allowed only on Monday 09.00 – 12.00 or Friday 13.00 – 16.00. Traditional Javanese dress has to be worn, which can be hired at a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Muslim month of Ramadhan.