Sermo Reservoir

A. Overview

Sermo reservoir is another beauty spot in Kulon Progo Regency. It is in fact the only reservoir Yogyakarta has at the moment. The lake, which spans approximately 157 acres, contains pure bluish water that flows into windy streams. Menoreh Mountain Range at the reservoir’s background adds to the exquisiteness of the panoramic landscape.

Since inaugurated on November 20^th 1996 by President Soeharto, Sermo has been a water supplier for surrounding farmlands as well as an interesting tourism destination. The view gets even more exotic with the cool air and breeze, making it more pleasant to relax at Sermo side.

Sermo Reservoir gets water from Ngrancah River and can contain 25 million m³. Its construction cost 22 million rupiahs and was completed in two years and eight months time (March 1^st 1994 to October 1996). The project forced the regional government to transmigrate 107 families to Tak Toi in Bengkulu and PIR Kelapa Sawit in Riau, Sumatra. Aiming at providing water for Kalibawang areas, which covers an area of 7.152 Ha, the irrigation system is interconnected with some other irrigation areas.

Tourists can get around the scenic Sermo through water by renting a safari boat or through the 21 km circular road. Aside from taking a walk around the lake to get to see the view, tourists can do other recreational activities, such as fishing or biking. It is also possible for tourists to enjoy Menoreh refreshing air while observing Sermo from altitude, that is from a nearby observation station.

Sermo is built of stone heaps which have different zones and a waterproof center. There is also a half-round tunnel with 4,2 m diameter and has the capacity of flowing 178,50 m³ water per second, with inlet elevation of 89,00 m and outlet elevation of 84,00 m.

B. Features

The view and environment in Sermo Reservoir is quite exotic as the reservoir itself offers an interesting architecture. The breeze is indeed so relaxing. With the boat and observation station, the reservoir is a real attraction. There is no charge to use the observation station.

In the reservoir complex, it is the duty for both the staff and tourists to provide safety and security. There is a safety post with seven guards around everyday to help tourists in case something bad happens.

C. Location

Sermo Reservoir is situated in Menoreh area, precisely in Sermo neighborhood, Hargowilis Village, Kokap District, Kulon Progo Regency. It is approximately 5 km west of Wates.

D. Access

The road to Sermo is a little bit windy but it will be fun since you can see great hill view along the way. And since the road is now in a good condition, it will take 15-20 minutes to get there from Wates.

Taking a private transportation, there are at least two routes to reach the place, one through Pengasih and the other through Wates. You can start from Wates Public Hospital, go west and follow the route signs. Using public transportation, there are buses or minibuses that can take you from Wates Public Hospital to Kokap. However, public transportation cannot enter the location so you will have to get off at the Sermo Reservoir gate and reach the place on foot.

E. Ticket

Before entering the reservoir complex, you will have to pay for some kind of government charge that is Rp 3.000,00 for car, Rp 1.000,00 for motorcycle, Rp 5.000,00 for bus or truck. As for visitors, each person is charged Rp 2.000,00 (2010). There is another charge inside for the parking, that is Rp 1.500,00 for motorcycle, Rp 3.000,00 for car, and Rp 5.000,00 for bus or truck.

If you want to use a boat to get around the reservoir, the rent is Rp 5.000,00 for adult and Rp 3.000,00 for child.

The boat will go with at least 5 passengers on board at minimum and 10 at maximum for 20 minutes ride. For an hour ride, the tariff is Rp 100.000,00.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Sermo Reservoir is not only a place for recreation, but also for research or education. Visitors can come to the management office to get information about the history and statistic data of the reservoir. For visitors, there are some facilities to provide them with comfort, such as information office, guards, safari boats, food stalls, and vast parking lot.

Text: Andreas Eko Wahyu S.
Photos: Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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