Watu Kodok Beach, located on the south coast of Yogyakarta, has an alluring natural charm. Known for its beautiful waves and unique coral reefs, this beach offers a serene and different atmosphere from other beaches. I decided to stay in a tent on this beach as my first experience camping in the open. It was very exciting, considering I had only camped in safer and more organized places. I was expecting a quiet night in the middle of nature, but also realized that challenges were bound to arise.
Pre-trip preparation before setting off, I made careful preparations. Putting together camping gear was a top priority: tents, sleeping bags, portable stoves, and simple meals. I also made sure that all equipment was in good working order, as I knew that staying at the beach would require me to be prepared for unpredictable weather. In addition, I searched for information on camping permits and facilities at Watu Kodok, even though the beach is known for its natural and undeveloped atmosphere.
I imagined the experience of staying in a tent would be peaceful, enjoying the crashing waves at night and seeing the stars scattered across the sky. However, I also realized that I would face some challenges, such as the cold night wind and sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
Staying in a Tent at Watu Kodok Beach upon arrival at Watu Kodok Beach, I was greeted by a stunning view. The vast blue sea stretched out in front of me, while large coral rocks were clearly visible at the end of the beach. We immediately set up our tents in a place slightly away from the waves, so as not to get splashed by the sea water. The process of setting up the tent went quite smoothly, although the strong wind made it difficult for us to set up the tent poles.
As the sun set, the atmosphere on the beach became calmer. The sound of the waves rolling in slowly and the gentle breeze created an incredible serenity. We cooked simple meals on portable stoves, enjoying dinner while sitting on the sand, accompanied by the darkening sky and the stars appearing one by one. It was an experience away from the noise of the city and the daily routine.
However, the first night in the tent was not entirely free of challenges. The temperature dropped drastically, making me feel the chill of the night. I realized how important it is to have the right gear to deal with the changeable weather. In addition, although the tent was set up quite well, the sound of the strong wind made me feel not entirely comfortable. Moreover, sleeping under the open sky made me feel more alert to night noises, such as the whistling of the wind and the rustling of leaves.
Despite the small challenges, the experience of staying in this tent gave me the opportunity to get closer to nature. Sitting around the campfire, listening to the sound of the waves, and talking with my friends were precious moments. When I looked up at the sky full of stars, I felt so small in front of the universe, yet at the same time, I felt very connected to nature.
In addition, I feel that being out in nature provides a tranquility that is hard to come by elsewhere. There were no distractions of vehicles or crowds of people, just the sounds of nature filling the night. I reflected on life, and this experience gave me a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible beauty of nature.
My first experience staying in a tent at Watu Kodok Beach taught me the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature and enjoying the simplicity of life. In addition, I learned to be more prepared to face the challenges of nature, from the cold weather to sleeping under the stars. This experience opened my eyes to the value of camping in the great outdoors away from the noise, and I felt closer to myself after that reflective night.
In the future, I plan to return to Watu Kodok or explore other places to continue my camping adventure in nature. Each trip has taught me valuable lessons and enriched my life experience, and I’m sure this is just the beginning of many more nature adventures.
By: Intan Septi Rahayu
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