Why Nglanggeran Village is Jogja's Must-Visit Destination for Muslim Travellers

The Special Region of Yogyakarta truly lives up to its name. There is always something captivating to enjoy here, which is why many travellers consider Jogja a favorite destination. While most tourists flock to the city center due to its accessibility, there are numerous other places in Jogja that are just as exciting, if not more so.

Also read: The New All Indonesia App: What Muslim Travellers Should Know

To discover these hidden gems, consider renting a vehicle and making the short trip to Nglanggeran Tourism Village in Patuk District, Gunungkidul Regency. This village gained international recognition when it was crowned the Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2021. Prior to that, it had already secured the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in 2018 and the ASEAN Community Based Tourism (CBT) Award in 2017. Nglanggeran absolutely deserves a spot on your holiday bucket list!

Location and How to Get to Nglanggeran

This award-winning tourist village is located about 25 kilometers from the center of Jogja. You can expect a drive of approximately one hour before arriving at the village famous for its ancient volcano. Conveniently, Nglanggeran Tourism Village is open 24 hours a day. If you arrive in the late afternoon or evening, finding local homestays or accommodations is easy, making it simple to spend the night here.

Activities to Explore in Nglanggeran Tourism Village

1. Camping on the Ancient Nglanggeran Volcano

Image credit: Alvi Sulistianingsih | Canva Pro

This is likely the most famous spot you’ve heard about on social media. The peak of the Ancient Nglanggeran Volcano stands at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level and is locally known as Mount Gedhe. Formed around 60 million years ago, this mountain is now entirely inactive. The route is comfortable and friendly for hikers, with several flat areas perfect for camping. Combined with the cool air and the stunning sunrise panorama, what more could you ask for?

2. Enjoy a Tranquil Moment at Embung Nglanggeran

Image credit: Desa Wisata Nglanggeran | Official Website

Embung Nglanggeran functions as a water reservoir that also irrigates the local community's fruit plantations. From the reservoir, you can see the residents' durian and longan orchards. For those accustomed to a fast-paced life, taking a moment to unwind at this reservoir can be incredibly relaxing. Wait until sunset, and you can witness a gorgeous orange sky with the Ancient Nglanggeran Volcano visible in the distance.

3. Delving into the Fascinating History of Kampung Pitu

Image credit: Desa Wisata Nglanggeran | Official Website

Kampung Pitu is more than just a regular hamlet; it is unique and sacred. Located within the Ancient Nglanggeran Volcano area, the village is traditionally inhabited by only seven family heads. This tradition is maintained across generations; if the number exceeds seven, the excess families must migrate out. Upon entering this sacred village, you will find rice fields framed by three distinct peaks: Watu Bantal, Gung Tugu, and Kampung Pitu Peak. The view is exotic, showcasing pristine, natural village scenery.

4. Exploring the Beauty of Kedung Kandang Area

Image credit: Dinas Pariwisata Gunungkidul | Official Website

Kedung Kandang boasts a distinctive bridge, completed in 2024, which connects Sleman and Gunungkidul. At the base of the bridge, you'll find parks and a man-made waterfall. More spectacularly, the area is home to a natural, tiered waterfall cascading down volcanic cliffs. To reach Kedung Kandang Waterfall, the walk is about 900 meters. For the most dramatic view of the falls, it’s best to visit during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.

5. Witnessing Traditional Arts Performances

Image credit: Desa Wisata Nglanggeran | Official Website

Nglanggeran Tourism Village preserves several traditional arts. If you wish to enjoy these performances, you can check the schedule with the village management. You can check with the village management for the performance schedule. Karawitan often accompanies village ceremonies, while jathilan and reog involve traditional dance and music, sometimes performed to welcome guests. Gejog lesung is a unique, rhythmic percussive activity performed by several people using pestles and a rice mortar.

6. Indulge in Culinary Tourism Amidst Village Scenery

Image credit: @pawonpurba

No vacation is complete without trying the local food. Being located in a predominantly Muslim area, you can rest assured that the food here is Halal. Be sure to visit famous eateries like Soto Mak Djam and Pawon Purba. At Soto Mak Djam, you can enjoy refreshing chicken or beef soto (soup) right next to the rice fields. With soto and fried snacks as their signature items, this spot is wildly popular, even among local celebrities. You should also check out Pawon Purba, which serves traditional Gunungkidul cuisine like tiwul (cassava flour dish). Given its location at the foot of the mountain, the natural views here are absolutely guaranteed.

7. Make and Taste Nglanggeran's Local Chocolate

Image credit: @griya.cokelat.nglanggeran

Nglanggeran is also home to a chocolate production center called Griya Cokelat Nglanggeran. The abundance of cocoa plants led residents to process them into local chocolate products. Come and observe the chocolate production process, or even try making your own chocolate. Afterward, you can purchase cocoa powder, brownies, chocolate-coated bananas, chocolate dodol (sweet taffy), and much more. Whether for souvenirs or personal consumption, it's equally delicious, and the prices are very affordable.

8. Take a Workshop on Batik Fabric and Mask Painting

Image credit: @griyabatik_nglanggeran

At Griya Batik Nglanggeran, you can create various batik crafts. Observe the process of making hand-drawn batik fabric or try painting batik onto a mask. The batik motifs from Nglanggeran generally feature plants typical of the area, such as cocoa. This activity is even more enjoyable when done with a group. Of course, you can also simply purchase beautiful batik fabric and clothing as a lasting souvenir from Nglanggeran.

9. Educational Visits to the Etawa Goat Farm

Image credit: Desa Wisata Nglanggeran | Official Website

There are several Etawa goat farms in Nglanggeran Tourism Village. The experience here is interactive: you can feed the goats, learn how to milk them, and see the process of producing Etawa goat milk. This type of goat milk is highly nutritious and can be consumed either fresh or in powdered form.

Easy Access to Mosques and Prayer Facilities

As Nglanggeran is a traditional Indonesian village with a large Muslim community, finding facilities for prayer is very easy. Throughout the village and near the main tourist areas, you will find several small local mosques and smaller prayer rooms. These places are generally well-maintained and open to visitors, ensuring Muslim travellers can perform their daily obligatory prayers conveniently and with peace of mind during their exploration of the area.

Also read: 9 Unique Activities in Yogyakarta Every Muslim Travellers Should Try

With such immense potential and diversity, it’s easy to see why Nglanggeran Tourism Village has earned so many prestigious awards. For a relaxed trip that combines nature, culture, and educational experiences with complete assurance of Muslim-friendly facilities, this exceptional village should be your next destination!