ADVENTURE SRI GETHUK WATERFALL

Rappelling or as locals like to say Repling is to climb down a steep cliff or slope when it is too steep to descend without protection. In Indonesia, one famous spot to do this is at Sri Gethuk waterfall. Located in the area of Kidul Mountain, Yogyakarta, this area is famous among local tourist. Upon arriving at Lempuyang train station, we start our journey to Sri Gethuk waterfall by car. There are not public transportation heading to the area, hence it’s recommended to use your private transportation. The journey itself would take approximately 1.5 hours by private car or motorcycle.

Upon arriving we were greeted by Garuda Moksa team. They’re the ones handling the repling activities. We need to make a reservation 1 week in advance because not many people willing to do this activity. Also, they only offer activity package with one price only. The price for one group consists of 10 people is Rp 1,000,000. The Garuda Moksa team is a group of people who’ve become friends through their shared interest on extreme adventure activities. Seeing the potential of the area, they decided to promote the area through extreme sport activities.

In 2008, they established Garuda Moksa. Since then, Garuda Moksa has been the solo facilitator for tourist interested in extreme activities.The waterfall heights are 30 meters. On a rainy day repling activity is cancel due to the dangerous of heavy current. When seeing the spot, not everybody want’s to do. Climbing down a waterfall can be scary. This is not an activity for the faint hearted and pregnant women. However, if you’re the adventure type this activity is very fun.

To start repling we have to put on safety equipment. Do not worry, as the Garuda Moksa team will arrange everything and help you put it on all equipment. Climbing ropes, climbing harness, descender devices, boots or comfortable shoes, gloves, and helmet, are the equipment you will use. It’s recommended to wear waterproof outfit, as you will get wet from the waterfall current while descending.

After you’re ready, the team would give short instruction on how to climb down safely. When descended you must keep both your legs straight. Because if not, you will lose your balance and start moving to other direction rather than go straight down. Maintain your focus and gradually climbing down. The instructor will always shout from above to guide you. They would give instructions on how you move and which position your feet should be. Their instruction is purely to make sure you land in the middle of the lake. A second instructor located on the bottom of the waterfall will help pulling you to the side.

For the one who doesn’t interested in this activity, you can rent a boat to enjoy the view of Sri Gethuk Lake. Many local tourists come to this area to spend the day by boating, swimming, or just enjoying the view. The facility provides life vest for rent to be use for swimming. Tourists must wear life vest to prevent getting pulled by the lake current. On a rainy day, the lake’s current would increase and combining with several huge rock formations, the lake could be dangerous. Therefore you need to be careful at all times.

To complete the day, the area has proper bathrooms, changing rooms, small shops, and even a small hut for praying. Hence, you can enjoy your day in the area without any preparation.