Journey Indonesia – Watu Lawang Beach is a beach tourist destination in Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. This beach offers enchanting natural beauty with coral reefs, white sand, and blue ocean, a special attraction for visiting tourists. Watu Lawang Beach is located west of Pok Tunggal Beach and Kukup Beach, making it one of the must-visit beaches when in Gunung Kidul.
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Location and Route to Watu Lawang Beach
Watu Lawang Beach is located in Tepus District, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. To access this beach, tourists must travel about 70 km from the center of Yogyakarta. The route that can be taken is through Jalan Imogiri Timur, then Jalan Gunung Kidul – Playen – Tepus. After that, follow the road signs that lead to Watu Lawang Beach.
Entrance Ticket Price and Operating Hours of Watu Lawang Beach
The entrance ticket price of Watu Lawang Beach is quite affordable. Tourists only pay IDR 10,000 per person, while motorcycle and car parking fees are IDR 2,000 and IDR 5,000, respectively. The beach is open for 24 hours, but tourists are advised to visit during the day to enjoy the beauty of the beach to the fullest.
The Beauty and Attractiveness of Watu Lawang Beach
One of the beauties of Watu Lawang Beach, which is the main attraction, is the large rock that stands upright in the middle of the beach. This rock is called “Watu Lawang”, which in Javanese means “Stone Door”. The beauty of this rock becomes a charming background for photo spots, so many tourists capture moments here.
In addition, Watu Lawang Beach also has clean and soft white sand. The waves on this beach are quite calm, making it suitable for swimming or just playing water. The atmosphere of the beach is still quiet and natural, making Watu Lawang Beach a suitable destination to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Watu Lawang Beach Facilities
WatuLawang beach area provides various facilities for the convenience of visitors, including gazebos, toilets, canteens, and large parking lots. Tourists can use the pavilion in this beach area to relax while enjoying the stunning sea view. At the canteen, tourists can enjoy a variety of typical beach dishes, such as grilled fish and young coconut.
Although Watu Lawang Beach does not yet have an official inn, several inns are around the nearby beaches, such as Indrayanti Beach and Pok Tunggal Beach. Visitors can also choose to spend the night at inns in the city center of Gunung Kidul.
Other Beach Tours Around Watu Lawang Beach
Watu Lawang Beach is just one of the many beautiful beaches in Gunung Kidul. If you want to explore more interesting beaches around Watu Lawang Beach, tourists can visit several other beaches, such as:
- Indrayanti Beach: Located near Watu Lawang Beach, Indrayanti Beach offers beautiful white sand and clear seawater. At this beach, visitors can enjoy various exciting activities on the coastline, such as swimming, snorkeling, and playing banana boats.
- Pok Tunggal Beach: This beach offers exotic natural scenery with coral cliffs flanking the beach area. Pok Tunggal Beach is also known as one of the deserted beaches, making it suitable for tourists looking for a quiet and peaceful beach atmosphere.
- Kukup Beach: Known for the giant coral reef that rises in the middle of the sea, Kukup Beach is an attractive tourist destination. Here, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sea view while walking around the rock or riding the suspension bridge that connects the shoreline to the rock.
Tips for Visiting Watu Lawang Beach
To make your trip to Watu Lawang Beach run smoothly and enjoyable, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Wear appropriate equipment: Since the beach is located on a coral reef, wearing comfortable and non-slip footwear is advisable when walking around the beach.
- Keeping the beach clean: Watu Lawang Beach is one of the beaches that is still natural and not too crowded. Therefore, tourists need to keep the beach clean by not littering.
- Bring personal equipment: Although the beach provides some facilities, such as gazebos and canteens, it doesn’t hurt to bring your equipment, such as mats, beach umbrellas, and snacks, to enjoy the beach atmosphere more comfortably.
- Check the weather conditions: Before leaving for Watu Lawang Beach, check the weather conditions first so as not to be hindered by rain or bad weather while visiting the beach.
- Use sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply enough sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially at the beach, all day.
- Obey the rules and maintain safety: Always abide by the rules at Watu Lawang Beach, such as not approaching dangerous coral areas or not swimming in prohibited areas. Do not hesitate to ask for help or information from the beach attendants.
Conclusion
Watu Lawang Beach in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, is a beach destination with enchanting natural beauty. With coral reefs, white sand, and blue sea as its main attraction, Watu Lawang Beach is the right choice for tourists who want to enjoy a calm beach atmosphere that is not too crowded. In addition, this beach is also equipped with various adequate facilities, such as pavilions, canteens, and toilets, so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the beach comfortably. Don’t forget to explore other beaches around Watu Lawang Beach, such as Indrayanti Beach, Pok Tunggal Beach, and Kukup Beach, to complete your travel experience in Gunung Kidul.
Is there public transportation to Watu Lawang Beach?
Public transportation to Watu Lawang Beach is very limited. The best alternative is to use a private vehicle, such as a motorcycle or car, or rent a vehicle from the center of Yogyakarta.
Can I camp at Watu Lawang Beach?
Although there are no official facilities for camping at Watu Lawang Beach, tourists can still camp at nearby beaches, such as Indrayanti Beach and Pok Tunggal Beach. Make sure always to maintain cleanliness and safety when camping.
Is Watu Lawang Beach suitable for children?
Watu Lawang Beach is suitable for children because of its relatively calm waves. However, always keep an eye on your kids while playing at the beach to keep them safe.
