6 Secret Zen Spots for Healing in Yogyakarta

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule, these natural wonders in Yogyakarta might just be the remedy you're seeking. They may be a bit off the beaten path, but they're still lush and uncrowded. So, if you're planning to visit in Yogyakarta, be sure to check them out!

But why nature, you ask? Well, nature is believed to be a great healer, capable of reducing stress levels when you're surrounded by the great outdoors. Give it a try!

Here are some of the best natural attractions in Yogyakarta that are still pristine and somewhat hidden. Let's go explore them together!

Pantai Ngrumput

Located in Banjarejo, Tanjungsari, Area Hutan, Ngestirejo, Tanjungsari, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, this beach is a bit of a hidden gem. For directions, head towards Drini Beach from the Drini Beach junction, then keep going straight until you reach the Ngrumput Beach parking sign. From the parking area, it's about a 10-minute walk to the beach.

But trust me, it's worth it. Once you see the stretch of clean white sand, hear the soothing sound of the waves, and feel the calming sea breeze, you'll understand. Plus, you can camp here with friends while enjoying the beach and the surrounding hills. Don't have camping gear? No worries, there are tent rentals available for Rp75,000 per tent.

This beach is also flanked by two hills, which provide excellent vantage points for panoramic views of the beach. Taking photos from the top of the hills during sunset or sunrise is absolutely breathtaking.

There are also toilets, a mosque, and a 24-hour convenience store available. So, if you're camping here, you're all set. And because it's not yet crowded with tourists, Ngrumput Beach can be a peaceful healing spot if you visit in Yogyakarta.

Puncak Segoro

Still in the Gunung Kidul area, there's another natural wonder in Jogja that's worth a visit: Segoro Peak, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views from a high vantage point. You can reach this spot via Jalan Imogiri Barat, Jalan Bakulan Imogiri, or Jalan Raya Panggang Wonosari.

There's a café located on the cliff overlooking the sea where you can relax and enjoy a meal while watching the sunset. Sounds amazing, right?

To reach the cliff, you can take the provided escalator or climb the stairs. If you want to climb to the highest peak (Segoro Hinggil), it'll cost you Rp75,000 per person (including a Rp25,000 meal voucher). Otherwise, you can just pay Rp25,000 - Rp50,000 per person.

I recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon (before 6:00 PM) to avoid the crowds and long queues to get to the cliff. Plus, if it's less crowded, you can relax and enjoy the view for longer.

Curug Gedhe

Another hidden natural gem is Curug Gedhe. Located in the Gunung Kidul area, this natural attraction offers views of a pristine waterfall.

It's a bit hidden, located in Dusun Gambyong, Ngoro-oro, Patuk, about 12 km from the Pathuk District. You'll need to descend the cliffs from the Gambyong Waterfall for about 5 minutes to reach Curug Gedhe. Surrounding the waterfall are limestone cliffs that add to its beauty.

My advice is to visit during the rainy season to ensure the waterfall is flowing. Be cautious when descending the stairs from the parking area to the waterfall. But trust me, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

De Mangol Jogja

A trendy hangout spot for young people, De Mangol Jogja offers a unique natural experience where you can take photos from a high vantage point with stunning city lights in the background.

Located at Jalan Raya Patuk Ngoro-ngoro KM 1.4, Sumber Tetes, Patuk, Gunungkidul - Yogyakarta, it takes about 40 minutes to drive from Wonosari town square to De Mangol.

De Mangol is perfect for hanging out with friends while enjoying the food stalls there. During New Year's Eve, De Mangol also hosts lantern festivals and fireworks displays, which are always exciting.

You can also celebrate your birthday here with a garden party and BBQ. For young people who like to try new things, you can join short classes, such as painting or cooking classes, held here.

Mangrove Baros  

Another attraction is Mangrove Baros, which features a coastal water concept where you can explore mangrove forests by canoe. It's located in Dusun Baros, Tirtohargo, Bantul - Yogyakarta, or simply put, it's on the west side of Parangtritis Beach.

It's most fun to visit when it's crowded because you can go canoeing with friends, relax in the pavilions, or go fishing. The canoe route is quite long, extending to the estuary near the southern coast of Jogja.

The canoe rental fee is Rp50,000, and it includes a free cup of instant noodles. Since Mangrove Baros has been a mangrove conservation center in Jogja since 2003, you can also participate in mangrove planting activities, which is definitely a new experience.

I recommend visiting in the late afternoon. Not only is it not too hot, but you can also catch the sunset. It's absolutely beautiful. And watching the birds perched on the mangrove trees while flying around makes it even more stunning.

Gamplong Studio Alam

Gamplong Studio Alam Jogja is a man-made tourist attraction that has been used as a filming location. This nature studio is located in Dusun Gamplong, Desa Sumberrahayu, Moyudan, Sleman - Yogyakarta. You can get there via Jl. Wates KM 15, then look for the Klangon intersection, turn right, and cross the railway bridge. From there, the location of this nature studio is close by.

So, what do you think? This nature tour has it all – excitement, healing vibes, and plenty of content opportunities. Complete package! Are you curious to explore it? Even though it's hidden away, you can easily find it on Google Maps. Let's find those hidden gems and have some fun!