Enjoy Indonesia

A. Overview

Speaking of coastal tourism in Yogyakarta, we will surely include Parangtritis and Baron Beach among the most popular ones. However, for rock climbing maniacs, there is a must-visit beach situated at the south coast of Gunung Kidul called Siung Beach.

Siung Beach is on the same coastal line with Baron and Sundak Beach. It has magnificent view and landscape. Not to mention it has a distinctive attraction for climbers: the protuberant cliffs. The cliffs are most wanted by climbers who are getting bored with wall climbing. They attempt to conquer the real cliffs.

Before being recognized as a rock climbing arena by people, Siung Beach was previously a dirty, isolated and desolate beach. However, since it was known as climbing one, people started to tidy up and beautify the beach. Although rock climbers recognize Siung Beach as the most beautiful and challenging site, there has been no data stating when the slopes was first climbed.

Tebing Siung officially opened for public climbing area in 2000. The opening was marked by the initiative making of Welcome to Siung passage by Takeuchi Masanobu upon the recommendation of Kepala Bidang Panjat Tebing Alam Pengda Federasi Panjat Tebing Indonesia (FPTI) (The Head of Rock Climbing Division of Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation) DIY, Henry Darmawan. At early 2001, Yogyakarta climbers regularly climbed Siung cliffs and held Temu Panjat Tebing Yogyakarta (TPTY) (the Gathering of Yogyakarta Rock Climbing).

On May 2004 Siung was used as the location for Giat Petualangan RAIMUNA Pramuka. The gathering and kenal medan (field orientation) by mapala (nature lover students) of Indonesia was also held here on December 2004. Later, on September 2005, the government of DIY officially stated Siung Beach as a special interest in rock climbing. The inauguration was marked with the Asean Climbing Gathering 2005. There were approximately 250 climbers from six countries (Singapore, Germany, France, Philiphines, Malaysia and Indonesia) joined the international activity (http://matahenry.blogspot.com).

B. Feature

The wave splash and the set breeze are as if welcoming you as soon as you set your feet on this beach. The scent of the sea mix with the sect of and the lime hills. Row of karst cliffs mounting on the seashore is as though calling for you to climb them. It is no exaggeration to call Siung Beach “the best rock climbing site in Yogyakarta.”

Siung Beach cliffs are composed of karts or limestone, and the highest cliff reaches less than 15 m. There are many climbing passages of different grades (a system to evaluate the difficulty level in rock climbing), from 5.9 to 5.13. There are actually 250 potential passages to be made, however, the existing passages are only 45.

Siung cliffs have such various characteristics that they are divided into several blocks, from block A to block L, and they are likely to become more. However, climbers mostly use block A to block K. Some of these blocks are specialized for artificial climbers (climbing by setting personal safety), aid climbing (safety and equipment already set), or free climbing (climbing without equipment).

To warm up, you can try the “Welcome” passage on block A. After that, you can choose the block and passage you wish to conquer. Beginners are advised to try the beginner passage on block D which has the lowest difficulty level. The hardest passage is on block G.

For the experienced ones, the favourite track to conquer is the Sea Horse passage above the wave spash. This is the highest passage and of moderate difficulty level. Additionally, it has the most beautiful view on top of it. All weariness will be paid off as climbers manage to conquer all hindrances and reach the top. Not only satisfaction do the climbers get, but also a bonus of a beautiful scenery.

Besides the challenging cliffs, there is also the habitat of long-tail monkey in this area. This primate lives in the rifts or caves of the cliffs. There are thousands of them and they keep themselves from intruding the climbers, instead, they become another attraction.

After getting tired of climbing, you can relax along the beach: playing volley, sea bathing or just sitting and playing with the sand. If you feel able to continue the climbing, evening is the perfect time to see the sunset from the cliff top. If you are exhausted, though, enjoying the sunset from the beach is just as beautiful.

C. Location

The climbing area is located at Siung Beach, Dusun Wates, Desa Purwodadi, Kecamatan Tepus, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.

D. Access

Siung Beach is 80 km from Yogyakarta, or about 2 hour drive by car or motorcysle. For you who take the public transportation, you can depart from Giwangan Bus Station by Yogyakarta - Wonosari bus. From Wonosari Bus Station you can take the angkot (urban vehicle) to Jepitu and get off at Siung Beach intersection. Lastly, you can take ojek (motor-taxy) to Siung Beach.

If you do not feel like getting on and off buses, you can rent a small car of 6-10 passengers from Wonosari Bus Station and go directly to Siung Beach. Driving your own car is a lot more easier. You can drive through one of these routes: Yogyakarta – Patuk – Wonosari – Tepus or Yogyakarta – Imogiri – Panggang – Wonosari – Tepus. Both routes have splendid view.

E. Ticket

Climbing steep cliffs of Siung Beach is free off charge. You are only required to pay Rp 3.000 for Siung Beach retribution.

F. Accommodations and Facilities

As a tourism site of both special interest and coastal tourism, Siung Beach has been equipped with various facilities. Some of them are: parking area, musholla (Moslem’s prayer-house for any devotion except Friday Prayer), public toilets, food stalls, camping ground, and stage huts for climbers. Climbers who want to use the huts can call FPTI Yogyakarta to get a letter of recommendation. In addition, there is Tepus Puskesmas (local government clinic) with ER facility about 10-20 minute walk.

Climbing equipment rental is not available here. That means you have to bring your own. Moreover, it is suggested that you wear your helmet when climbing. This is due to the high corrosion level of the cliffs that the climbers must be extra careful with.

Source : Wisata Melayu