Pantai Watunene
Located in the Gunungkidul Regency of Yogyakarta province, Pantai Watunene is a hidden gem that is perfect for those looking for a peaceful heaven-like getaway. This beautiful beach is not very popular among tourists, which makes it an ideal place for people who are seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Upon arriving at Pantai Watunene, I was welcomed by the breathtaking view from the clifft towards beauty of the white sandy beach that stretches along the coastline. The crystal-clear waters are inviting, and the gentle breeze is refreshing. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is soothing, making it an ideal place for students like me to relax and unwind. I have arrived there with my friends and all of us gasped when we first saw the beach stretching far away towards the horizont. My friend Tereza also said: Witek, you have chosen the best place ever" and I am not lying, haha. She then continued: this beach reminds me of the hidden beach on Bali we visited last year and it is just as secluded from the civilization".
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    One of the things that make Pantai Watunene stand out is its unique landscape. The beach is surrounded by cliffs covered in lush greenery, which provides a perfect spot for taking photographs with your friends, partners or just simple selfies.
If you're planning to visit Pantai Watunene, it's best to come during the dry season, which is from May to September. During this time, the weather is sunny making it the perfect time to enjoy the beach and the outdoors. However, it's worth noting that even in dry season you can be suprised by cloudy weather or even raging storms, just like I did, haha. Â Â Â
     The beach can also get crowded during the weekends and holidays, so it's best to plan your visit during the weekdays.
While Pantai Watunene is a beautiful and peaceful place, there are a few things that visitors may want to be aware of:
- Limited facilities: While there are some small restaurants near the beach that offer delicious local cuisine, there are limited options for other amenities. Visitors may find it challenging to find restrooms, showers, or other facilities, so it's important to come prepared.
- Limited transportation options: Watunene is located in a remote area, and public transportation options are limited. Also the road leading towards the beach can be really challenging, the road is very bumpy and rocky, so you should be ready for an experience of your life.
- Limited nightlife: Pantai Watunene is a peaceful and quiet place, which means that there are limited nightlife options. Visitors looking for a more lively atmosphere may need to travel to Yogyakarta city, which is about 2 hours drive away.
- No swimming allowed: This surprised me the most. The bottom of the sea is filled with sharp rocks and the waves and currents can be really dangerous, so the local government prohibits swimming on this beach. I should have read the reviews more thoroughly, haha.
The whole seaside of the province is filled with other beautiful beached. I have been lucky to visit a few of them, namely Pantai Ngunggah or Pantai Ngrawah. The province has also other spectacular places to visit. A few of them are the infamous candi Borobudur dan candi Prambanan, the former being a buddhist temple and the latter being a hinduist temple.
