This morning, I decided to treat myself to something simple yet extraordinary: a swim at Umbul Pelem, one of Klaten’s many natural springs. Klaten itself is known as “the city of a thousand springs,” and Umbul Pelem is among its most beloved.
I set out early, hoping to catch the fresh morning air and enjoy the water before the crowds arrived. As soon as I arrived at Umbul Pelem, I could feel the peaceful charm of the place: green trees all around, the sound of flowing water, and that gentle mountain breeze you can only get in Central Java’s highlands.
💧 The Magic of Natural Spring Water
The first thing that makes Umbul Pelem truly special is its source: fresh, natural spring water. Unlike regular swimming pools that often rely on chlorine, Umbul Pelem’s pool is filled directly from a natural underground spring. This means the water is clean, crystal clear, and doesn’t sting your eyes—even after you spend hours in it.
Every evening, the pool is completely drained and refilled to keep it perfectly clean. You can literally see the pool floor from above, the water shimmering like liquid glass under the morning light.
🏊 A Place for Everyone
Umbul Pelem isn’t huge, but it has just the right size to feel open and welcoming. The main pool is about 20 meters wide and around 1.5 to 2 meters deep—ideal for swimming leisurely or simply floating around. For families, there’s also a smaller pool, about half a meter deep, perfect for kids to splash safely.
What I loved most was the feeling of swimming in water that comes straight from nature. You don’t just swim—you feel refreshed, inside and out.
🎉 Beyond Swimming: Small Adventures Await
Umbul Pelem offers more than just a dip in fresh water. Around the pool, there’s a collection of small attractions and activities to try:
- A water slide that gently curves into the main pool
- A lazy river where you can float along with the current
- Bubble pools that soothe tired muscles
- A fish therapy pool where small fish gently nibble on your feet
- A reflexology pool with stones underfoot to massage and stimulate circulation
- And even canoe rides on a small nearby lake
For those looking for an extra thrill, there’s a flying fox and other outbound activities too.
🌿 Simple Comforts in Nature
Umbul Pelem also provides practical comforts that make a visit truly relaxing:
- Clean changing rooms and toilets
- A small prayer room for Muslim visitors
- Food stalls serving hot drinks and local snacks
- Cozy gazebos where you can sit and enjoy the view
- Spacious parking area
Even these simple things help you feel at ease, so you can focus on enjoying your time there.
⏰ Open Every Day, Affordable for Everyone
Umbul Pelem is open every day from early morning until late afternoon. The entrance fee is very affordable—just a few thousand rupiah—making it an ideal destination whether you come alone, with friends, or with family.
It’s the kind of place where you can decide to come on a quiet morning just because you feel like it—and leave feeling completely recharged.
☀️ My Personal Morning Story
After I changed and stepped into the water, I felt an instant rush of freshness. The water was cool but not freezing, and the way it wrapped around me felt healing.
I swam slowly at first, then floated on my back, looking up at the morning sky framed by leaves and branches. There’s something deeply peaceful about letting yourself drift in water that comes directly from the earth.
Later, I tried the water slide for a bit of fun, let small fish tickle my feet in the fish therapy pool, and then just sat on the edge with my legs in the water, breathing in the cool mountain air.
Even as more visitors arrived, it never felt crowded. The sounds of laughter, splashes, and flowing water blended into a calming background.
✨ Why You Should Visit Too
If you’ve never been to Umbul Pelem—or maybe never tried swimming in a natural spring—here’s why you should add it to your list:
- Natural freshness that no chlorine pool can match
- A peaceful escape surrounded by nature
- Fun features and pools for both kids and adults
- Simple, clean facilities and affordable entry
- The chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself
🌙 A Reminder of Simple Joys
This morning at Umbul Pelem wasn’t about luxury or faraway travel. It was about finding beauty in something simple: clean water, fresh air, and the feeling of being alive.
If you ever find yourself in Klaten, take a few hours—or even just a morning—to visit Umbul Pelem. Pack a towel, a change of clothes, and an open heart. You might discover, like I did, that sometimes the simplest things bring the deepest happiness.
