By Regency

Things to Do in Gunungkidul

When it comes to Yogyakarta's best beaches, Gunungkidul is the answer. This regency in the southeast has dozens of beaches with varied character — from Indrayanti's clean white sand and Nglambor for snorkeling, to Timang with its traditional bamboo gondola linking the shore to a rocky islet amid the Indian Ocean's swells. Unlike Bantul's black sand, Gunungkidul's beaches are generally white-sand with dramatic karst cliffs. That karst landscape is the region's defining feature: the Gunung Sewu area is a recognized UNESCO Global Geopark, complete with spectacular caves like Jomblang with its 'light from heaven' and Pindul, famous for cave tubing. Because the area is vast and its sites spread out, Gunungkidul is best explored with a route arranged by proximity. This page gathers guides to Gunungkidul by theme — beaches, karst nature, food, and culture — to help you plan an efficient trip.