Parangtritis: Beach, Culture and Hotels

Parangtritis brings together the beach, cultural traditions and a Javanese legend. Pantai Parangtritis is closely associated with Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Ocean. The Upacara Labuhan takes place every year at Cepuri Parangkusumo, and visitors can also ride horses along the beach. Two road routes lead to the beach from Yogyakarta.

Getting to Parangtritis

The beach at Parangtritis can be reached from Yogyakarta via two road routes: one goes through the village of Kretek, while the other passes through Imogiri and Siluk. The second route is more challenging. When planning your journey, you can take this difference in route character into account.

Beach, Legend and Traditions

According to legend, Pantai Parangtritis is considered a gateway to the supernatural realm of Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Ocean. The beach is therefore closely associated with a story that is part of its cultural significance.

The Upacara Labuhan takes place every year at Cepuri Parangkusumo; it is held by both the palace and the local community. Another tradition, the Bekti Pertiwi Pisungsung Jaladri ritual, is practiced especially in Padukuhan Mancingan. The two traditions are therefore associated with different locations and cannot be conflated into a single setting.

Another documented beach activity is horseback riding along Pantai Parangtritis. In Parangtritis, cultural connections and a tangible beach experience go hand in hand.

History and Crafts in the Wider Destination of Bantul

In the wider destination of Bantul, Goa Selarong is located in Dusun Kembang Putihan, Kalurahan Guwosari, Kapanewon Pajangan. The historic site served as a refuge for Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers during the guerrilla war against the Dutch from 1825 to 1830. Another historic site in Bantul is Makam Imogiri in Dusun Pajimatan, Kalurahan Girirejo, Kecamatan Imogiri. Sultan Agung built the burial complex between 1632 and 1640. It serves as a burial place for the kings of Mataram and their families, as well as the kings of Surakarta and their families.

Pleret is another historic site in Bantul: the Museum Sejarah Purbakala Pleret stands on the site of the former complex of the Islamic Mataram palace, within the Kerta-Plered heritage area. It is located on Jalan Raya Pleret and was officially opened to the public on March 10, 2014.

In Desa Wisata Krebet in Bantul, batik is made on wood rather than fabric. Visitors can learn about the craft in craft galleries or through the tourism village administration. In the wider destination of Bantul, Desa Wisata Wukirsari is known for traditional hand-drawn batik and wayang kulit craftsmanship. By contrast, pottery is a focus in Desa Wisata Kasongan in Bangunjiwo, Kecamatan Kasihan. Bantul is thus home to different craft traditions using different materials and techniques.

Landscape in the Regional Context

Gumuk Pasir Barcan Parangkusumo in Bantul was formed from volcanic sediment: it was carried from Gunung Merapi to the sea by the Opak River and then blown inland again by the wind. It is described as the only barchan dune in Southeast Asia. Its formation and distinctive dune type give this landscape feature a place of its own in the wider regional context of Bantul.

For the wider travel overview: Bantul.