Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Exploration

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3 ( 5 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

Gunungkidul is a county (regency) in the Special Province of Yogyakarta known for its barren soil. No body would think that the dry area keeps thousands of amazing tourism attractions. But there indeed are. The beaches—there are about 40 of them—along the southern shoreline offer beauty just like those in Bali. There are also Slempret Waterfall at a point of Oyo River, Kalisuci Karst Area and Mulo Valley, challenging caves, and also Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Ecotourism Area.

For adventurers and nature lovers, one place that should not be missed is Nglanggeran Volcano. There are reasons as to why you should go to this place. The ecotourism destination in Baturagung Mountain Range is clearly unique, one of a kind in Indonesia.

Nglanggeran is an area lithologically composed of very old volcanic materials. It forms an enormous mount stretching diametrically 800 meter and goes up to 300 meter high. Based on researches, Nglanggeran is an ancient volcano once active until about 60-70 million years ago. Today, what is left in there is the scenic view.

Since officially becoming a special interest tourism destination, Nglanggeran Ecotourism is managed independently by “Bukit Putra Mandiri” Neighborhood Association of Nglanggeran Village. Physical and non-physical developments are going on to facilitate tourists. What the place offers is mainly nature exploration, starting from trekking on a passage through villages and farm fields on the mountainside, rock climbing, to climbing to the peak of the volcano.

B. Features

Walking up steep passages; climbing rocks on challenging routes; camping on the peak of a mountain while looking at the stars above and lights in the city below; you can get all of these extraordinary experience in Nglanggeran Volcano. Those who do not feel like climbing up to the peak can camp in the camping ground at the mountainside. There are also Lawa Cave and Song Gudel Cave for you to explore.

If you go there by Ngoro-oro Village, you can also enjoy natural beauty along the way. Farm fields, villages, and the view of Yogyakarta city below are something you will not get in anyplace. Nearing Nglanggeran Volcano, there is a wide gorge with terraced farm fields around it. If you want to trek the mountainside, you may start from this gorge. But if you want to really climb the volcano, you should continue walking to the parking lot.

There are two peaks you can climb, one medium height and the other is Gede Peak, which is higher. To get to the former peak, it takes 30-40 minutes of climbing steep routes. It is worth-trying despite the short routes and time.

Gede Peak is higher and more difficult to reach. But your exhaustion will be paid off soon as you step your foot on the peak. It is so beautiful up there, especially at sunset time.

Another thing you can do there is climbing rocks. Unlike in Siung Beach whose cliffs are formed of karst, the cliffs in Nglanggeran are made of very old volcanic materials. There are some routes for rock climbing made by climbers.

Nglanggeran Volcano is interesting as well for education. It provides much information for research. One of the indigenous plants of Nglanggeran which could be very worthy of note for researchers is termas that grows around the mountainside. The plant’s sap could cure or help ease various illnesses, such as liver, stroke, hemorrhoid, calculus, lungs illness, and paralysis.

C. Location

Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Ecotourism Area is situated in Nglanggeran Village, Patuk District, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

There are two routes that can be taken to get to the tourism destination. The first one is through Bukit Bintang Patuk (Hargodumillah Hill), take the left turn (from Yogyakarta) at the GCD FM Radio Station to Ngoro-ngoro Village (in which you will find many transmission station). Nglanggeran Village is about 7 km away from the turn. The road is in a good condition beautified with the scenic gorge view at the side.

The second route is through Patuk Hill. When you find Sambipitu Circle Traffic, take the left turn to Bobung Village, which is famous for its wooden masks. Nglanggeran is about 2 km from the village but despite being shorter, the route is more difficult for the road is bumpy with cracks here and there.

There is no minibus taking you straight to Nglanggeran so you should go there by private transportation. Or, you can go take a bus of Yogyakarta-Wonosari route and get off at GCD FM Radio Station or at Sambipitu Circle Traffic. From either of the places, you can continue your trip by motorcycle taxi that will cost about Rp 12,000 to Rp 15,000.

E. Ticket

The admission ticket is quite cheap, i.e. Rp 2,000 for each person (August 2010). However, there is another charge for parking, i.e. Rp 1,000 (August 2010) and at night Rp 2,000 (August 2010).

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

There are quite enough facilities in Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Ecotourism Area. There are Pendopo Joglo Kalisong meeting hall, wide parking lot, public convenience, small mosque, camping ground, lodging, trekking or hiking routes, and rock climbing routes.

If needing any information about the place, tourists can go to the information center down at the mountain foot, which also functions as health clinic, mat rental, and tour guide place. For a tour guide, you will get charged Rp 25,000 (daytime) and Rp 35,000 (night).

There is no need to worry about food. Near Pendopo Joglo Kalisong, there are small food stalls offering various kinds of food. Visitors can also get some souvenirs such as keychain, accessories, stickers, or T-shirt there.

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

Read : 5681 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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