The hidden beauty found in Gunungkidul; Sri Gethuk Waterfall

“gethuk asale seko telo, mata ngantuk iku tambane opo

Gethuk asale seko telo yen ra petuk atine rodo gelo”.

This is a part of a very popular Javanese song entitled “Gethuk” sang by Manthous. This song is beautiful in its rhyme. It is a traditional song whose lyrics tell about a snack originally from Gunungkidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta named “Gethuk”. It tastes sweet and flabby.

           Comparing to the real “Gethuk”, there is another “Gethuk” which is as interesting as “Gethuk” in its true meaning. That is Sri Gethuk Waterfall. It is located in Bleberan, Playen, Gunungkidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. It is far from what we can heard that Gunungkidul regency is a barren area. However, this tourism resort proves that Gunungkidul is not a barren area but a potential area in tourism sector.

Origin of the Name

          A tour guide there said that the word “Sri gethuk” derives from the word “kethuk” or a gamelan instrument. The locals believe that the waterfall save a gamelan instrument owned by a demon named Anggoro Meduro. “Kethuk” can be played by hitting it. Reputedly, locals often hear a gamelan instrument played in certain nights. While Javanese people define the word “Sri” as happiness, glory, prosperity, and the other positive aspects.

          Sri Gethuk waterfall is also called with “Slempret” waterfall. According to the tour guide, “Slempret” derives from the word “Slompret” which is a musical instrument similar to trumpet. The sound of waterfall is similar to the sound of trumpet. Then, locals also named it “Slempret” waterfall. Locals also believe that the waterfall is a demon market.

Appearance

At first, we will be served by a very natural river colored green named Oya River. We can also see the riverside which is also colored green represents the fertility of its forest. The beautiful canyon also cannot escape from our view. High cliffs also gain our interest in exploring there more and more.  It is really amazing of its natural.

Arriving at the waterfall, we will be served by the more beautiful viewer. There are three waterfalls named Dong Poh, Ngandong and Ngumbul fountain with their water discharge for 30 to 60 liter every second.  The water falls from the cliffs height 58 meters and finally it flows to the Oya River. It shows its exotics with the green forest. Palm trees sway in the wind. The beauty is also located in its color; the gradation of green color, from green turquoise to concentrated green.

Sri Gethuk is not a big waterfall; however it looks like a water park. The view of the synthesis between river, canyon and white rocky terraces make this waterfall more similar to a water park. The water is really cool and fresh. We can also swim in the river if we are able to swim. The tour guides will be pleasant in helping us if we ask them that we want to swim.

The things that should be prepare when we plan to go there is additional clothes. We need to bring more clothes because there we will get wet by the splashing water from the waterfall. If we want, we can bring our own meal. But, there are several small shops sell traditional food there.

Location and Route

          Sri gethuk waterfall is located in Menggoran village, Bleberan, Playen, Gunungkidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.  It takes about 30 minutes from Wonosari, the district capital of Gunungkidul regency or about 90 minutes if we go from Jogja. We need to follow the signpost direction when we arrived in Playen subdistrict.

          If we go there from Jogja, we can go through Jalan Jogja-Wonosari. When we arrive at Gading fork, just turn left and follow the signpost direction. There, we can see the beautiful scenery, and passing through a eucalyptus forest before arriving at the retribution. To arrive in the waterfall, we have two options to choose. The first is walking from the retribution to the waterfall. We need to walk for about 500 meters from the retribution. We have to walk through the edge of slippery rice fields and the riverside. The second option is riding a raft in order to arrive in the waterfall.

Price of Admission

            For the beauty and the charm of Sri Gethuk waterfall, it is not expensive that we have to pay Rp 3.000,- to enter the tourism area. In fact, the price of admission also prevails for entering Rancang Kencono cave which is not far from the location of the waterfall. However, there were few people are interested to go there.

          If we decided to ride the raft there, we should pay for Rp 5.000,-. That was very cheap. By riding the raft, we can see the towering cliffs, locals’ activities such as fishing and farming and also the green-colored-river.