Around two hours’ drive from Yogyakarta, Sadranan Beach is one of the stars of Gunung Kidul’s coastline. Here you can swim, catch some rays, canoe, snorkel, or enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session amid golden sands, clear waters, simple restaurants, and some of the best coral in this part of Java. You can also camp overnight.
There’s a nominal fee to enter Sadranan Beach, with other small charges for parking and camping. The “warung” eateries on the beach peddle water and simple meals—noodles, rice, and fresh fish—and you can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear by the hour. If you want to spend the night, you’ll need to bring your own camping accoutrements.
Relatively few tours visit Sadranan Beach, and those that do treat it as a fun break on an adventure tour from Yogyakarta.
If you’re spending time in Yogyakarta and craving some rays, Sadranan Beach makes a good choice.
As with many Javanese beaches, women generally dress modestly. If you must wear a bikini, think ‘30s starlet, not video vixen.
Sadranan Beach caters mostly to locals. Don’t forget your sunscreen—there’s none available to buy.
Sadranan is a good choice for kids, who will enjoy the water sports.
Sadranan Beach is located 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Yogyakarta, and the drive takes about two hours. Be aware that traffic is even more gridlocked on weekends, and the driving in Indonesia is not for the faint-hearted. However, public transport isn’t really an option unless you speak Indonesian and are planning to camp overnight.
Sadranan Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations for the bustling university city of Yogyakarta. On weekends and Indonesian public holidays, the beach can get unpleasantly crowded, with traffic even slower than normal. As with many Indonesian beaches, garbage in the water can be an issue during wet season; for the most pristine experience, visit between July and September.
While not known for its beaches, Java can deliver. G-Land, on Grajagan Bay, east Java, is a world-class surf break with golden sands to match; the Karimunjawa Archipelago, off the north coast, offers a welter of white-sand islands ripe for exploring. In addition to Sadranan, other beaches near Yogyakarta include Kukup, Parangtritis, and Pok Tunggal.
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