Gunungkidul Regency is well-known for being a large karst area with countless caves and underground rivers. Karst characteristics are also shown in many cliffy beaches and small islands nearby. However, that doesn’t mean that Gunungkidul is devoid of the classic lovely white sandy beaches. In fact, Gunungkidul has so many of them along its southern coast.
The main characteristic of white sandy beach in Gunungkidul is that it usually quite a small beach. You will hardly find a long stretch of white sand along this coast. Gunungkidul has developed their road infrastructure in their southern region, making more and more beaches become accessible. Here are some of the best white sandy beach in Gunung Kidul.
Indrayanti
Indrayanti beach sometimes is also called Pulang Sawal, is very much accessible, even by bus. Approximately a kilometer long, Indrayanti is one of the longest white sandy beach in Gunung Kidul. Apart from the ease of access, Indrayanti is also supported with relatively good accommodation. Tourists have a lot of eating options as many restaurants offering seafood and coconut drinks.
Siung
Siung Beach is unique. It’s not known for its lovely white sandy beach, but mostly because this place is a heaven for rock climbing. The limestone cliffs around Siung Beach is an ideal natural wall for climbers to test their skills, form beginners to experienced climber can have their spots here. If you want to just enjoy the panorama, you can comfortably relax on the beach that faces Indian Ocean.
Sadranan
Physically, Sadranan is similar to Indrayanti Beach and the size is also comparable. However, Sadranan has more potentials in term of fun activities. You can snorkel here and even if you don’t bring your own gear, you can rent it on the spot.
The beach is also swimmable during a calm season. You will get notification for high waves season, meaning you can enter the waters, only the beach.
Sundak
Located in Sidoharjo Village, Sundak Beach has big waves compared to other beaches. There are huge limestone cliffs on each side of the beach, making Sundak feels like a secluded hidden heaven. You definitely can’t swim during the big waves, but Sundak offer more than waters and white sand.
You can camp here, enjoying the night with fresh seafood from local fishermen. Since there are generally not many people here, your stay will definitely be peaceful.
Pok Tunggal
The beach got its name from a solitary Duras tree. However, this beach is actually well-vegetated apart from the white sand area. Pok Tuggal is located to the west of Indrayanti Beach and is accessible with a car. This beach has a magnificent sunset view and is also a great camping ground. There are also many restaurant nearby in case you don’t bring your own food here.
Overall, Gunungkidul has many wonderful beaches, either with white sand or not. And since many of the beaches here are secluded, they make good camping grounds. Exploring Gunungkidul coast could be awesome if you consider that there are also those cliffy beach with crazy cable cars.
