Have you ever tried diving in a pool? Not just any swimming pool, but a natural one filled with fish, just like in the ocean.
This underwater activity can be enjoyed in Klaten, a regency just outside Yogyakarta. Klaten is often called the “Kota Seribu Umbul,” which means “City of a Thousand Springs,” thanks to its many natural pools. The term “umbul” refers to these pools, which are fed by underground springs.
Many international tourists are unaware of these underwater attractions in Klaten. It’s a great alternative for those with extra time or those who have already visited Yogyakarta a few times.
Thanks to its abundant water sources from Mount Merapi’s slopes, this city boasts pools with clear, mineral-rich spring water. In fact, one of Indonesia’s mineral water companies uses one of Klaten’s springs.
The people of northern Klaten are well aware of their natural wealth. They take care of their water sources through self-made rules to keep them clean and unpolluted. One of these rules is that no one is allowed to throw garbage into the rivers. This effort helps ensure the water stays pure.
There are at least 15 springs that have become tourist spots, but here I will recommend three of my favorite locations for underwater activities.
Where is Klaten’s Umbul?
If you’ve been to Prambanan Temple, you’ve already stepped foot in Klaten. Head east from Prambanan towards Solo, and you’re still in this town nestled at the foot of Mount Merapi.
Around an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta, the northern part of Klaten has numerous natural springs called ‘Umbul.’ Many of these springs have become tourist spots where you can swim, enjoy the views, and even snorkel or dive in some of them.
At the base of Mount Merapi, you can also enjoy the popular Lava Tour, which takes you on a journey back in time. For more details, check out Lava Tour Guide: Reliving the Memories of Mount Merapi’s Eruption.
How to Get There
To explore Klaten’s underwater attractions, it’s best to rent a motorbike or a car with a driver. Public transportation to these springs is very limited.
If you plan to use public transport, you can take the Commuterline from Yogyakarta to Klaten Station, and from there, continue your journey with an ojek (motorbike taxi) to the spring you wish to visit. Just make sure to arrange transportation back to Klaten Station in advance, as finding an ojek for the return trip can be challenging.
Underwater Activities
Now, let me take you on a journey through some of the Umbul (natural pools) I’ve explored, each with its own special charm and exciting activities to enjoy.
Umbul Ponggok
Umbul Ponggok is a popular natural spring pool where you can enjoy various underwater activities. The pool spans 1,250 square meters and has a depth ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters. Its water is crystal-clear, with a natural sandy and rocky bottom.
The pool is home to many freshwater fish, some quite large, and local legend says no one is allowed to catch or eat them. At certain spots on the pool’s bottom, you can see water bubbling up from underground springs.
Umbul Ponggok offers several activities, including walking underwater with special helmets, snorkeling, and diving. Don’t worry if you don’t have snorkeling gear; you can rent life vests and snorkeling masks at an affordable price.
Make sure to capture some underwater photos here! If you don’t have a GoPro, you can rent an underwater photography service starting at 60,000 IDR for 30 minutes. You can pose with the fish, feed them, and enjoy the underwater beauty that rivals the ocean.
Location: Umbul Ponggok is in Ponggok Village, Polanharjo District, Klaten. From Yogyakarta, head towards Solo (Surakarta) via the Solo highway. Turn left when you reach a one-way street and follow it until you see a monument with a puppet statue, then turn left to the north. The trip to Umbul Ponggok can be a bit challenging for first-time visitors, as you’ll need to navigate a few intersections and village roads. Google Maps directions are accurate enough to guide you.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Weekdays: 8 AM – 4 PM; Weekends: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Ticket Prices:
- Entrance Fee: Weekdays: IDR 10,000 (USD 0,63) ; Weekends: IDR 15,000 (USD 0,94)
- Life Vest and Mask Rental: IDR 15,000 (USD 0,94)
- Underwater Walk: IDR 200,000 (USD 12,58)
- Diving: IDR 250,000 (USD 15,72)
- Official Account: For more information on activities at Umbul Ponggok, visit their official Instagram account.
You can also go snorkeling in the seas around Yogyakarta, which we have discussed in Exploring the TOP Beaches of Yogyakarta
Umbul Manten (Umbul Kemanten)
The second Umbul is Umbul Manten, or Umbul Kemanten. I used to visit this spot often because of its crystal-clear pool and shallow depth. A large banyan tree on the edge of the pool has roots that reach down to the pool’s bottom, offering shade from the sun and a comfortable place to swim.
Umbul Manten’s pool floor is made of natural stones, and from the outside, you can see straight to the bottom. The Umbul is surrounded by lush green rice fields.
In recent times, the management has upgraded and expanded the tourist facilities, adding new pools and aesthetic eateries around Umbul Manten.
If you’re traveling with family, Umbul Manten is a great option. Children can enjoy the kids’ pool or a river-like current pool. There is also a cafe located by a small stream, giving diners the sensation of water flowing around their feet.
Location: Umbul Manten is on Jalan Janti Boto in Boto Village, Wunut District, Klaten, about 4 km north of the Solo highway, making it easy to reach. If you’re taking a bus, you can get off at the Tegalgondo-Janti intersection and continue by ojek (motorbike taxi).
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM (daily)
- Ticket Price: IDR 10,000 (USD 0,63)
- Official Account: For more information about activities at Umbul Manten, visit their official Instagram account.
Umbul Cokro
Umbul Cokro is one of the oldest natural spring pools open to the public. In the past, its spring water supplied one of Indonesia’s largest bottled water companies. Today, Umbul Cokro is a favorite spot for both adults and children.
You can swim in a river-like pool about 2 meters wide and 1.5 to 2 meters deep. Enjoy floating down the long current while relaxing on a rented tube.
Upstream, you can feel the strong gush of water coming from a culvert. The pool remains clear with a natural stone bottom.
Recent upgrades include children’s pools and a water slide. There is also a gentle current pool surrounding the kids’ area for safer swimming and a water slide for both children and adults.
Another activity is exploring the river beneath the Umbul area, which features large stones and mini waterfalls. It’s perfect for photos, with stunning rock formations to pose on.
Location: Umbul Cokro is in Cokro Village, Tulung District, Klaten. It’s best to use rental cars or motorbikes, as public transportation is scarce in this area.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (daily)
- Ticket Price: Starting from IDR 15,000 (USD 0,94)
Other Natural Pools in Klaten
Aside from Umbul Ponggok, Umbul Manten, and Umbul Cokro, Klaten has several other Umbul options for a quieter, more natural experience. Many of these pools are relatively close to one another, making it easy to find alternatives away from busy crowds.
Some recommended lesser-known Umbul include Umbul Sigedang, surrounded by banyan trees with roots that extend into the pool, Umbul Besuki with its well-arranged pool and extensive outdoor facilities, and Umbul Nilo with both natural and artificial pools nestled amidst rice fields.
Where to Head Next?
These underwater activities in Klaten offer a unique experience. While not in the ocean, diving or snorkeling in freshwater pools can be a different and fun adventure. Located not far from Yogyakarta, it makes for a great alternative travel experience.
Besides its Umbul attractions, Klaten also has historical sites, such as Plaosan Temple, Bubrah Temple, Merak Temple, and the famous Prambanan Temple, as well as the historic Gondang Winangoen sugar factory, which is worth a visit. Exploring Klaten opens up new perspectives on Javanese culture.
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