Discover Bantul: History, Craftsmanship and Coastal Landscapes

Explore Bantul through a range of themes: historic sites, traditional crafts, dunes and activities on the water. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bantul, start by considering which of these interests will shape your trip. The destinations below offer some specific ideas.

History and cultural heritage

Goa Selarong is located in Dusun Kembang Putihan, Kalurahan Guwosari, Kapanewon Pajangan, Kabupaten Bantul, and is a historic attraction. During the guerrilla war against the Dutch from 1825 to 1830, the site served as a refuge for Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers. A travel recommendation published in 2023 suggests using a private vehicle, as no public transport goes to the attraction; check this information before setting off.

Makam Imogiri was built between 1632 and 1640 by Sultan Agung. It is located in Dusun Pajimatan, Kalurahan Girirejo, Kecamatan Imogiri, Kabupaten Bantul, and is the burial site of the kings of Mataram and their families, as well as the kings of Surakarta and their families. The Museum Sejarah Purbakala Pleret is located on the site of the former Mataram Islam palace complex, within the Kerta-Plered cultural heritage area. Situated on Jalan Raya Pleret in Kapanewon Pleret, it officially opened to the public on March 10, 2014.

At Makam Giriloyo, the site itself is the main focus: it consists of three courtyards surrounded by brick walls, with 33 graves in the first courtyard. This specific layout makes it a different sightseeing focus from the historical connections of Goa Selarong and Makam Imogiri.

Crafts in Krebet, Wukirsari and Kasongan

At Desa Wisata Krebet, Dusun Krebet, Kelurahan Sendangsari, Kecamatan Pajangan, batik is made on wood rather than fabric. Visitors can learn about the craft at galleries or through the tourism village administration. Desa Wisata Wukirsari in Kabupaten Bantul is known as a center for traditional hand-drawn batik and wayang kulit craftsmanship. Kasongan in Desa Bangunjiwo, Kecamatan Kasihan, is a center for pottery.

Dunes and coast

Gumuk Pasir Barcan Parangkusumo was formed from volcanic sediment carried from Gunung Merapi to the sea by the Opak River and then blown inland again by the wind. It is described as the only barchan dune in Southeast Asia. This gives the dune a distinctive landscape appeal alongside Bantul’s coastal destinations.

Pantai Baru in Desa Poncosari, Kecamatan Srandakan, combines sunset views with a green cemara forest that serves as a breakwater. Food stalls at the beach offer a variety of seafood dishes. A description published in 2023 also mentions ATV rentals for rides along the beach.

Canoeing at Laguna Pengklik

Laguna Pengklik in Kelurahan Srigading can be explored by canoe. From a canoe, you can see the mangrove forest on the eastern side of the lagoon. A description from 2024 mentions ten canoes available for rent to tourists; this number may change. If you’re planning a canoe trip, check in advance whether canoeing and rentals are still available.

Discover more destinations: Parangtritis, Gunung Kidul, Sleman, South Jakarta City, Yogyakarta City, Kudus, Kulon Progo, Sleman.

For the broader travel overview: Yogyakarta.