VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Sewu Mountains are the largest tropical karst area in Southeast Asia. This area is administratively included in the territory of 3 provinces, namely Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Pacitan Regency, East Java Province; and Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province. The Sewu mountain range was formed due to the lifting of the bottom of the sea thousands of years ago, where the presence of limestone is a characteristic of these mountains. These mountains have a very unique karst landscape, which is characterized by the presence of phenomena on the surface (exokarst) and below the surface (endokarst). Because of the uniqueness of its ecosystem, in 1993 the International Union of Speleology proposed that the Sewu Mountain Karst Area is included as one of the world's natural heritages. Finally, in September 2015, UNESCO designated the Sewu Mountains area as one of the world's geo-park areas.

The inauguration of the Sewu Mountains as Gunung Sewu Unesco Global Geopark at a symposium in Totton City, Japan, on September 19th, 2015, brought positive changes to the world of tourism and research in Indonesia, especially in the Sewu Mountains area. Gunung Sewu Geo-park has the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano which is located in Nglanggeran Village, Patuk District, Gunung Kidul Regency, which is located in the Baturagung Mountain range. This mountain is an ancient volcano that was formed about 0.6-70 million years ago. To climb the top of the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano takes about two hours. If departing in the afternoon, tourists can enjoy the sunset from its peak. There are two forests in Gunung Sewu Geopark, namely Wanagama Forest located in Banaran Village, Playen District, and Derivative Tourism Forest located in Girisuko Village, Panggang District. Both are included in the Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region Province.

In the Gunung Sewu Geopark, there are also several valleys, such as the Sadeng Dry Valley – or Bengawan Solo Purba, located in Pucung Village, Girisubo District, Gunungkidul Regency. Its hilly and winding terrain makes this area be often visited by tourists who like downhill cycling. Then, there is also the Mulo Karst Valley which is located in Mulo Village, Wonosari District, Gunungkidul Regency. In addition, there are several waterfalls that can be found in this valley, such as Sri Gethuk Waterfall located in Bleberan Village, Playen District, Gunungkidul Regency and a waterfall located on the banks of the Oyo River. To enjoy the beauty of this waterfall, you have to go down the river by raft. In the dry season, the water looks clear blue. The water that falls from the 25 meter high cliff comes from three springs, namely Ngandong, Dong Poh, and Ngumbul springs. In the Gunung Sewu Geopark area there are also several caves such as Jomblang Cave, Pindul Cave, Kali Suci Cave, and Cokro Cave. Tourist activities such as caving and tubing can be done here. In this cave we will find a very enchanting view of the stalagmites and stalactites. You must enter the cave with the help of a tour guide to ensure safety. Another uniqueness of the Sewu mountains is that it is not far from the beach. There are several famous beaches in this area such as Baron Beach which is known as one of the most challenging fishing spots in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Wediombo Beach is popular as a surfing spot because of its powerful waves. For those of you who want to have an adventure, of course, this Mount Sewu tourism destination is the right place for anyone to visit.