Indrayanti Beach

Yogyakarta’s most charming beach is none other than Indrayanti Beach. Known best for its restaurants, this beach also offers photographers one of the most amazing beach views in the world.

White sand, clear blue water and tall rocky cliffs standing proudly along the shore is what makes this beach just stunning to look at. Though the description fits any other beaches, this beach really stands out. Everything is clean and well maintained, which makes it easier for others to admire and appreciate its beauty. Being here makes you feel in harmony with nature and what better way to remember and treasure the memory than taking pictures. There are various subjects to take pictures of, including the panoramic view of the beach itself, the splashing waves, the ethnic gazebos lined up among the shore, the palm trees and many more. The place is especially more beautiful during when the sunsets. The combination of colors of the sky; purple, pink, yellow and orange truly is a magnificent site.

The sensation of being in the beach itself is really wonderful. The air is clean, the sound of the wind is pure, there aren’t any artificial sounds of cars or motorbikes, and everything is just very natural.

A Brief History

It is necessary to mention that the name Indrayanti Beach is controversial. Indrayanti is not the actual name of the beach; it is in fact the name of one of the beach’s restaurant, which gained popularity because its sign stands out most. The official name given by the government is in fact Pulang Syawal Beach. Private parties have since become involved in the management of the beach and this surprisingly brought out a positive effect. The management team strive to make the beach as clean as possible, therefore, tourists or anyone who litter carelessly are opposed with a fine of Rp.10.000. This makes Indrayanti Beach one of the most comfortable beaches to visit.

Legend has it that Nyai Roro Kidul, an Indonesian legendary spiritual woman who takes control over the beaches of the Indian Ocean in Java, including Indrayanti Beach lures people who wear green colored clothing into the sea for her to hold as captive. Of course, this is only a myth. However, some locals may believe it and so it is best if you do not wear green colored clothing when visiting the beach and make sure to not go to far from shore, to respect their beliefs.

Costs and Fees

Entrance Fee – Rp.5.000

Parking Fee – Rp.5.000

Getting There

Address: Tepus, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

By taxi

The most convenient way to go to Indrayanti Beach is by taxi. A taxi ride from the town center should take approximately 2 hours and cost around Rp.1.000.000 for a trip there and back

Rent a car

Renting a car is a cheaper alternative. Renting a car and a local driver would cost around Rp.400.000-Rp.500.000. This is a great deal because you could use the car for over 12 hours to any place you want to go to and the rate would still stay the same.

These are some of the well-known car rental agents:

1. Udin Jogja Transport

Phone Number: +62 817 9141482

2. 88 Bintang Transport

Phone Number: (0274) 823 7717

3. 24 Transport

Phone Number: (0274) 261 8222

Map

for full map, click here

General Recommendations

The beach is a very hot place to be in. It is best to wear light and cool clothing. However, it is recommended that you do not wear green clothing because locals believe in the myth that Nyai Roro Kidul lures people who wear green clothing into the sea and you would want to respect their beliefs.

Photography Tips

Time:

The beach would be best to capture during the day when the sun shines bright and can easily highlight the features of the beach such as the sparkling sea water, the white sandy beach and the cliffs.

Best Site:

To capture the best view of the beach, you will need to climb the high rocky cliff. A staircase has been engraved on the rocks, making it easier for one to climb on foot. The entrance to the peak of the cliff is guarded by locals who collect donations for funding the service of the people who have made the staircase and gazebos on the top of the cliff. You may choose or not choose to donate the money, although it is suggested that you do as a form of thanks.

Equipment:

Lens - A wide angled lens would be perfect if you want to capture a panoramic photo of the site; a picture complete with the sky, sea, beach and cliffs. However, a basic 22-200mm can easily capture the beauty of the beach just fine.

UV Protector – Of course it is best to protect your lens with a UV protector. Being in the beach makes you and your camera more exposed to sun rays therefore your camera’s recording medium can get damaged without the protector.

Hotels and Lodgings

1. Grand Tjokro Hotel

Address: Jalan Gejayan, Džogjakarta, Yogyakarta City, Yogyakarta 40153, Indonesia

Phone Number:+62 274 6429100

E-mail: yogyakarta@grandtjokro.com

Webpage: http://grandtjokro.com/yogyakarta/

2. Merapi Merbabu Hotel

Address: Jl. Seturan Raya, Depok | Sleman, Yogyakarta 80361, Indonesia

Phone Number:+62 274 6429100

E-mail: info.jog@mmhotel-resorts.com

Webpage: http://mmhotel-resorts.com/Merapi-Merbabu-Hotel.html#1

3. Cakra Kembang Hotel

Address: Jalan Kaliurang No.44, 55284, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 274 563048

Website: http://www.cakrakembang-hotel.com/

Ratu Boko Temple

Ratu Boko is a spectacular 8^th century palace complex, built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, a Saliendra dynasty descendant. This palace was originally planned to be named Ahhayagiri Vihara which translates to monastery on a peaceful hill. Its purpose was for isolation to focus on the spiritual life. One can easily feel at peace here, just by looking at the majestic view of not only the city of Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple but also the tall and sturdy, Mount Merapi.

This palace is divided into four sections, the central, east, west and southeast. The center consists of the main gate, small temples, a terrace and a Paseban. The southeast includes halls, 3 temples, ponds and most importantly, a complex for the Princess. In the east, there are caves and Buddhist stupas and lastly hills in the west.

A Brief History

Ratu Boko Palace is unique than other relics. While others are built in the form of a temple, this site’s name implies that it was actually used as a place of residence. When visiting this place, one should really take their time exploring and eventually find out that this place shows one of the most beautiful sunsets ever seen.

The actual function of Ratu Boko site is still questioned. Some scholars say it was a palace of the ancient Mataram Kingdom while others say it was either a monastery or a place of recreation. Inscriptions found proved that the site was used between the 8^th and 9^th centuries.

The rebuilding of the Ratu Boko site had produced many artifacts, especially those of statues, both Buddhist (three Dhyani Buddhas) and Hindu (Durga, Ganesha and Garuda). A golden plate had also been found with the writing “Om Rudra ya namah swaha” as a form of worship towards Rudra, also known as Shiva the Destroyer. It was concluded that Hindus and Buddhists live together in tolerance.

Tickets and Operating Hours

Operating Hours: Opens daily from 6am to 6pm.

Ticket Price:

Domestic Tourist – Rp.25.000

Foreign Tourist – Adult: Rp.130.000

                                Children: Rp.70.000

You may also purchase the ticket via kiostix.com.

Getting There

Address: Jalan Raya Jogja-Solo, Prambanan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

From Adisutjipto Airport

The Ratu Boko Temple is just thirteen kilometers away from the Yogyakarta airport and one can access it by taking a taxi, which should cost around Rp.65.000 and take duration of 30 minutes. 

From the town center

Taking a taxi from the town center to the Ratu Boko palace should cost around Rp.75.000. Some drivers would also be willing to wait for you whilst you visit the site and take you back to town for Rp.75.000 as well, making the total cost Rp.150.000.

A suggestion

The Ratu Boko Palace is located just 3km away from the Prambanan Temple. It would be best to visit the Prambanan Temple first then Ratu Boko Palace, at the same time period.

In the Prambanan Temple ticket box, there is an option to purchase a package. This package allows visitors to roam around Prambanan Temple and go to Ratu Boko Palace afterwards, via a shuttle bus.

Once you get to Ratu Boko Palace, you won’t need to purchase a ticket anymore and you will get some time to explore on your own or with a tour guide you may rent. Once finished, you may ask the shuttle bus to take you back to the Prambanan Temple site, where you can get easier access to transportation back to town.

Map

for full map, click here

General Recommendations

The weather in Yogyakarta is typically hot and humid. To minimize getting hot and sweaty, it is recommended that you wear something that keeps you cool yet not too revealing because Yogyakarta’s culture is quite reserved and conservative.

Photography Tips

Time:

Ratu Boko is made out of dark colored stones. Because of this, they can only be seen when there is light. Therefore, it would be best to visit the site during a bright sunny day. However, this site is also home to one of the finest sunsets you can see, therefore it is recommended that you visit the site when the sun is still shining, and wait for a few moments till the sun sets. This means, you would have to visit the site sometime around 3pm-6pm.

When the sun shines, you can capture the details of the architecture of the site and as it sets, you can capture the silhouette of the building with the purple and orange sky as the background.

Equipment:

Tripod – A tripod would be great to bring because you would want to capture a leveled picture of the buildings. Especially the gates that looks best when captured together in a picture. It would accentuate the features of the middle gate that stands strong, proud and genuinely inviting. 

Lens – A basic 14-24mm or 16-32mm lens for a DSLR should do the job well. This is if you prefer walking nearer towards the object to capture the photo. If you prefer to take pictures of a building from afar then a 22-70mm lens is advisable.

UV filter – Of course, a UV filter is recommended to use on your lens because the sun in Yogyakarta is quite harsh and you would want to minimize any chances of your camera’s recording medium to be damaged.

Hotels and Lodgings

If you wish to reside in Yogyakarta, there are many hotels available nearby the site. The top 3 most well known ones are:

1. Melia Purosani Hotel

Address: Jl. Suryotomo 31 at Jl. Suryamatjan, Yogyakarta 55122, Indonesia

Phone Number +62 274 589521

E-mail: meliapurosani@melia.com

Webpage: http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/indonesia/java/melia-purosani/index.html

2. Merapi Merbabu Hotel

Address: Jl. Seturan Raya, Depok | Sleman, Yogyakarta 80361, Indonesia

Phone Number:+62 274 6429100

E-mail: info.jog@mmhotel-resorts.com

Webpage: http://mmhotel-resorts.com/Merapi-Merbabu-Hotel.html#1

3. Grand Tjokro Hotel

Address: Jalan Gejayan, Džogjakarta, Yogyakarta City, Yogyakarta 40153, Indonesia

Phone Number:+62 274 6429100

E-mail: yogyakarta@grandtjokro.com

Webpage: http://grandtjokro.com/yogyakarta/

Contact Information

PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur Prambanan Ratu Boko, Jalan Raya Yogya - Solo Km 16 Prambanan, Yogyakarta 55571, Indonesia, +62 274 496401 (info@borobudurpark.co.id)