IO – Yogyakarta has a tremendous number of exciting places to visit, such as its beaches on the southern coast. However, those who are tired of beaches can instead visit many other interesting attractions in and about the city, one being the Mangunan Fruit Garden in Bantul. The Mangunan Fruit Garden is known as the “Land above the Clouds” sitting at 2000 MAMSL. It was built in 2003 by the local government and spreads across 23 hectares. So, what is so interesting about the Mangunan Fruit Garden?
Standing high, the garden boasts a beautiful view of the surrounding nature, including a breathtaking row of mountains which can be seen clearly in the distance. The atmosphere has a romantic aura, with thick clouds filling the surrounding air blanketing the entire garden. Visitors will feel as if they’re above the clouds, an experience both unique and wonderous.
The best time to visit Mangunan Fruit Garden is at four in the morning. At this time, you can experience a spectacular view of the sunrise. However, if you cannot make it before dawn, at around four thirty in the afternoon, you can view the equally beautiful sunset. Not far from Mangunan Fruit Garden is a forest filled with skyscraping pine trees. There is also a half-circle shaped stage used for plays and musical performances, a favorite spot for visitors to take photos.
Mangunan fruit garden is located in Mangunan Village, Dlingo District, Bantul. Finding the garden is quite easy. Starting from Yogyakarta City, visitors need only to head to the Giwangan ring road terminal four-way intersection and then go south on Jalan Imogiri Timur until a three-way intersection appears, where they must turn left, to the east. There will be signs directing visitors to the Garden. Directions to the garden can also be easily found on map applications.
Those interested in visiting the garden only need to pay an entry fee of Rp 5,000, with an additional Rp 3,000 for car parking or Rp 2,000 for motorcycle parking. At the entrance, visitors are directed a short distance to the peak of the Mangunan Fruit Garden, where a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding greenery and Mt. Sewu will be in sight.
The Garden has adequate facilities such as a parking area, a prayer room, a public restroom, a gazebo, an open vestibule or pendopo, a swimming pool and a fishing pond. There is also a meeting hall which can hold up to 300 people. Visitors who wish to stay the night can lodge in the homestay or rent a tent and sleep in the fruit garden. (Pramitha Hendra)