Pleret: Wells, Finds and History

Pleret’s history comes into focus through tangible traces: a well with precisely stated measurements, 23 discovered umpak and memorial sites from different periods. Those making cultural history the focus of a trip will find a clearly defined local theme here. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first consider whether you want to focus on Pleret itself or include other distinct themes in the wider destination of Bantul.

Wells, Finds and Memorial Sites in Pleret

Sumur Gumuling Plered has a diameter of 0.8 metres, a well rim 0.11 metres thick and a depth of 2.7 metres. It is surrounded by a cement wall with metal grilles; the wall and the well’s surface are painted pink. Cement steps lead to the well. Its measurements, colour and enclosure provide several specific architectural details to focus your attention on.

Twenty-three round umpak with square openings in the middle were found at the site of Masjid Agung Plered. Museum Sejarah Purbakala Pleret first opened to the public on 10 March 2014. Makam Kyai Kategan commemorates a well-known religious dignitary from the reign of Sultan Agung. Together, these places offer different ways to explore Pleret’s past: artefacts, a museum and the memory of a religious figure.

The P.O.W.Y. community held the village exploration event “Sobo Ndeso: Jelajah Wisata Mataram” at Desa Wisata Pleret on 16 January 2023. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are mainly interested in architectural heritage and memorial sites, or whether you would also like to explore community activities.

More Cultural and Nature Themes in the Bantul Destination

In the wider destination of Bantul, historic sites offer further points of interest. Goa Selarong in Dusun Kembang Putihan, Kalurahan Guwosari, Kapanewon Pajangan, served as a refuge for Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers during the guerrilla war against the Dutch from 1825 to 1830. Makam Imogiri in Dusun Pajimatan, Kalurahan Girirejo, Kecamatan Imogiri, was built by Sultan Agung between 1632 and 1640. The burial site is dedicated to the kings of Mataram and their families, as well as the kings of Surakarta and their families. These Bantul sites complement Pleret’s local history with other historic settings; they are distinct themes within the wider destination.

Traditional crafts also shape Bantul in various ways. Desa Wisata Krebet in Dusun Krebet, Kelurahan Sendangsari, Kecamatan Pajangan, offers batik work on wood rather than fabric. Visitors can learn batik-making at craft galleries or through the tourism village administration. Desa Wisata Wukirsari in Kabupaten Bantul is known as a centre for traditional hand-drawn batik and wayang kulit crafts. Kasongan in Desa Bangunjiwo, Kecamatan Kasihan, is a centre for pottery. Those focusing on crafts can include a range of materials and techniques in their travel plans.

Water and the coast offer a different focus. Laguna Pengklik in Kelurahan Srigading can be explored by canoe, with views of the mangrove forest on the lagoon’s eastern side. In 2024, ten canoes were available there for tourists to rent. Check current availability before making specific plans. Pantai Baru in Desa Poncosari, Kecamatan Srandakan, offers views of the sunset. A green forest of Cemara trees serves as a breakwater there; food stalls offer various seafood dishes. The themes are distinct: canoeing and mangroves at the lagoon, coastal scenery and seafood at the beach.

Choose a holiday rental based on which places and themes you want to focus on during your trip. Pleret’s well, finds and memorial sites provide a local cultural focus; the other examples in Bantul offer distinct interests, from crafts to coastal scenery.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Wonosari, Ngemplak, Temon, Ponjong, Magelang, Tempel, Depok, Tepus

For the wider travel overview: Yogyakarta.