JC. Princen Mount Merapi
Driving through Yogyakarta’s countryside is a pleasure because of its various scenic spots of idyllic villages and fertile farmland spread out against the background of the mountain landscape. The vicinity of Yogyakarta is a natural vacation land that offers all possibilities for an enjoyable holiday. There are hill resorts on the mountain slope for relaxation and the weather is invigorating
Mountain lovers will experience a real adventure of mountaineering. Mount Merapi is situated north of Yogyakarta with a height of 2,920 meters above sea level. From a distance, one can always see white smoke emerging from the top of the volcano, amid the moving clouds in the deep blue sky. The crater of the volcano is a sandy plateau of about four hectares with several smaller creatures which are still active. The top of the volcano can be observed from a distance From the western slope.
Turi village, about I5 kilometers from Yogyakarta. For a better view a visit to Plawangan, the observatory resort, can be done by walking up a pathway from Kaliurang for about an hour. In the observatory resort, one can use binoculars to observe the top of the volcano.
The best time to enjoy the beauty of the volcano is right after the sunrise, about six to eight o’clock in the morning Climbing to the top of Mount Merapi can be done within seven to eight hours, when the volcano is not active. The shortest route to the top is from Selo, a village between Merapi and Merbabu. It takes about three hours to reach the top from Selo. For those who are interested in climbing Mount Merapi are advised to obtain some valuable information from the Departement of Volcanology in Yogyakarta beforehand.
Kaliurang
A visit to Kaliurang, a popular mountain resort some 24 km north of Yogyakarta, either in the morning or early afternoon can help to escape the heat and humidity of Yogyakarta. The sleepy green valleys and the lazy hills provide a nice setting for the youth to go camping or mountain climbing. Sometimes, especially at night, one can see a spectacular sight of lava coming down the mountain. Various tourist facilities are available, like restaurants, hotels, tennis courts, swimming pools, parks, and a camping ground
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Jurang Boyong
Jurang Boyong is located at Kaliurang Mountain resort. It is a green valley with a cool and windy atmoshpere a good place to relax and enjoy the panorama in the surrounding
On the western side between the western part forest and east part of the forest, stick land is used as connecting land. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the panorama of mountainsides, including Turgo, a tiny
hill as if protecting Yogyakarta from lava chreat of the Merapi when there is an eruption. With its I50 meter deep river, Jurang Boyong is really an interesting tourist resort.
Kiskendo Cave
Some 35 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, on a hill north of Kulon Progo Regency, a small well-asphalted road leads to Kiskendo cave. Only small kinds of four-wheeled vehicles can reach the cave.
Those who visit the cave with a big bus must leave the vehicle at Niten village, close to Giri Mulyo subdistrict office about eight kilometers from the cave. On the way to the cave, one can enjoy the
beautiful panorama along the windy road. Valleys, green farmland and simple rural traditional houses reflect the traditional atmosphere in which the people live.
Entering the Kiskendo cave, visitors will be greeted by beautiful stalactites and stalagmites like many other limestone caves in general. According to the legend, the natural shape of the cave was once the palace of two giants by the names of Maesosuro and Lembusuro who were defeated by Subali as depicted on the relief in front of the cave.
Selarong Cave
This cave is a historical site which should be preserved. In the past, it used to be a guerrilla headquarters of Prince Diponegoro in the struggle against the Dutch colonial during the war between 1825-1830. He moved to Selarong after his home at Tegalrejo was attacked and burned down by the Dutch
The cave is located some 14 km south of Yogyakarta, on the top of a hill with many Guava trees.
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