Hidden charm of Pok Tunggal beach in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is famous for its stunning natural attractions, and one of them is Pok Tunggal Beach.

This beach offers such beautiful views that it’s been called “The Hidden Paradise” by visitors who are amazed by its charm.

The beach used to be known only by a few people, but with a natural freshwater spring that flows continuously, it’s become a popular spot, especially during the dry season.

Now, it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Yogyakarta! Keep reading for more details!

Pok Tunggal Beach

You must be curious about why this beach is called Pok Tunggal, right? Well, the name actually has an interesting story behind it. The word “Pok” comes from the Javanese language, which means “tree,” and “Tunggal” means “one.” So, why is it called a single tree? Because there’s only one Duras tree growing right in the middle of the beach.

This Duras tree is no ordinary tree, though. It’s known to be really hard to grow in coastal areas like Gunung Kidul, which have a lot of limestone. That’s why the locals consider it special. They believe this tree brings blessings and prosperity to their village.

And that’s how the name “Pantai Pok Tunggal” came about. Thanks to the unique single tree, the beach has become a special spot that draws people in, making them curious to see this legendary tree for themselves. Cool, right?

Plus, the tree represents strength and resilience. It’s witnessed all the changes the beach has gone through over the years. So, when you visit Pok Tunggal Beach, don’t forget to snap a photo with this Duras tree as a fun memory of your visit to this exotic beach!

Location

Pok Tunggal Beach is located in Tepus Village, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. With its white sand and blue ocean, it’s often called “The Hidden Paradise” because it’s tucked away behind cliffs.

It’s not too far from the city center of Yogyakarta – about 68.6 kilometers, or roughly a 1 hour and 48-minute drive by car.

To get to Pok Tunggal Beach, you can head through Banguntapan, then continue on Jl. Baron, Jl. Pantai Selatan Jawa, and Jl. Pantai Pok Tunggal. From there, it’s not too far to the beach.

Before heading out, make sure your car is in good condition. The road to Pok Tunggal Beach is quite narrow and full of sharp turns.

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Operational Hours

Pok Tunggal Beach is a great spot to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. You can visit the beach anytime – in the morning, afternoon, evening, or even at night.

Pok Tunggal Beach opening hours: Open 24 hours.

Since it’s open 24 hours, you can plan your visit according to your schedule. To avoid the weekend crowds, it’s better to go on weekdays, from Monday to Friday.

If you’re hoping to catch the sunrise, arrive early so you don’t miss the moment when the sun comes up. But if you’re more into sunsets, aim to get there around 4-5 PM. After that, you can relax by the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset vibes.

Entrance Fees

The entrance fee to Pok Tunggal Beach is quite affordable and budget-friendly for everyone. You won’t need to spend more than IDR 20,000 to get in and cover the parking fee.

Here’s a breakdown of the entrance and parking fees you should know:

• Entrance fee: IDR 10,000 per person
• Motorbike parking: IDR 3,000 per motorbike
• Car parking: IDR 5,000 per car
• Minibus parking: IDR 10,000 per minibus

Facilities

According to the Gunung Kidul government website, Pok Tunggal Beach is well-equipped with various facilities, as it’s one of the most popular beaches visited by tourists. So, it’s no surprise that the local government has paid special attention to the amenities here.

Here are the facilities you can find and enjoy at Pok Tunggal Beach:

• Restrooms for both urinating and defecating
• Parking area for motorbikes, cars, and minibuses
• Beach umbrellas for relaxing without getting too hot
• Dome tents for chilling out
• Camping area for overnight stays
• Food stalls for a tasty meal
• Accommodations
• A musholla (prayer room) for prayer.

Things You Can Do!

There are plenty of fun activities and attractions to enjoy at Pok Tunggal Beach, including:

1. Enjoying the Beauty of the Beach and Ocean

Pok Tunggal Beach has clean, white sand and beautiful blue waters. It’s no wonder many people visit just to take in the natural beauty.
You can bring your own mat or blanket to relax on the sand, and if needed, you can rent a beach umbrella to stay cool while lounging by the sea.

2. Camping by the Beach

If you’re up for an overnight stay at Pok Tunggal Beach, don’t forget to bring your tent and camping gear! The beach has a special camping area set up for visitors who want to camp near the shore.

However, it’s a good idea to check with the beach management or the on-duty staff to make sure your camping experience is safe and comfortable.

3. Taking Photos

No trip to Pok Tunggal Beach is complete without taking some photos. One of the most popular photo spots is the area with the white sand. If you pose and take pictures here, you’ll have a stunning blue ocean backdrop in your photos.

There are also unique trees around the beach that face the ocean. These can make for great photo spots to capture your moments.

4. Admiring the Surrounding Hills

Pok Tunggal Beach is surrounded by beautiful hills. The view of the blue ocean framed by these hills is truly a treat for the eyes! On the west side, you’ll see Bukit Tirta Pok Tunggal, and on the east side, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of Bukit Pajong.

5. Cliff Climbing

The cliffs around Pok Tunggal Beach are a big draw for adrenaline junkies. Visitors can try rock climbing on these surrounding cliffs.

But keep in mind, rock climbing is a high-risk activity. It’s best left to professionals or those who are experienced in climbing. If you’ve never done rock climbing before, it’s better to skip it for safety reasons.

6. Swimming and Playing in the Water

The first activity you can do at Pok Tunggal Beach is swimming or just playing in the water. It’s a fun activity to do with anyone, whether it’s friends, your partner, or kids.

Just remember, the waves here are usually moderate, so it’s best to stay near the shore when swimming.

7. Snorkeling and Diving

Besides swimming, you can also try snorkeling or even diving when you visit this beach.

The water at Pok Tunggal Beach is super clear, so you can enjoy seeing the underwater life, from fish swimming around to beautiful coral reefs.

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Attractions

There are a few other attractions that make this beach a great spot to add to your list of places to visit on your next holiday. Here’s a complete rundown.

1. Natural Beauty

Pantai Pok Tunggal offers a stunning view that’s hard to beat. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, the beach gives off a peaceful and relaxing vibe.

Along the shore, you’ll find tall coral cliffs that add to the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape. These cliffs attract nature photographers and adventurers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The calm waves at Pantai Pok Tunggal also make it a great spot for anyone looking to unwind. Visitors can relax by the water, take a stroll along the soft sand, or splash around in the shallows. And when sunset rolls around, the beach becomes even more magical with a breathtaking sunset view.

2. White Sand

Another great thing about this beach is its soft, clean white sand. It pairs perfectly with the clear blue water. On the shore, there’s a Durian tree that has become the icon of the beach. It’s special because Durian trees are hard to grow in coastal areas, so the locals really take care of it.

3. Coral Cliffs

Another cool feature of Pantai Pok Tunggal is the coral cliffs that surround the beach. These cliffs are about 50 meters high and are perfect for rock climbing if you’re up for a challenge.

From the top, you’ll get an amazing view of the beach below. You might even spot some wild monkeys or langurs hanging around the trees on the cliffs!

Travel Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Pantai Pok Tunggal, here are a few tips to make your visit even better:

1. Visit on Weekdays: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go on weekdays. The beach can get pretty busy on weekends or during holiday seasons.
2. Bring Your Own Camping Gear: If you want to camp, it’s a good idea to bring your own gear for comfort. However, if that’s not possible, you can rent camping equipment around the beach.
3. Keep It Clean: Pantai Pok Tunggal is known for being a clean beach, so make sure to help out by not leaving any trash behind.
4. Arrive Before Sunset: To catch the stunning sunset, try to get there earlier and grab a good spot to relax and enjoy the view.
5. Stay Safe: Even though the waves are generally calm, always stay cautious when swimming, especially during high tide.