Yogyakarta is also called Special Region of Yogyakarta or ‘Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta’ in Bahasa Indonesia. This special attribute has a long history in Indonesia. It is a part of Indonesia Republic as a province. In the past Yogyakarta was an independen country with Sultan as a highest leader. In 1945 when Indonesia got its victory and declared its independence from the foreign ruler, Yogyakarta also declared its position as a part of Indonesia. This historical background makes Yogyakarta as a ‘special region’.
Yogyakarta as a tourist destination
For decades Yogyakarta has been known as a tourist destination after Bali. Its reputation has been well established since it has so many tourist attraction such as culture, landscape, heritage, and friendly people.
For the landscape tourism destination, it has so many beautiful beaches. Parangtritis is the one of them. Parangtritis is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta. This beach located in Bantul district, to the south of city of Yogyakarta. It is the closest beach from city and can be reach in less than 60 minutes.
The vast beach in Yogyakarta
Not just to see the raging waves, visitor can also have some fun activities such as riding an ATV or riding horse cart. Since Parangtritis is a vast beach, visitor can freely ride the ATV or horse cart corner to corner. If you visited this beach at late afternoon, you can see a beautiful sunset. This beach is facing to the south so the sun will set a the coast line.
Many more tourist destination near by
Near by Parangtritis there are also some tourist destinations i.e. Parangtritis sand dune, Parangkusumo beach, and Parangendog cliff. Parangendog cliff is a spot of an aerosport activity called paragliding. This aerosport attracts so many visitor in December since at that month the wind is at its best direction and strength. This friendly wind is needed for safe flight.
Bantul district also has some other beaches they are Samas, Pandansari, Goa Cemara and Pantai Baru. Since Parangtritis is very close to the city, visitor can also visit Sultan Palace, Watercastle, Prambanan temple, Boko temple or Merapi volcano in the same day. The places are suitable visited by those who have limited time to visit Yogyakarta. If you wish you may talk to your agency to visit these destinations in one day visit.