Jakarta, IO – Located in Kaliurang, about six kilometers from the peak of Mount Merapi, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Tlogo Muncar waterfall is one of the most recommended alternative recreational sites. It has stunning, soothing scenery due to vast forest and ripples of the water.
In early January, Observerid.com editor had the opportunity to visit this magical place. Located at an altitude of about 40 meters, the water discharge never stops, hitting the rocks below. From a distance we can occasionally see a group of monkeys playing among the trees.
To enter, visitors will have to pay Rp10,000 including parking. Along the road, visitors will pass several former Dutch houses which are now being rented out as lodgings.
According to the notice board, this waterfall was regarded as a very sacred place during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII. Tlogo Muncar waterfall was used as a bathing place for nobles. In addition, it was used at venue to perform rituals of the Yogyakarta Palace, such as cleansing royal heirlooms and bathing the bride of the King’s son Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X using the seven sources of water, Tlogo Muncar being one.
According to people’s beliefs, bathing in Tlogo Muncar can bestow blessing and get rid of bad luck, help one find a romantic partner and make one look more youthful.
Read: Lombok named 5th best nature destination by Tripadvisor
Around 1960, after becoming a tourist attraction, Tlogo Muncar was still frequently visited by pilgrims for bathing, giving offering or meditating. At that time the condition of the waterfall was still pristine with a heavy water discharge but the 2006 earthquake had moved the rocks of the waterfall cliff and formed a gap which split the water flow, reducing the intensity of its discharge. Then in 2010 the area around the waterfall was completely burned due to the eruption of Mount Merapi, killing plants that function as water catchment area.
In 2016, the landscape started to recover and around the area around the waterfall has started to turn greener. (rr)