TABUHAN CAVE

Tabuhan Cave is adorned with limestone stalactites and stalagmites which produce unique music tones when they got beaten. Various fossil artifacts have been found in this site, including human teeth sticking on the wall.

TABUHAN CAVE – The Musical Cave

Are you a fan of traditional music, especiallyGamelan? Well, it means that you should consider Tabuhan Cave as one of your travel destinations. Wait, what is the relation between a cave and gamelan music? Well, the name "Tabuhan" comes from the word "tabuh", means playing drum instruments.

When you enter this cave area which is located around 40 km from Pacitan, you will be amazed by the mouth of the cave. The cavity, as wide as 16 m in the slope of karsts mountain topography, is adorned with many white limestone stalactites. These stalactites reminded YogYES with yawning giant’s fang. The inside of the cave is wide and big enough, with some of dark nooks on the corners. Although a cement trail has paved inside, you still have to watch your steps. Some of the stalactites are still dropping the minerals water and it makes some of the areas slippery.

The cave, located in Dusun Tabuhan, Wereng Village, Punung Region, is categorized as one of the most important pre-historic sites and assumed as one of the pre-historical men’s dry settlements. Research proves this cave had been inhabited by pre-historic men 50 thousands year ago. The researchers found a site where the prehistoric men made their stone tools from 10 thousands year ago, mollusks, and some pre-historic men’s teeth sticking on the cave walls. On the right side, there are some of archaeological excavations which have been fenced. Unfortunately, the fossil artifacts are not exhibited here.

Walking to the right side inside the cave, you will find the answer of the relation between this cave and gamelan music. Some of the stalactites and stalagmites will produce harmonic tones and creates some music when they got beaten. A group of local musicians take that advantage of this unique phenomenon to entertain visitors. You just need to pay 70 thousands rupiah and they will play 6 Javanese songs. Interested in hearing some stalactite music?

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GONG CAVE

Gong Cave has become one of the most popular caves in Pacitan because of its stunning stalactites and Stalagmites. Exploring this wide cave will bring you to amaze the beautiful limestone shapes from the sediment mineral water formed in thousands year ago

GONG CAVE – Exploring a Cave with Stunning Stalactites and Stalagmites

What comes in your mind when you hear the word “cave”? Dark, wet, and scary? Well, it means you have not visited Gong Cave. Located about 30 km in the west of Pacitan, this cave is far from scary impression. The tourism department has built a cement trail route that gives more accessibility to reach the cave. The local dwellers assemble in front of the cave, offering their guide services and also flashlights.

Entering the first chamber which is not wide enough, you will be welcomed by many straws shape limestone ornaments on the ceiling of the cave. From this area, this cave is divided into entering trail and exiting trail. Passing through a small crack, you will be brought to the second chamber. Out of the expectation, this area is really big with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Some lights have been set on some areas, giving dime light that makes this cave more beautiful.

There is stair and grip handle bar inside the cave; therefore, you can walk and explore it easily without worrying about wet and slippery soil. Exploring this chamber with beautiful limestone stalactites and stalagmites standing firmly supporting the cave as its pillars is just an unforgettable experience; as if it takes you to another dimension. Curtain shaped flowstones can be seen in some corners, adorning this cave with their beautiful shapes. It is really amazing, even more if you imagine how many thousand years needed to make these stunning formations. A giant stalagmite separates to the third chamber at the end of the cave. White sparkling crystal ornaments adorns the third chamber; therefore, it is named the crystal chamber.

If you want to enjoy this beautiful cave comfortably, avoid the visit on Sunday and holidays. On those days, hundreds of people assemble this cave. You definitely do not want to lose the opportunity to admire this beautiful nature carving by being in a crowd, don’t you?

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TIRTO HUSODO HOT SPRING

Tirto Husodo Hot Spring is being a unique and different attraction in Pacitan. More popular as Banyu Anget, this hot spring is unique and different without strong sulfur smell.

TIRTO HUSODO HOT SPRING - Enjoying Hot Spring without Sulfur Smell

Have you ever visited a hot spring? You must be familiar with its sulfur smell then. However, it is different with Tirto Husodo Hot Spring in Pacitan. There is no sulfur smell that will annoy you and make you uncomfortable.

This hot spring, which is more popular as Banyu Anget, is located around 15 km north of the city with accessible route. Car and motorbike can go smooth and easy. Although it is located quiet far, this tourism spot has equipped with some supporting facilities, including a wide parking area. From this point, we still have to walk and hike the trails flunk by shady trees. This forest on the slope of Mount Kelir is still natural and well preserved. YogYES even saw some squirrels playing on the top of trees.

There are 4 pools in this area, a pool with the hot spring water, 2 adult swimming pools, and a children swimming pool. Visitors are not allowed to go in the first pool or touch the water because of the hot water temperature. This hot water pool is taken to the other 3 pools and mixed with cold water to adjust the temperature with the human body. The lack of sulfur smell in this hot spring is very interesting.

The strong sulfur smell that usually comes out in hot spring is actually the smell of Hydrogen Sulfide (H­2S) produced by anaerobe bacteria when the water is boiled naturally inside the Earth. This substance is then brought out to the surface of the Earth, except in some cases when there is only a small amount of Hydrogen Sulfide produced or when it is oxidized by the Oxygen before it gets to the surface of the Earth. Banyu Anget is one of the examples. Without this sulfur smell, you will be more comfort and enjoy relaxing in the hot spring. The warm water is also good to accelerate your blood circulation. This is the right place to visit and end your day by relaxing in a warm water swimming pool after surfing and exploring the beaches and caves all day long.

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TELENG RIA BEACH

Teleng Ria Beach is the closest beach from downtown Pacitan. Now it turns into a beautiful resort area where you can learn how to surf, to swim, and to play with family.

TELENG RIA BEACH - Learn to Surf in Teleng Ria

Are you interested to learn how to surf? Go to Teleng Ria, a beach that is only 3.5 km away from the downtown. This beach has beach break-wave with sand bottom which is save for surfer learner. There is also a life guard tower where the life guard watches and makes sure the safety of all visitors. You can rent either a surfboard or a boogie board. Boogie board, usually called Paipoin Hawaii and also known as body board, is surfboard with maximum length of 4 feet. This kind of board was known as a device used by kids before they can surf expertly, but later developed into one kind of professional surfing. Meanwhile, stand up surfing can only be done with more than 6 feet length (around 1,8 m) board.

The wave is not strong, making this beach safe for you to swim. Heading to the west, you will find a small port and a fish auction place. Walking among the fishing boats, looking at many kinds of fish they catch, or visiting the fish auction place will be a memorable experience.

The resort is also equipped with a hotel located only 100 meters away from the beach. For those who like camping, there is a camping area where you can set your tent up. Many food stalls offering variety of traditional foods and young coconut ice all along the beach. Wanting to experience a romantic dining? Sea View Restaurant stands right next to the hotel, offering delicious seafood with ocean view and live music performances. Ria Teleng also offers children’s playground facilities and outbound arena.

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Surf Spot Details

Wave Quality Rating: 3
Type of Wave: beach break
Direction of Wave: right
Bottom: sand
Difficulty: fun, beginner
Crowd Level: quiet
Hazards: None
General Description:
Teleng Ria's coastline extends up to almost 5 km away. There are many possibilities to find good waves along the coastline. Most people surf in the spot near the harbor. The best time to surf is November until February.

PANCER BEACH

Pancer beach is offering a clean and quiet beach, exotic estuary, and spectacular sunset.

PANCER BEACH - Enjoying Spectacular Sunset

Pancer Beach is located on the east side of Teleng Ria Beach, in the corner of a bay with limestone cliff standing next to it. The beach is clean and natural. There is only a wooden hut where surfers put their surfboard and belongings. Walking to the east side, there is a small mound with surprising view behind it. Clear greenish water of a river flows to meet the sea. Looking far north, the river water is glowing under the sunshine. Swimming in it will refresh your tired after spending a day exploring beaches and caves.

As dusk begins to fall, you can watch a spectacular sunset. Sitting on warm sands while enjoying the orange color starts to decorate the west horizon and the sound of waves singing is the perfect way to end your day.

For you who love to surf, Pancer is ready to spoil you with its waves. There are two types of wave here, beach break-wave and river mouth break-wave. With sand bottom of the sea, Pancer is suitable for all surfers, including the beginner and also them who are still learning how to surf. On the low tide, lucky surfer can get a barrel. Meanwhile, the high tide is the best time for the beginner to have fun. May until October is the best time to surf in Pancer.

Pancer is not too far from the downtown and it can be reached within 10 minutes by car or motorbike. There are some hostels and homestays close to the beach. Some of them are also renting surfboards and motorbikes, and also providing surfing coaches.

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Surf Spot Details

Wave Quality Rating: 5
Type of Wave: river mouth break, beach break
Direction of Wave: left
Bottom: sand
Difficulty: fun, beginner
Crowd Level: empty
Hazards: None
General Description:
On the low tide, surfers can get barrels, while the high tide is the time for beginner and them who surf for fun. Best time to surf in Pancer is May until October.

KLAYAR BEACH

Klayar is an exotic beach with white sand, Sphinx-like reef, holey reef, sea flute and natural fountain up to 10 meters high which makes this beach becomes one of the most beautiful beaches in south coast of Java.

KLAYAR BEACH - From Sphinx-like Reef until Sea Flute

Klayar is a very beautiful and exotic beach even though many people have never heard about it before. How exotic is this beach? Well, although YogYES do not really want to admit it, but it is way more exotic than Parangtritis, the most famous beach in Jogja.

Located approximately 45 km west of Pacitan, Klayar can be reached by motorbike or car. The trip itself is very challenging and stimulates the adrenaline because of holey narrow roads in some parts and the winding route. There are several extreme up and down roads. However, the beauty scenery of green hills and valleys will accompany you along the journey.

The beach is almost empty. Except on the school break season or holidays you will only see a few fisherman. The white sand stretched with crystal-clear waves breaking on shore, flanked by reef cliffs on the right and left. You can go up to the hill on the right and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Klayar's landscape from the seeing point there.

After admiring the beautiful landscape, taking a walk on the soft white sand would be the best thing to do. Walking to the east, you will see a small river flows cut across the sand to meet the sea. Crossing this river will be very exciting because in some points, the depth reaches adult thigh. Not so far from this estuary, a very beautiful smaller river emerges and creates another estuary. The bottom of this river is composed by beautiful black sand with stripes of white sand washed from the beach.

Sea Flute, Sphinx-like Reef, and Holey Reef

An amazingly beautiful lagoon lays between two reef clusters. Crystal clear-waves splash and hit the reefs before breaking and making a turn back to the ocean in the white sandy beach. This small lagoon is stunning, indeed. It makes you want to sit back, relax and watch its beauty all day long. Strong waves repeatedly hit the reefs creating the waterfall effect with beautiful white foam froth.

High reefs are standing firmly at the east of the lagoon. One of them looks almost like the famous Sphinx from Egypt. YogYES took a picture of this reef and showed it to an Egyptian friend. He admitted the similar shape of it and the Sphinx. Exploring the reef area in the rear, you will see a few small holes on the reef filled with water. It seems like these are home for some small crabs. Far to the right, there are some holey reefs in the bottom part of the cliff that looks like tunnel underneath the reef.

Do not be surprised when there's suddenly fountain splashing behind you! Yes, it's another extraordinary natural phenomenon. There is a crack in this reef. When strong waves come up, some water got under the rock and splash upward like a giant fountain that can reach up to 10 meters. This fountain also comes with sounds like a whistle. That is why it's often referred as flute of the sea.

Do you want to stay longer enjoying the beauty of Klayar? You can try YogYES' favorite spot. Climb up to the Sphinx-like rock and sit on its waist, enjoying the beautiful lagoon with its waterfall effect on the right, natural fountain on the left, holey reefs far in the right, and the stretch of ocean as far as you could see. Lay your body and close your eyes. Listen to the sea waves singing to you and you will definitely fall in love with Klayar.

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WATU KARUNG BEACH

Watu Karung Beach is paradise. It’s amazingly beautiful with reefs, turquoise water, clean beach, soft white sands, and 2 surfing spots offering barrels and world-class waves.

WATU KARUNG (WK) BEACH - Paradise with World-Class Waves

Trip to Watu Karung Beach (WK) was not easy. Hidden somewhere in the coastline of Pacitan (East Java, Indonesia), this beach could be reached by motorbike or car through winding road, up and down hills. One hour trip felt unending and YogYES started to wonder how much longer we would arrive. Getting in Watu Karung village, with the exact same name as the beach, there was still no sign of the existence of any beach. All of sudden, a small harbor with dozens of fisherman boats emerged in front of us. There was also a fish auction place. But the journey was not over yet because the surfing area was located in another point of the beach.

Passing through a narrow street with local houses on either side, our motorbike suddenly stopped because the road ended and the tires got stuck in the sand. We gazed upon a very beautiful beach with turquoise-colored waves and white sand stretching there. Small reef islands decorated the offshore. The bright sunshine and the blue sky made everything felt just perfect. Watu Karung was simply paradise.

Behind its beauty, Watu Karung Beach hides its extraordinary waves. With reef break wave and reef seabed, at certain moments Watu Karung Beach produces barrels that will make the surfers feel like they are in heaven. Both surfers with natural and goofy style can surf here because Watu Karung Beach has right and left waves. There is also no crowd at all, so that surfers can catch the waves freely. Offshore wind usually comes in the month of April to October, making these months as the best times to dance with barrels of Watu Karung. In 2009, Indonesia's top surfer, Rizal Tanjung, along with the winner of 2008 Rip Curl Pro Search, Bruce Irons, came to this beach and experienced the world-class waves of Watu Karung.

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Surf Spot Details

Wave Quality Rating: 8
Type of Wave: reef break
Direction of Wave: left & right Bottom: reefs
Difficulty: intermediate, advanced
Crowd Level: empty
Hazards: coral, sea urchins, jellyfish (sometimes)
General Description:
The best time to surf in Watu Karung Beach is April until October. There is no shop, restaurant, hotel, or surf board rental here, so surfers have to prepare and bring their own equipments.