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EXTREME YOGYAKARTA - 5 Most "Deadly" Adventures in Yogyakarta

Extreme Yogyakarta

Being within the reach of Merapi Volcano's hot clouds, or rafting in the Progo River, or exploring of Jomblang Cave, hiking the cliffs of Siung Beach, and off-road driving on the slopes of Merapi are our 5 most "deadly" adventures in Jogja.

Five Most "Deadly" Adventures in Jogja

Yogyakarta is not only known for its famous Malioboro street, Keraton, or its strong Javanese culture. Yogyakarta is also a great place for anyone having large passions in extreme sports and tours, where you can find many challenging adventures such as rafting in the rough waters of Progo River, to exploring the daunting yet calm Jomblang Caves. Together with some extreme sports and tour enthusiasts, YogYES reviews these places for you.

The Nasty Lower Progo River

The roaring sound of the magnificent river will make any rafter enthusiast’s heart pounding. Waves of this river are quite high, and its rough water stream will surely make anyone’s heart pound even harder. Its brownish water does seem terrible and ugly. The amount of its water flow can change drastically, depending on the amount of rainfall upstream. "Progo River, particularly the Lower Progo River is harsh, especially in February when water flow is reaching its peak. Not seldom does it flood, which is truly dangerous for rafters who rafts this river," says Adit from Palapsi (Pecinta Alam Fakultas Psikologi UGM, or Gadjah Mada University Faculty of Psychology Mountaineering Club) who is also an expert in rafting.

Adit, who looks rather skinny, adds that skippers, or boat captains must shout more often to command his or her crews every time they pass through drops or rocks, most of them are nasty ones. Frequently, careful observations on incoming drops are necessary for precise manoeuvres, to avoid getting trapped in it. Turned rafts are commonplace and waves as high as three metres can also be an ordinary sight. This river which has a difficulty grade of I to V is tense, and will surely make your blood flow faster.

This river starts from Jumprit in Mount Sindoro, which also has its notoriously harsh Boedhil Cascade. This is the site where four rafters were killed in the 1980s. Anyone wishing to raft here must wear life vests for safety precautions. Skippers here should be experienced ones, who had rafted rivers of the same class.

Despite its deadly image, rafting hobbyists who love challenges can get extraordinary pleasure from the adventure offered by this river. The trip starts from Klangon Bridge and ends in Dekso, with a 25 km route that lasts for 4 hours. To get this experience, you can contact Palapsi office, Faculty of Psychology Gadjah Mada University, Jalan Tevisia, Bulaksumur Yogyakarta. Contact person: Adit +62 81227464424 or Fredy +62 85643482929.

The Daunting Jomblang Caves

It is not an easy task to reach the base of this 40 metres deep vertical cave. But for those who have the nerve and enjoy challenges, this experience can be a great fun. Beginners who are new to vertical caves must receive an SRT (Single Rope Technique) course. SRT is a technique to descend and climb vertically through a rope. This is the only way to explore the cave. "But if they feel confident enough, well, they can climb down straight away, of course with our assistance," said Uci from ASC Jogja (Acintacunyata Speleogical Club), a mountaineering club specializing in cave explorations.

Ropes and safety gears that will be used in the trip must be ensured that they are in a completely safe condition. Though this may seem a bit cumbersome, this is a standard procedure that must be done. Uci who has already been familiar with cave exploration says that there should be no mistakes done in this activity. It is a truly risky sport, but also fun. Jomblang Cave that has a wide opening is located in Semanu, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta.

On the base of this cave is a small patch of dense forest. This is an amazing phenomenon considering the area surrounding the cave is dry limestone landscape. This cave also has an underground river with a considerably large water flow. At twelve noon, the cave opening will form a vertical ray of light from the sun. Truly a very pretty and spectacular view.

Another cave, the Grubug Cave, is yet more challenging because cavers here must descend the cave in a spiral-like manner with their ropes, for more than 50 metres deep. Both caves have their share of dark histories, where they witnessed executions of some members of the Indonesian Communists Party in the 1960s. Even until the 1990s, human bodies who are victims of mysterious shootings were still found there. It is said that those bodies were criminals who were believed to be unaffected by rehabilitation schemes of prison.

To enjoy the tense exploration of these caves, you can contact ASC Jogja, Jalan Kusumanegara 278, Yogyakarta, Telephone +62 274 328117, +62 81392544165 (Uci).

Crawling the Cliffs of Siung Beach

A steep cliff with a 90 degrees slope is not a frightening thing for climbers. Unexplored cliffs, and hard-to-climb ones are preferable among climbers. Climbing strategies, techniques, and difficulties that may be encountered, such as in the exploration of a new route, are just a few challenges that every climbers must face when climbing the cliffs of Siung Beach.

The smashing waves and strong wind blow adds up to the spirit and excitement of climbers to conquer these cliffs. The blowing wind does have an impact on the climbing process. However, climbing the cliffs of Siung Beach is in itself an extraordinary experience. During the climb, climbers can see the beauty of the white sand beach and its enormous rocks. This astonishing view is the main background setting of the climb. Robert Antonius, a Jogja rock climber, says that climbing in this beach is not only about rock climbing, but also about enjoying the excitement of climbing and the breathtaking view.

Siung Beach which is located in the southern beaches of Gunung Kidul has many cliffs that can be climbed, with varying levels of difficulty. There are a total of 250 paths that can be used for climbing. In 2005, these cliffs were used for the Asian Climbing Gathering event, attended by hundreds of rock climbers from Asia.

Yogyakarta also has other cliffs that is not less challenging with their own specific features, such as the Bedoyo Cliff in Semanu Gunung Kidul, Samigaluh Cliff in Menoreh Highlands Kulon Progo, and Parangendog Cliff in Parangtritis Beach. But among these, Siung Beach is the most interesting and challenging one. As Robert Antonius said, "Siung Beach is the paradise for rock climbers." To experience this challenge, you can contact Robert Antonius, Wonocatur 329 RT 05/24, Banguntapan, Yogyakarta. Phone: +62 81578777240.

Off Road in the Slopes of Merapi

Being in a 4-wheel drive vehicle that almost rolled over is indeed thrilling, especially when the car is in a very steep path. Not only will the driver get extremely nervous, but also every passenger in the journey will be even tenser. Adrenaline will flow, whereas our brains will think hard, and fast, hoping that the vehicle can overcome the obstacles and obstructing difficulties.

The southern slope of Merapi has an off road track that can be categorized as an extreme one. It includes forests, steep slopes, and rocky streams, potentially causing vehicles do get trapped and requiring tow services. This is what Basyori Buyung said, as the manager of Dian Wisata Tour Agency, who regularly brings tourists through the tracks of the southern slope of Merapi.

"The tracks are very challenging, and the scenic view in the south slope of Merapi is breathtaking, with exotic village atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy the hospitality of the locals and the rich culture of the villagers," adds Buyung.

Off Road Tours are thrilling, but can also be fun. Whenever a car gets stuck, tourists will be actively involved in the rescue attempt to put the car out of the situation. A Willys Jeep is chosen for this tour for its proven durability and performance in the harsh environment. Despite its classic appearance, this car is very tough for off road tracks.

To know how thrilling it can get to step on the gas pedal on these tracks of the southern slope of Merapi, you can contact Dian Wisata (Tours) that offers Jogja Fun Off Road Tour. "Starting off clean, returning back dirty" is guaranteed, says Basyori Buyung who is experienced in off road tour services. For more information, contact Dian Wisata (Tours), Jalan Sukoharjo 3E, Condong Catur, Yogyakarta, phone +62 274 889429, or directly with Basyori Buyung on +62 811250229.

"Boiled" in the Peak of Merapi

It needs more than sheer bravery to go to the sand dome that is so close to the crater of Merapi volcano. Accurate calculations and careful observations of this active volcano is also a must. Being right at the Garuda Peak, the highest point in Merapi Volcano is an adventure for those who are really brave and courageous. Activists of Mermounc (Merbabu Mountaineer Club) Jogja are Merapi hunters who are not only brave, but also understand Merapi very well with its various conditions. These are what Mr. Buyung, a senior member of Mermounc, says.

If the state of Merapi is declared safe, this volcano can be friendly. Hikers can enjoy the magnificent view from the 2914 metres high mountain peak. However, Merapi Volcano is still one of the most active volcanos in the world, where lava and hot clouds can suddenly be thrown out at any time from this unpredictable mountain.

The last huge eruption occurred in 1994, where several villages on the south slope of Merapi were burnt by the passing hot clouds also known as wedhus gembel. Another large eruption happened in 2006 causing two casualties, both were killed inside a bunker by the extreme heat of the hot clouds. It is said that a very large eruption of this volcano occurred in 1006, causing damage of large temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan. This event also forced the ancient Hindu Mataram Kingdom to move to East Java.

Despite its danger, many people are eager to watch the fascinating activity of Merapi volcano from a close distance. Merapi which is still volcanically very active does not deter people from coming to watch the volcano up-close. Several Mermounc members to this day still actively climb the Merapi volcano, whether just as a hobby or being a guide for visitors who wishes to witness the mighty power of Merapi. If you want to experience this challenging sensation too, you can contact Tonden at +62 2747858572 and +62 81802686250, or Ervan at +62 8122744240.