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Gunungkidul now home to Southeast Asia’s second-longest flying fox
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A man enjoys a ride on a flying fox. (Shutterstock/File)
T
hose looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity may want to schedule a visit to Mertelu village in Gedangsari district, Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta.
Last week, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who is also the Yogyakarta governor, inaugurated a 623-meter-long flying fox in the village. Visitors will be able to ride the flying fox and enjoy the views of Klaten and Sukoharjo regencies from above for Rp 100,000 (US$7.50).
The flying fox is said to be the second-longest in Southeast Asia. According to kompas.com, the longest flying fox in Southeast Asia, at 700-m-long, is located in Pasuruan regency, East Java.
Yogyakarta Tourism Agency head Aria Nugrahadi said the flying fox was constructed in October last year and had been open to the public since January.
Read also: Ten beaches to visit in Yogyakarta
Aria added that the flying fox's set up involved a professional team to ensure its safety.
The newly opened tourist attraction is reportedly managed by Mertelu village’s community with financial support from the governor.
Prior to the opening, Hamengkubuwono expressed his hope that the attraction would help develop the village economy. He explained that the flying fox's fee, topped up with transactions from restaurants and shops, would drastically improve the local economy. (jes/kes)
