Exploring the Hidden Beauty of Klayar Beach, Pacitan’s Coastal Gem

Dear Bloggies,

Great Reef in Klayar

Tucked away in a small coastal town called Pacitan, East Java, lies a hidden paradise known as Klayar Beach. While many Indonesians are still unfamiliar with it, Klayar has actually gained more popularity among international travelers. Curious about its unique rock formations, turquoise waves, and soft white sand, I finally got the chance to visit this spectacular beach. The quiet atmosphere and gentle sea breeze made me feel instantly relaxed. My eyes were spoiled by the sight of two towering reefs, as tall as coconut trees, which have become iconic landmarks of the beach.

 
One of the reefs, shaped like a sphinx, truly amazed me. As I explored further, I discovered a natural sea flute—a rock that produces a whistling sound as the waves crash—and even a small coastal waterfall nestled between the cliffs. Nature’s artistry at its best.

Front Gate of Klayar Beach

Getting There: Transportation Tips

When I first visited Klayar in 2013, getting there was quite a challenge. The roads were narrow and badly damaged in several parts. At that time, the beach was relatively unknown, so transportation options were limited. I went with a friend on a motorcycle from Lorok, a small village in Pacitan. It took us around 2 hours, passing through Ngadirojo – Lorok (via Jalur Lintas Selatan or Southern Lane Road) – Pacitan – Punung – Goa Gong – and finally, Klayar. 

If you're coming from Yogyakarta, you can take the route via Wonosari – Pracimantoro – Giribelah – Punung – Klayar, which takes about 2.5 hours. Currently, there's no public transport directly to Klayar, so I recommend renting a car or using private transport.

Extraordinary wave isn't it?

Where To Stay

Finding accommodation near Klayar is fairly easy. You can book hotels in downtown Pacitan, about an hour away from the beach. There are also cottages near Watu Karung, a popular surf spot just a few kilometers away. These cottages are favored by international surfers looking for great waves before heading to Klayar for sightseeing. For budget travelers, a 3-star hotel may cost you around IDR 150,000 to 500,000 per night. It all depends on your preference and proximity to the beach.

Soto Pacitan

Local Culinary Delights

Pacitan is also known for its culinary gems. One must-try dish is Soto Pacitan—a clear chicken soup made without coconut milk, using free-range chicken (ayam kampung) to bring out a rich, savory flavor. It’s the perfect breakfast before a day of beach-hopping. Craving seafood? Head over to Restoran Sari Laut Bu Gandos near the town center. They serve up fresh, flavorful seafood with traditional sambal terasi (shrimp paste chili sauce)—a real treat!

Breathtaking view in Klayar

Another Place to Visit

Besides Klayar and Watu Karung, there are many other natural wonders to explore in Pacitan:

• Goa Gong (a majestic cave with colorful stalactites and stalagmites)

• Kunir Beach

• Buyutan Beach

• Banyu Tibo Beach (a beach with a waterfall flowing directly into the sea)

Most of these destinations are hidden behind lush forests, so a little adventure is needed to uncover these hidden coastal treasures. But trust me—the view is worth every step.

PS: This article was originally written for an international travel website I contributed to as a freelance travel writer. But hey, I changed my mind and decided to post it here instead. Hehehe...

-xoxo-