Parangtritis is the closest ocean beach to Yogyakarta, about 27 km south of Malioboro: a very wide strip of dark volcanic sand backed by cliffs to the east. It is the seaward end of the line that runs from Merapi through the city.
In Javanese tradition these waters are the realm of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea, spiritual consort of the sultans. Offerings are still made at neighbouring Parangkusumo beach.
What to see and do: Parangtritis Beach
Watch the sunset
The west-facing sweep of wet sand reflects the evening sky — the reason most people come.
Ride along the sand
Horse carts and quad bikes are for hire by the lap. Agree the price first.
See the sand dunes
Just behind the coast, Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo is a rare field of wind-blown dunes where sandboards are rented.
Look down from the cliffs
Paragliding launch points and viewpoints on the hills to the east give a long view of the coast.
How to get to Parangtritis Beach
- By car or scooter: about an hour south along Jalan Parangtritis.
- By tour or car with driver: the simplest way to stay for sunset and get back. See tours.
- By bus: local buses run from Giwangan terminal but stop early in the evening.
Insider tips
- Do not swim. Rip currents here are strong and drownings occur regularly. Paddle at the edge only where lifeguards allow.
- Local custom advises against wearing green on the beach, the Queen’s colour.
- Weekends and holidays are very busy; weekday afternoons are calmer.
Best tours & tickets for Parangtritis Beach
These top-rated experiences are an easy way to enjoy Parangtritis Beach from a base on Malioboro:
Afternoon tour from $32 Yogyakarta: Parangtritis Beach Sunset Tour with Transfer
A simple afternoon run to Parangtritis, the black-sand beach south of the city that forms the seaward end of Yogyakarta’s sacred axis. This is a new listing with no reviews at the time of writing, so treat it as a convenient transfer-with-driver rather than a proven tour.
- Sunset on the Indian Ocean coast
- Return transfer from the city
- New product without reviews yet
Private car with driver from $39 per group Yogyakarta: Private Car Hire with Driver for 10 Hours
A car and driver for ten hours, priced per vehicle. Use it to build your own day — Borobudur and Merapi, Prambanan and Ratu Boko, or the south coast — without joining a group. Entrance fees, and sometimes fuel and parking, are extra; the listing sets out what is covered.
- Your own route and timing
- Price per car, not per person
- Good for combining several day-trip sights
