Unveiling the Beauty of Breksi Cliff: An Enchanting Escape in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has always been special. For domestic and international travelers alike, Yogya is a favorite tourist destination in the country. The Special Region of Yogyakarta provides a diverse range of tourism opportunities. Yogyakarta is not only rich in arts, culture, and cuisine but it also has many enchanting natural beauties. One is Breksi Cliff, located in Groyokan Hamlet, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan Subdistrict, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. It is south of Prambanan Temple, near Ijo Temple and the Boko Palace Complex.

Breksi Cliff is easily accessible because it is located on the main Prambanan-Piyungan route, about one km before Ijo Temple. It is about 17 km from Yogyakarta City or about 30 minutes by land. However, ensure that the vehicle used is in good condition. The road to Breksi Cliff is fairly steep; however, tourist buses and motorcycles can enter the tourist area.

Before becoming a tourist destination, Breksi Cliff was a rock mining area that provided a source of livelihood for the surrounding community. The rocks at Breksi Cliff were formed from ash thrown by Mount Nglanggeran during eruptions decades ago. The ashes sank into mud and then cemented into rocks. Weather and time transformed the volcanic ash into large rocks in Sambirejo Village.

In 2014, researchers from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and National Development University (UPN) conducted a survey on Breksi Cliff and discovered rare tuff rock formations. As a result, mining was halted, and Breksi Cliff was designated as one of Yogyakarta’s Geoheritages in 2015.

After mining activities were closed, the local community transformed this former mining area into a tourist destination. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X officially inaugurated Breksi Cliff as a new tourist spot in Yogyakarta on 30 May 2015.

Breksi Cliff has successfully become one of the premier tourist destinations in Dewi Sambi Tourist Village, benefitting the community. “This is truly a success story, where what was once the poorest village in Sleman Regency has now become a tourist village generating Rp1 billion per year and is included in the top 50 best tourist villages,” said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno during a visit some time ago.

Breksi Cliff has its own charm that makes it popular and worth visiting. Several local artists have given artistic touches to the cliff walls by carving relief art and statues from wayang stories, such as sculptures of Arjuna killing Buto Cakil, dragon carvings with crowns, and Semar statues.

The view of the cliff walls with broken ornaments adds to its charm. This cliff was formed millions of years ago. Although it is no longer a mining site, remnants of mining activities have brought about carved ornaments that make this cliff resemble a layered cake.

Taking photos with the cliff as the backdrop seems to be a favorite activity of tourists. It’s no surprise, this cliff is frequently used as a photo location for couples during pre-wedding photoshoots or other special moments. The management provides 12 photo spots there.

Also, Breksi Cliff offers Tlatar Seneng and an amphitheater used for meetings, art performances, and other events with circular designs similar to ancient Greek theaters.

The most special thing is that tourists can enjoy the natural scenery and view of Yogyakarta City from the top of the cliff. They can also see communal activities, such as airplanes taking off and automobiles arriving and departing.

The recreational facilities offered at Breksi Cliff include tourist jeeps. Visitors can rent tourist jeeps at Breksi Cliff starting from hundreds of thousands of rupiah per day. This tourist jeep business offers several tour packages with different durations, prices, and passenger capacities.

For short trip routes, tourists will be taken to destinations such as Breksi Cliff, Ijo Temple, Watu Payung/Selo Langit, and Obelix Hills. Meanwhile, for long trip routes, tourists will be taken to destinations such as Breksi Cliff, Ijo Temple, Watu Payung/Selo Langit, Obelix Hills, Teletubbies Hill, Pereng Tourist Village, and Rumah Domes Tourist Village.

Given the cliff’s high altitude, tourists’ safety and security are of the utmost importance. As a result, several signs for safety, evacuation routes, and emergency service information are provided. Breksi Cliff tourist attractions are also connected to the current development of information technology. This is evident from ticket reservations that can be made online and the provision of Wi-Fi facilities in dining areas.