RRI.CO.ID, Wonogiri - For both locals and travelers seeking a peaceful retreat without the burden of entrance fees, Pantai Gading Purba in Wonogiri, Central Java, offers a refreshing alternative.

Situated on the edge of Gajah Mungkur Reservoir in Sendang Village, Wonogiri Regency, the destination lies just six kilometers from the town center and about a 10‑minute drive from Wonogiri Station, making it easily accessible for day trips.

Despite being named as a “beach” (the word Pantai in Indonesian means beach), Gading Purba is not a natural coastline but a lakeside attraction. The reservoir’s vast waters create the illusion of an ocean horizon, framed by shady trees and gazebos that provide a cool, relaxing atmosphere.

Visitors can unwind in the breeze, gather with family, enjoy romantic moments, or take a speedboat ride around the reservoir’s floating fish farms. Each boat accommodates up to five passengers at a fare of about IDR 150,000 (USD 8,84).

Food is a highlight here. Local eateries serve freshwater fish dishes sourced directly from the reservoir, with popular menu items such as Tilapia with rice priced between IDR 15,000 and IDR 30,000 per portion. Restaurants operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, making the area a lively hub for both dining and leisure.

The site also carries historical significance. Before the reservoir was built in 1981, the area was part of a river system. Its transformation into a “beach” was not only geographical but also cultural.

The name Gading Purba was chosen to revive memories of a place long abandoned. Today, the revitalized destination reflects a community effort to create jobs and provide a welcoming retreat away from the noise of traffic.

“The site feels more organized now. Maybe because it’s a lakeside restaurant, the management is better. It’s the kind of place that suits family outings,” Misni, a tourist from Pati, Central Java, said recently.

While not a beach in the traditional sense, Pantai Gading Purba has become a distinctive attraction -- combining nostalgia, natural beauty, and affordable local cuisine in a setting that continues to grow in popularity. ***