Beton Dam and Simo Reservoir

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A. Overview

Beton Dam and Simo Reservoir are two different names, but they usually come together as they lie next to each other and have similar function, i.e. containing water for irrigating rice farms as well as being tourism objects which are quite often visited by people. They have become two of the main tourism objects of Gunungkidul.

The construction of the dam and reservoir came from the people’s wish to have enough water to irrigate their farms, especially during dry season. As a matter of fact, Gunungkidul is an area prone to waterlessness in such a period. Beton Dam and Simo Reservoir are meant to contain water from river or rain. And true, since the water containers were built, farms in Genjahan Village have never lacked of water. These reservoirs are now also expected to bear the function as Water-Powered Generator (PLTA) in the future.

Many people either local or from outside the area come to these reservoirs to merely spend time in the afternoon or in the morning on holidays. Accordingly, there already emerge many public facilities such as freshwater fishing place that has pomfrets, parrot fish, and fresh-water carp. There are also lesehan eating places that offers various delicious food. Lastly, for family and especially kids, there are water bicycles they can rent to have fun in the area.

B. Features

Beton Dam and Simo Reservoir have some unique characteristics. One of them, and the most interesting, is the fact that despite having staff on duty to keep them, the people of the neighborhood volunteer in taking care of the reservoirs. This make the people have some kind of awareness to get involved in keeping, watching, and control the water as well as keeping the green environment surrounding them. In this context, in case you want some other kind of tourism (education), you can do a research on the spirit of people and farmers living around the reservoirs in organizing their work.

C. Location

Beton Dam is situated in Umbulrejo Village and Simo Reservoir is in Desa Genjahan. Both are located in Ponjong District, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

To get to Beton and Simo is easy either by private or public transportation. Taking the public ones, from Giwangan Bus Station, you just have to take a bus heading for Wonosari and get off in Wonosari Bus Station. After that, you can take a minibus to get to Ponjong. In Umbulrejo or Genjahan Village, you should continue your trip by motorcycle taxi. However, your trip may be much easier and faster if you go by your own vehicle for it will be possible for you to take the shortcuts.

E. Ticket

To enter the locations are free of charge. You will just be instructed to keep the location clean.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Beton and Simo provides some accommodations and facilities for tourists’ comforts, such as:

Freshwater fishing ponds. You can cook the fishes you catch in the food stalls around the reservoir. The cost depends on how many fishes you get. For parrot fish, pomfret, or fresh-water carp, it is usually Rp 15,000 to Rp 20,000 per kilogram.
Food stalls that have various food and drinks.
Clean lavatories.
Accommodative parking lots.

Text: Yusuf Efendi
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

Read : 3149 time(s).

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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