Kaliurang Resort Area

Rating :

4 ( 1 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

Kaliurang nggon adem neng lereng Merapi

Cemilane jadah tempe bacem ngangeni

Those who speak Javanese must understand the meaning of the above lines. They are taken from the lyrics of the song “Ngayogyakarta” by Genk Kobra. In English, they mean more or less: Kaliurang is a cool place at the slope of Merapi, its special snacks are the extraordinary soybean cake and glutinous rice cake. The lyrics give a good picture of Kaliurang, one of Sleman’s most-visited tourism resorts which is situated in the south mountainside of Merapi.

Kaliurang lies in the north part of Yogyakarta Province. At ± 878 m above the sea surface, Kaliurang has a cool and fresh air, tending to be freezing at times. The temperature in the area is usually 20^o– 25^oC, good for those in recovery period after an illness.

Kaliurang has been a renowned resting place since Dutch colonial time. People say, early in the 19^th century, a number of Dutch geologists who lived in Yogyakarta were looking for a resting place for their families. In the attempt, they went to the north part of Yogyakarta and eventually turned up in Kaliurang. The Dutch gentlemen were amazed by the natural beauty and cool atmosphere. They decided to build some bungalows there.

After the Dutch left Indonesia, Kaliurang remained being used as a resting place. Many companies and institutions set up villas there. At first, the villas were used for their internal events but over the time, they began to be open for rent for public. Besides the villas, there are also facilities and tourism spots to please tourists, such as playground, camping ground, viewing post, and swimming pool.

B. Features

Kaliurang air is clean, cool, and fresh that it can help restore your physical and mental health. It feels like very quiet and calm in there. On the other side of the government’s forest and Boyong River, Merapi stands vigorously. Even in midday, when the sun is right above your head, the fresh air can still be felt. Then it starts to get cold in afternoon as the mist starts going down, covering the view of Merapi and the trees.

There are many things you can do in Kaliurang. One of them is taking a walk around the area. You are not going to get lost even if you do not know the route for the passages are inter-connected. You can walk to the Viewing Post and Observation Post on the east area. In this place, which is right next to Boyong River, you can see the beauty of Merapi peak and also Boyong River, which was passed through by the pyroclastic flow in 1994.

If you feel like to go into the forest, you can go to the west side, precisely to Telogo Putri (lake) and Plawangan Turgo Hill. You can do some trekking activities through the passages inside the forest, through Watu Kemloso, and, if you want it, continue your walk to Kalikuning or Kaliadem. You will likely encounter monkeys and Javanese eagles in the forest.

Children can play around in the playground, where there are many games and rides that will add to their cheerfulness. You can also take a kereta kelinci (tour train) to get around Kaliurang. And for history lovers, there are Wisma Kaliurang, Jepang Cave, and Ullen Sentalu Museum.

C. Location

Administratively, Kaliurang tourism resort is located in the territory of Hargobinangun Village, Pakem District, Sleman Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta.

D. Access

As one of the main family tourism destinations in the area, Kaliurang, which is 28 km away from Yogyakarta downtown, is very reachable by private or public transportation. From Yogyakarta, Kaliurang is a one-hour ride away through Kaliurang Street. Tourists coming from the east like Klaten, Solo, or Surabaya, can take Solo Street then take a right turn through the South Ring Road soon as they enter Yogyakarta. Turn right at Kentungan crossroad through Kaliurang Street and go straight up to Kaliurang.

E. Ticket

Tourists will be charged for the admission ticket Rp 2,000 for adult, Rp 1,000 for child, and additional transportation charge Rp 500 for motorcycle, Rp 2,000 for car, and Rp 3,000 for bus or truck. These ticket charges apply for normal days. For holidays, the admission charges will be Rp 3,000 for adult and Rp 1,500 for child (August 2010). There is no change about the additional transportation charge.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Kaliurang has long been famous that the Dutch ladies and gentlemen came to the area for pleasure and rest. No wonder that today, Kaliurang has been provided with facilities. Among the facilities are:

Inns: There are so many inns of various types and prices, starting from big-capacity inns with meeting room to small motels with adequate facilities. All you need is choose one.

Eating places: Eating places are here there. One of the food you should try is Jadah Tempe (a heap of glutinous rice cake and soybean cake), which is the special delicacy of Kaliurang. Besides, there is also the Rabbit Satay. Apart from the restaurants and food stalls, you can also find food and beverages around the playground arena and Plawangan-Turgo Tourism Park. There are peddlers selling dawet ice, cocktail, roasted corn, etc.

Tour train: It is a facility provided for those who want to take a look around Kaliurang but do not feel like walking. This mini train is usually called Kereta Kelinci. You will only need to pay Rp 3,000 for a ride passing Kaliurang Bus Station—Playground—Viewing Post—Wisma Kaliurang—Camping Ground—Plawangan Turgo Tourism Park.

Playground: The 10.000 m²wide park is a place to visit if you come with your children. The shady park is equipped with rides such as swing, toy car, and so on.

Merapi Viewing Post and Observation Post: Located on the bank of Boyong River, the place is where tourists can see Merapi clearly. However, Merapi is usually covered by mist in the afternoon.

Camping ground: Scouts or students often use this facility to camp or hold a gathering.

Places of Worship: There are mosques and churches around Kaliurang, making it possible for tourists to stay close to the Almighty. Around Plawangan Turgo, there are grottos used by Christians as places of worship. This place is known as Bukit Dao Malta (Malta Prayers Hill).

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

Read : 10552 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

If you had visited this location, rate and leave a commentary to be noticed by its management and surrounding governmental tourism board.

Share