Feeling tired from the endless work? It's time to pack your bags and take a vacation! Visiting a village is the perfect solution for those of you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the village tourism destinations you can visit is Pandanrejo Village.
This village, which made it to the top 50 in the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia, is located in the Menoreh Hills. You are guaranteed to find unforgettable panoramic beauty that will refresh your mind.
Strategic Location
Located 17 kilometers from the center of Purworejo and 36 kilometers from Yogyakarta, this village, which means "Pandan God," offers a variety of tourism potentials from social culture, economy, to natural beauty. Pandanrejo is part of Kaligesing District, Purworejo Regency. The village offers various nature tours, activities, and culinary delights that you won't find anywhere else. Spending a day here isn’t enough to explore everything this exotic village has to offer.
Hiking the Hill
One of the first spots to visit is Bukit Sebutrong. The name of this hill comes from "sebut rong," which means many holes, as it has many holes that were once the nests of hedgehogs. Before you hike this hill, prepare your stamina because you need to climb 69 stone steps. Don’t worry though, because once you reach the top, the view of Purworejo surrounded by hills and mountains will refresh your tired soul.
The next destination is Gunung Gajah. Here, visitors are treated to views of five beautiful mountains: Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, Sumbing, and Slamet from a viewing post. The peak of Gunung Gajah is at 835 meters above sea level, so the air is fresh and cool when you reach the top.
Instagrammable Photo Spots
Pandanrejo Village has natural beauty with hills, rivers, and moss-covered rocks that make a stunning backdrop for photos. The village's rural atmosphere is so captivating that you'll want to stay longer.
The village tourism managers are aware of the potential to develop Pandanrejo's tourism, which is why you’ll find several beautiful and interesting photo spots ready for you to take pictures.
Independent Work Culture
Not only is the village rich in nature, but Pandanrejo also has human resources with an independent work culture. Most of the residents are self-sufficient through farming, gardening, and livestock. For generations, the villagers have cultivated the fertile land of Pandanrejo, which is why crops like cocoa, strawberries, mangosteen, and durian are among the village's specialties.
Etawa Goats of Kaligesing
Another unique feature of Pandanrejo is the farming of Etawa goats, a crossbreed of Kaligesing goats. Here, you can feed the goats, milk them, and enjoy fresh goat milk. Unlike regular goats, Etawa goats are large. Due to the large number of goats in the village, which exceeds 5,000, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, has dubbed the village "The New Zealand of Java." This is because the number of goats in Pandanrejo surpasses the population of the village itself, which is only 1,000.
Pandanrejo also has the Wiwit Culinary Market, offering various local dishes such as fried dawet, grilled rice, tiwul rice tumpeng, and handicrafts made from wood.
Ready to visit the #NewZealandVanJava? Plan your trip to Pandanrejo Village now! Discover unique experiences that are unforgettable and support the recovery of Indonesian tourism.
Before you travel, make sure you’re vaccinated and always adhere to health protocols by applying the 6M guidelines: wear a mask properly, wash hands with soap, maintain distance, avoid crowds, limit mobility, and avoid eating together, so your vacation remains safe and comfortable.
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