Gunungkidul Regency offers diverse tourist attractions, from beaches and caves to water adventures, mountains, and artificial sites. Each destination boasts its unique charm; some provide adrenaline-pumping experiences that visitors should not miss.
1. Exploring Jomblang Cave
Jomblang Cave is not your typical cave. This vertical cave, formed by a geological collapse of soil and vegetation, features a sinkhole at its entrance with a depth of 50 meters. Adventurers need special equipment and skills to explore Jomblang. Once inside, visitors are captivated by the breathtaking features, including the famous “heavenly light” that filters through the cave. To witness this phenomenon, one must traverse 300 meters into the cave.
2. Jogja Swing at Nguluran Beach’s Glass Terrace
For those seeking a thrilling experience, the Jogja Swing at the Glass Terrace of Nguluran Beach, Girikarto Village, Panggang District, is a must-visit. The swing, equipped with safety measures, dangles visitors over the Indian Ocean, offering a unique sensation of flying above the sea. This attraction has drawn visitors from near and far. During Ramadan, from March 14 to April 14, tickets are discounted from Rp 100,000 to Rp 50,000, with package deals also available at half price. Gabilla Nasution, Marketing Manager at the Glass Terrace, ensures the safety of all equipment, allowing visitors to enjoy the exhilarating experience fully.
3. Pulau Kalong Suspension Bridge
Another adrenaline-inducing destination in Gunungkidul is Pulau Kalong, also known as Pulau Gelatik, located in the Pantai Wediombo area, Jepitu Village, Girisubo District. This island, attracting photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers, is reminiscent of Timang Beach in Purwodadi Village, Tepus District. To reach Pulau Kalong, visitors must cross a suspension bridge, once equipped with a gondola, spanning the choppy sea below.
The journey to Pulau Kalong is demanding, with challenging terrain and inadequate access roads. However, the destination’s breathtaking scenery and serene environment make the arduous trip worthwhile. Crossing the wooden plank bridge requires courage, especially when gusts of wind make the bridge sway, adding to the thrill of the adventure.
In conclusion, Gunungkidul’s extreme tourism spots offer unique and unforgettable experiences for those daring enough to explore them. From the depths of Jomblang Cave to the heights of Jogja Swing and the suspense of Pulau Kalong’s suspension bridge, these destinations promise to exhilarate and enchant all who visit.