The scent of the sea started to smell as we walked along the smooth streets on the outskirts of Gunungkidul, a sign that we were getting closer to the beach. Two hours of driving from Jogja paid off in full when arriving at Drini Beach. The sun isn’t fierce yet, it’s still kind enough to paint the sky blue, making it the backdrop for the white sand. Meanwhile, a coral island floats lonely in the middle of the ocean.
Drini Beach is one of the special beaches on the coast of Gunungkidul because of a small island in the middle, dividing the beach into two parts.
It is said that the island is overgrown with santigi (Pemphis acidula), or the people here usually call it Drini. That is why this beach and island is named Drini. When the sea is receding, we can go to the island. You don’t need to be a climber to climb a rock, because a concrete ladder is willing to be stepped on to take us to the top.
From here, our view can comb the entire Drini Beach, see the mountains of alang-alang gazebo roofs to the rows of fishing boats. They all looked tiny, like miniature creations of dwarves.
Now, there are no more Drini trees, only sea pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) filling every inch of land, scrambling to live with grass.
This island also separates the East and West sides of the coast into two different characters. As a human with multiple personalities, one side is calm and gentle, while the other side is tough and fierce.
On the East coast, cliffs line up, standing proud as if challenging the rulers of the sea. Combined with a coral island, a beautiful lagoon is formed.
Awake from the raging waves, making it a comfortable place to take a warm saltwater bath, like being in a giant bathtub, relaxing tired muscles along the coral island.
The composition of the water is turquoise, with surrounding coral walls and islands, and a blue sky roof, plus a free view of the open ocean, beating the spa facilities of any salon on earth.
While enjoying a seawater massage, a natural aquarium that collects a variety of marine life always accompanies you. Hordes of Sand Goby, Jambrong, and Sergeant Major fish were seen playing hide and seek, chasing each other in the reefs, hiding from each other from their playmates.
In the middle of the beach, in line with the direction of the island, there is something interesting. A thin collection of black sand with very fine diameter shamelessly breaks through the dominance of white sand. If the eye is not alert, this part will undoubtedly be missed. According to research, there used to be an underground river that empties at Drini Beach. The flow carried black sand which can still be seen today.
The west side of the beach has no less exotic charm; a row of younger boats moored, taking a break after a night of wrestling with the waves of the Southern sea. One or two fishermen are seen spreading their nets into the water, hoping that there will be fish who will come and surrender themselves to support the fishermen’s family. Yes, Drini Beach is also a traditional fishing village.
The character of the waves that are stronger and go straight to the ocean without the coral blocking, is the right place for fishermen to go and return to the sea.
Tired of walking around the beach, let’s rest in the thatch-roofed wooden gazebos. Enjoy the freshness of young coconut water as a thirst quencher while waiting for the fish caught by the fishermen to be burned. Having recreation at Drini Beach is like coming to a therapist. Recovering fatigue in the legs, as well as in the heart.
Location: Banjarejo, Tanjungsari, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta
Entrance ticket :
Rp10,000
IDR 2,000 (motorbike)
IDR 5,000 (car)
IDR 20,000 (bus)
Drini Beach Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: open 24 hours