Gembirowati Plateau

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3.7 ( 3 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

In past times, plateaus were considered to have spiritual values that they were used for religious rituals, prayers, and also graveyards. There are many historical remnants built on plateaus like the one in Gembirowati Plateu, Gunungkidul. Gembirowati is a Javanese term that means “a good happiness”.

Gembirowati Plateu covers parts of two districts in Gunungkidul Regency, i.e. Panggang and Purwosari. It is quite a wide area. There are at least three historical remnants there, namely Gembirowati Temple, Pesanggrahan Gembirowati (pesting place), and Sendang Beji (spring).

Gembirowati Temple is indeed not well known among people due to its uphill location and difficult access. Besides, the architecture of the temple is unusual, that is to say, like terraced gravesite. The temple, however, has parts that are still buried underground so what people can see is just a part of it. Excavation has been planned yet not yet carried out.

The most recent renovation was in 1982 but the temple’s foundation still looks strong. Only the temple has been broken in some parts and it seems difficult to renovate it. The year of the making is unknown until today but it is strongly believed that the temple was built as a place to worship Nyai Roro Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea.

Gembirowati Temple is close to Beji Hermitage. There are nine springs around Gembirowati Temple, of which one is called Sendang Beji. The water of Sendang Beji is used in the Melasti Ceremony in Parangkusumo. Many people come to the other springs for penance. Mythical atmosphere is stronger than historical atmosphere here. People sanctify these places and used them for meditation or spiritual acts, especially on certain days that, according to Javanese calendar, are good.

Another tourism attraction in the area is Pesanggrahan Gembirowati, which is a resting place. The place measures 13.200 m²and lies at 138 m above the sea level. F.D.K. Bosch, a Dutch archeologist, says in the 1925’s Oudheidkundige Verslag (Archeological Report of Dutch-Indies) that the limestone pavilion was built in the 16^th century.

According to the local people, Pesanggrahan Gembirowati was a resting place for the son of Prabu Brawijaya, a relative of the king of East Java’s Majapahit Kingdom. Moreover, based on Babad Tanah Jawi, the place was later used by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II, the king of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate, as a resting place after Majapahit went down.

B. Features

Gembirowati Plateau is a historical site in Gunungkidul Regency. The place keeps artifacts in the forms of constructions built during Hindu period. It must be admitted though, that the site is not yet exploited very well. However, it is probably its unpopularity that makes the place’s natural atmosphere prevail.

The plateau may get even more appealing with its oceanic background. It lies on the seaside so with the combination of historical remnants and natural beauty, there is a panoramic view that few other places have.

The trip to Gembirowati is enjoyable and challenging at the same time. As the plateau lies on the northeast of Parangtritis Beach, you can see the scenic sea all the way through. Yet, you must be careful for the road is windy. Upon the plateau, there is a place that is used for the starting point of hang-gliding.

C. Location

Administratively, Gembirowati Plateau covers parts of two districts, Panggang and Purwosari. From Yogyakarta, the place is about 30 km away and from Parangtritis about 3 km.

D. Access

Going by car is not recommended because the road is narrow. Taking public transportation, you may take a bus heading for Parangtritis from Giwangan Station and get off at Parangtritis Station. You should go for another 3 km to the northeast on foot or by motorcycle through a hill called Gupit. Through this route, you will get beautiful scenery and be able watch people play hang-gliding since the hill is their starting point.

Taking motorcycle, you can only go as far as the yard of Gembirowati Temple. If you want to get into the temple’s complex—and also to Pesanggrahan Gembirowati and Sendang Beji, you will have to go on foot.

E. Ticket

There is actually no admission charge in Gembirowati Plateu. However, since the access is through Parangtritis Tourism Area, visitors will get charged Rp 3,000 for admission and Rp 250 for insurance each person. There is an additional charge for vehicle, i.e. Rp 500 for motorcycle (April 2010).

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Aside from the three historical remnants Gembirowati Temple, Pesanggrahan Gembirowati, and Sendang Beji, there is another tourism attraction in this place, Cerme Cave. It is a really beautiful cave with its stalactites and stalagmites and of course, the 1.5 km long underground river.

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

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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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