"Take a lot of pictures, upload them to your social media channels and use the hashtags #MudikPenuhPesona, #WisataJalurMudik and #PesonaCeritaMudik," he said.

Here are 10 must-visit beaches around Yogyakarta.

Read also: Yogyakarta: One day, eight destinations

Siung Beach

Located about 70 kilometers, a two-hour drive, from the center of Yogyakarta, Siung Beach is mostly known for its huge corals and cliffs. The cliffs, especially, are a haven for rock-climbing enthusiasts. There are more than 250 rock-climbing routes available at this beach and for those who are keen to spend a night under the stars, there’s also a campsite available.

Pok Tunggal Beach

This white sand beach is one the most beautiful beaches in Yogyakarta. The beach itself is relatively new to the public, as it first gained recognition in 2012. What’s unique about this beach is that there are actually freshwater springs that come from the river flow running beneath the soil.

Indrayanti Beach

The real name of this beach is actually Sawal Pulang or Pulsa Beach, the name Indrayanti is the name of a café owner whose business is located at the beach. Along the way, people began to associate the beach with Indrayanti and the name stuck.

This white sand beach is fairly well known among tourists as lodgings, cafes and restaurants are readily available in the area. The distance between Yogyakarta and Indrayanti Beach is 65.8 kilometers, about a two-hour drive from the city.

Sundak Beach

The story behind the name of Sundak Beach is interesting, as legend has it that in 1976 a pet dog was playing there and it somehow got lost in a cave. Inside the cave, the dog saw a porcupine and wanted to eat it. This led into a fight between the two animals.

In the end, the dog won the fight and the name Sundak was born, an acronym of asu (dog) and landak (porcupine). Before the name Sundak was coined, the beach was called Wedibelah.

Krakal Beach

Located in Tanjungsari district, Krakal Beach offers a view of white sandy beach and coral reefs found at the shore. The waves at this place are friendly enough for surfers and there are numerous hotels and restaurants there to welcome visitors.

Goa Cemara Beach

The beach is called Goa Cemara because you will encounter rows of pine trees that create an illusion of entering a cave made of trees on your way to the beach. Those who are looking to enjoy the beach from a different angle may want to go to the lighthouse to see it from above.

Baru Bantul Beach

Baru Bantul Beach is on the same lane as Goa Cemara, Kuwaru, Pandan Sari and Pandan Simo beaches. Bantul Baru Beach is known for its seafood eateries.

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Depok Beach

Depok Beach is mostly known as the place for fish auctions that sell many varieties of fish and other sea creatures.

Samas Beach

Just like in Goa Cemara Beach, Samas Beach has a lighthouse that visitors can go to. Since the shoreline of this beach is steep, it’s not advisable to swim too far out. On the east side of Samas Side, there’s a new attraction called Pesona Pengklik (The Wonder of Pengklik) Lagoon, which is currently being developed.

Parangtritis Beach

Probably the most famous beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach is located close to other beaches such as Parangkusumo Beach, Parangendog Beach and Depok Beach. Apart from playing in the water, visitors can also tour around the beach using a bendi (horse-drawn carriage) or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). (asw)