Kelok 23 Gunungkidul Completed: New JJLS Kretek–Girijati Route Opens Access to Yogyakarta’s South Coast
Good news for travelers planning to explore the southern coast of Yogyakarta. Kelok 23 Gunungkidul, part of the new JJLS Kretek–Girijati route, has completed its main construction phase and is now undergoing a trial opening to the public.
Connecting Kretek in Bantul with Girijati in Gunungkidul, the new road is expected to strengthen connectivity across southern Yogyakarta while opening more opportunities for travelers to discover the beautiful beaches and natural attractions of Gunungkidul.
For visitors planning a trip to Yogyakarta, this new development offers another reason to go beyond the city and discover the spectacular coastline of southern Java.
Kelok 23 Kretek–Girijati Officially Enters Trial Operation
The construction of the Kelok 23 Kretek–Girijati road was completed in August 2026. The route officially entered its trial opening period on September 14, 2026, with the trial scheduled to continue until September 20.
During this period, the road is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Access is temporarily limited to motorcycles and vehicles with a maximum of four wheels. Larger vehicles and public transportation are not yet permitted to use the route during the trial period.
The authorities will evaluate the trial before determining the next stage of operation.
Travelers should therefore remember that although the physical construction of Kelok 23 has been completed, the current opening is still a trial operation rather than a permanent full opening.
A New Connection Between Bantul and Gunungkidul
Kelok 23 forms part of the Jalur Jalan Lintas Selatan (JJLS), also known as the Southern Cross Route or Pansela route.
The new section creates an important connection between Bantul and Gunungkidul, two areas with some of Yogyakarta’s most attractive southern landscapes.
While the difference in travel time compared with the existing route is relatively modest, the new road has been designed to provide improved connectivity and a safer travel experience.
The road also offers something particularly appealing for visitors: spectacular views of Yogyakarta’s southern coastline.
Surrounded by hills and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Kelok 23 has the potential to make the journey itself part of the travel experience.
More Than a Road: A Scenic Journey Along Yogyakarta’s South Coast
One of the most interesting features of Kelok 23 is its landscape.
The winding road passes through elevated terrain overlooking the southern coastline, offering travelers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and ocean.
This combination of infrastructure and scenery could make Kelok 23 another interesting feature of a road trip through southern Yogyakarta.
However, travelers using the road during the trial period should prioritize safety. Visitors are advised not to stop or park along the road simply to take photographs, as authorities have emphasized the importance of keeping traffic flowing safely.
Enjoy the scenery while traveling and use designated stopping areas whenever available.
What Does Kelok 23 Mean for Gunungkidul Tourism?
The development of the southern road network is particularly important for tourism in Gunungkidul.
Located southeast of Yogyakarta city, Gunungkidul is famous for its limestone hills, caves, traditional villages, outdoor adventures, and a long coastline filled with beautiful beaches.
For many international visitors, Yogyakarta is primarily associated with cultural landmarks such as Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, the Sultan’s Palace, and Malioboro.
But traveling south reveals a completely different side of the region.
Here, visitors can discover dramatic cliffs, white-sand beaches, traditional fishing communities, hidden coves, and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Improved connectivity between Bantul and Gunungkidul could make it increasingly attractive for travelers to combine Yogyakarta’s cultural heritage with a coastal adventure.
Discover the Beautiful Beaches of Gunungkidul
Gunungkidul has one of the most impressive coastlines in the Yogyakarta region.
Popular destinations include Baron Beach, Kukup Beach, Krakal Beach, Drini Beach, Indrayanti Beach, Pok Tunggal Beach, and Timang Beach.
Each destination offers a different experience.
Some beaches are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the coastal atmosphere, while others are known for cliffs, viewpoints, seafood, adventure activities, and dramatic ocean scenery.
Among these destinations, Timang Beach stands out as one of the most unique places to visit in Gunungkidul.
Timang Beach: An Adventure on Yogyakarta’s Southern Coast
If the opening of Kelok 23 inspires you to explore Gunungkidul, Timang Beach deserves a place on your Yogyakarta itinerary.
Located on the southern coast of Gunungkidul, Timang Beach is famous for its rugged landscape and powerful Indian Ocean waves.
Unlike a typical beach destination, Timang is particularly well known for its offshore rocky island and the traditional gondola that was originally used by local fishermen.
The dramatic combination of cliffs, ocean waves, rocky coastline, and adventure has made Timang Beach one of Gunungkidul’s distinctive tourism experiences.
It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to see another side of Yogyakarta beyond its temples and city attractions.
Combine Yogyakarta Culture with a Gunungkidul Adventure
A visit to Gunungkidul can be an excellent addition to a longer Yogyakarta holiday.
Travelers can spend their first days discovering Yogyakarta’s cultural heritage, including Borobudur, Prambanan, the Sultan’s Palace, Taman Sari, Kotagede, and Malioboro, before setting aside another day to explore the southern coast.
This creates a more diverse Yogyakarta experience:
Ancient temples and Javanese culture in the city, followed by beaches, cliffs, countryside, and the Indian Ocean in Gunungkidul.
With infrastructure such as the JJLS continuing to develop, exploring different parts of southern Yogyakarta is becoming an increasingly interesting option for visitors.
Planning to Explore Gunungkidul? Try Travelindo’s One Day Timang Beach Tour
Want to experience Gunungkidul instead of simply reading about it?
Make your journey easier with the One Day Timang Beach Tour by Travelindo.
This tour is designed for travelers who want to escape Yogyakarta city for a day and experience the spectacular southern landscape of Gunungkidul.
Timang Beach offers a completely different atmosphere from Yogyakarta’s famous cultural attractions. The journey takes you through the countryside toward the Indian Ocean, where rugged cliffs, powerful waves, and the famous Timang coastal landscape await.
Choosing an organized day tour also makes exploring this part of Gunungkidul more convenient, particularly for international travelers who may be unfamiliar with the local roads and transportation options.
Make Timang Beach Part of Your Yogyakarta Journey
The completion of Kelok 23 and the development of the JJLS Kretek–Girijati route represent another important step in improving connectivity across southern Yogyakarta.
More importantly for travelers, these infrastructure developments highlight just how much there is to discover beyond Yogyakarta city.
After visiting the temples, palaces, traditional markets, and cultural attractions of Yogyakarta, take another day to experience the natural beauty of Gunungkidul.
Discover dramatic coastal scenery, explore the countryside, and experience one of southern Yogyakarta’s most memorable destinations with Travelindo.
Ready for your next Yogyakarta adventure?
Explore Timang Beach with Travelindo
Turn your Yogyakarta holiday into a coastal adventure with the One Day Timang Beach Tour.
Discover the unique landscape of Gunungkidul, experience the journey to Timang Beach, and see a spectacular side of Yogyakarta overlooking the Indian Ocean.
