READING NEWSPAPERS,Five best beaches near Yogyakarta

Five best beaches near Yogyakarta to get good eats

By Stefanus Ajie, Contributor, Yogyakarta | Nov 19, 2013 

The quiet southern coast of Java is still very busy with activity.

Fishermen there are very active and the fruits of their efforts can be tasted at various restaurants in the area.

Watching the locals go about their daily lives can also be an interesting experience to add to your otherwise common trip.

Here are five spots to visit to get good eats:

Sea urchins at Sundak Beach

Already a popular tourist destination in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Sundak Beach in Sidoharjo village is also a place where you can join the locals as they gather sea urchins.

Before the sun fully rises, you will find people walking along the reefs overgrown with seaweed to gather the urchins, wearing non-slip and thick footwear to protect their feet from sharp thorns.

This activity takes place between August and October when the beach has subsided and the waves are not too big.

Fresh lobsters at Nguyahan Beach

Nguyahan Beach in Kanigoro village, a small fishing village situated in the middle of dry limestone hills, offers more than just a nice view to admire while you are in the area.

You can also watch locals go about their daily activities as lobster gatherers.

Early in the morning, they set traps between the rocks at Nguyahan Beach and return at noon to check out their catches.

If the tide is good, they can collect up to ten lobsters a day.

The fresh lobsters will then be sold at a fish market for around Rp 150,000 per kilogram (US$12.87) and are also offered at food stalls - both located near the beach.

Affordable seafood at Baron Beach

Watch lively fishermen activities at Baron Beach in Kemandang village, about five kilometers away from Nguyahan Beach.

Expect to find fresh tuna and snapper at the beach's fish market in the morning. You can find marlin and salmon as well, but only when in season.

At night, the area transforms into a culinary center offering fresh seafood from attractive bamboo huts as food stalls.

Delicious and affordable, you can choose any fish on offer and ask for it to be cooked the way you like.

Dining with a view at Drini Beach

Drini Beach in Ngestirejo village offers great scenery and interesting fishermen activities as well.

Surrounded by hills forming a gorgeous bay with rows of coral along the coast side, you can explore a small coral island not far from the beach and enjoy its crystal clear sea water.

If you happen to be an early riser, you can watch dozens of small boats glide from the ocean, moving closer to the beach.

The local fishermen will then sell their fresh fish at the market near the beach, which will later be served at seaside restaurants.

Go fishing at Sadeng Beach

Sadeng Beach in Girisubo district is always busy with fishermen unloading their catches and trading activities for big fish, especially tuna measuring 1-meter in length.

You can join the crowd and buy something at the fish market or enjoy a variety of delectable dishes prepared at the food stalls around the beach.

If you want, you can also feel the exciting sensation of catching your own fish.

The rocks at the seaside of Sadeng Beach also make good fishing spots.