Yogyakarta: Pantai Parangtritis, the Most Popular Tourist Beach

Parangtritis Beach is one of Yogyakarta's mainstay beach attractions. This beach is arguably the most popular tourist beach in this city. It's not legal to go to Yogyakarta if you haven't set foot on Parangtritis Beach.

Parangtritis Beach is located in Parangtritis Village, Kretek District, Bantul Regency, about 25 km south of Yogyakarta City.

Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, this beach has big waves, so swimming is prohibited on this beach. The ban on swimming at this beach is like giving us a new color to be able to enjoy the beach in another way. For example, by horse-drawn carriage along the beach while enjoying the waves and the sunset in the afternoon.

If you want more adrenaline, ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) rental is available. You can drive this vehicle to circle the beach. The wide expanse of sand and strong winds owned by this beach make this beach fun to be used as a place to play kites.

The best time to visit this beach in my opinion is in the afternoon, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and the charm of the sunset that this beach has. At Parangtritis Beach, just taking a leisurely walk while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding nature mingling with the sound of the waves and the breeze blowing is also very exciting.

Regarding naming, the name Parangtritis has its own story. It is said that in the era of the Majapahit Kingdom, a man named Dipokusumo fled from the kingdom and came to this place to meditate. While meditating, he saw water dripping (tumaritis) from the cracks of the rock (machete). That's where Dipokusumo finally gave the name Parangtritis, which means water dripping from a rock.

Parangtritis Beach, according to the beliefs of the Javanese people, has a close relationship with the magical kingdom of the Queen of the South Coast. The Queen of the South Coast, commonly called Ratu Kidul or Nyai Loro Kidul, is believed to be the ruler of the southern seas and Parangtritis is said to be the gateway to the southern sea kingdom. The local community believes that if someone comes to this beach wearing green clothes, that person will get a disaster. So, you should avoid wearing green clothes when visiting this beach.

The beach is my most favorite place to visit. I love afternoon walks on the beach. Parangtritis Beach which is a favorite beach for many people has now also become one of my favorite beaches. I am happy to see the togetherness of the visitors to spend this afternoon on the beach with the people closest to them.