Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), what actually makes it ‘special’? The region with an area of 3,186 km² does not only have Malioboro which is always a legend, the sweet taste of Gudeg which is hard to forget, or Bakpia which is always the choice of souvenirs for families. Yogyakarta is also not always about Parangtritis or aesthetic cafes, many natural beauties can be an option for ‘healing’ with friends.
Altitude and panoramic views are a great combination to release fatigue, Puncak the Figure is the right choice. This tourist spot, which has been open since 2018, was once just an abandoned hill in the Jambon Padukuhan, Kapanewonan Bawuran, Kapanewonan Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Puncak Sosok was formerly used by the local community for herding because of the large number of weeds suitable for animal feed. However, unexpectedly, after the existence of a selfie spot, many cyclists started tracking and taking photos at Puncak Sosok.
It’s not just one or two people who realize the beauty of Puncak Sosok, the visitors are getting busier. Then in 2018, Puncak Sosok was officially opened. Even though visitors can exceed 1,000 people every day, the Puncak Sosok management has never set an entry fee for visitors until now. Don’t get me wrong, even though the management doesn’t set a price, their income is immeasurable. The income range from parking attendants alone is estimated at Rp800,000 per day.
The management also built huts for the surrounding community to sell food, drinks, and mat rental services. The food and drinks that are sold also really support the peak atmosphere, such as hot lemon tea and grilled corn that can warm the body, as well as roasted rice, tahu walik, skewered meatballs, to sate which makes the stomach full. The surrounding community also feels helped, their income from their MSME businesses has increased rapidly after the presence of the Puncak Sosok.
Every night when the weather is clear, Puncak Sosok presents live music. Anyone is allowed to hold musical performances with the permission of the manager. The existence of a musical stage at the top adds to the feeling of ‘sharing’ happiness with people who are in the same place even though they don’t know each other. Puncak Sosok is a complete package for ‘healing’.
“One of the best sunset spots for people who like to hang out while listening to music, snacking, and chatting,” said Imam, one of the visitors. Testimonials from visitors make Puncak Sosok even more existent. Complete facilities such as the extent of the parking area, the presence of a snack area, and the existence of a prayer room and toilets really support the comfort of tourists.
Puncak Sosok operates from 3 PM on weekdays and 6 AM on weekends. At night, visitors are presented with sparkling lights from the city view. In the afternoon, visitors can enjoy the sunset accompanied by the wind, views of the hills, and snacks. For fans of bicycles and tracking, you can do both at the same time at the Puncak Sosok freely.
Nature tourism with stunning views while maintaining local taste is an attractive holiday menu. Moreover, if the entrance fee carries the theme ‘pay sincerely’. A concept that is very friendly to visitors’ pockets. Puncak Sosok not only has exoticism but is also an economic driver for local residents.
