A Refreshing Morning at Umbul Pelem, Klaten: Crystal-Clear Springs, Nature, and Simple Joys

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.

A Short Escape to Girpasang: Thrill, Coffee, and the Charm of Mount Merapi

Last weekend, I had the chance to visit a truly special place: Girpasang, located in Tegalmulyo Village, Kemalang District, Klaten, Central Java.
It was more than just a trip – it felt like a small adventure to recharge my mind and soul.

The journey took me to the foot of the majestic Mount Merapi, one of the most beautiful and active volcanoes in Indonesia. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by the fresh mountain air, the calming green views, and a peaceful atmosphere you can only find in the highlands.

🏞 Crossing the Canyon – An Adrenaline Rush

One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was trying a thrilling ride – sadly, I forgot its exact name!
Imagine this: you step into a small steel-and-glass cabin hanging from a thick steel cable, and it carries you across a deep canyon from the first hill to the Girpasang village itself.

As the cabin slowly moved over the abyss, I felt my heart beat faster. Looking down at the trees and cliffs far below really tested my courage – but it was worth it! The view from above was absolutely breathtaking.

🌉 A Walk Across the Long Bridge

Not only that, Girpasang also has a very long hanging bridge connecting the first hill (where I parked my motorbike) to the heart of the village.
Walking across it, feeling the bridge sway gently with every step, was both exciting and calming. On one side, the green hills stretched out endlessly; on the other, you could see the rooftops of Girpasang village nestled among the trees.

☕ A Cup of Coffee and Local Taste

After crossing into the village, I stopped at Omah Kopi Girpasang, a local coffee house.
Drinking hot coffee while sitting in a wooden hut overlooking the slopes of Mount Merapi felt magical. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed perfectly with the fresh mountain breeze.

As the sun started to go down, I moved to Argobibi Café Girpasang to have an early dinner. The food was delicious, the view was stunning, and they even had a small playground for kids and clean bathrooms – little details that make a big difference for visitors.

🌙 Stay a Bit Longer? Why Not!

For those who want to stay overnight, Girpasang also offers glamping spots – a chance to sleep in nature without giving up comfort.
Imagine waking up in the morning with the cool mountain air, the sounds of birds, and the sight of Mount Merapi right outside your window.

✨ A Place to Refresh Your Soul

My short trip to Girpasang reminded me how important it is to take a break from the routine, breathe fresh air, and enjoy simple things: coffee, nature, and the thrill of trying something new.

If you love mountains, adventure, or just want to spend time in a place where nature still feels pure, Girpasang in Klaten, Central Java should definitely be on your list.

Pack your bag, bring your camera, and make some memories.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll fall in love with it – just like I did.

Let’s Learn Digital Marketing at Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah

Becoming a Tech-Savvy, Faithful, and Financially Independent Generation

It is truly an incredible honor for me. After spending more than 25 years in the world of IT, Allah has guided me to join Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah Salatiga. A modern Islamic boarding school that doesn’t only teach Islamic knowledge but also equips its students with the digital skills needed to thrive, compete, and become truly useful for the ummah.

Why did I decide to join?
Because here, I see a great vision: to create a new generation of santri who master Islamic knowledge, understand technology, and build their own online businesses. Not just as technology users, but as creators, developers, digital marketers, and even techno-preneurs who can proudly carry the banner of Islam in the global digital era.

📚 Founded by Two Inspiring Figures

Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah Salatiga was founded by two incredible people:

• Dr. KH. Ahmad Mifdhol Muthohar, Lc, MSI. – lecturer at UIN Salatiga and Mudir of Pondok Pesantren Alhikmah Karanggede, Boyolali.
• Habiburrahman El Shirazy, Lc, MA – best-selling author of Ayat-Ayat Cinta and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih, both adapted into successful films.

Together, they share a big dream: to raise students with triple competence: strong Islamic knowledge, advanced tech skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

✍ What Makes Learning Here Different?

Here, I and the team teach programs that are truly relevant to today’s world:

✅ Computer Science – programming fundamentals, algorithms, and computational thinking.
✅ Digital Marketing Academy – how to market products and services online, run digital ad campaigns, and build your personal brand.
✅ Content Creator Academy – creating engaging content for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok; video editing, graphic design, and digital storytelling.
✅ Hacking & Cyber Security – understanding how hackers work, protecting data, and building secure systems.
✅ Software and Apps Developers – learning to build mobile and web applications, from idea to release.

🌱 A Story: Why This Matters

I still remember when I first learned about computers; it took a long time just to understand the basics. But now, technology changes incredibly fast. Sadly, many young people today only become viewers and consumers on social media — not the creators.

At Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah, we want to change that. We want students to become active makers, developers, and leaders in the digital world.
Imagine a student who memorizes the Qur’an, can code, builds Islamic apps, runs a popular YouTube dakwah channel, or creates an online store that helps support their family.

Isn’t that amazing?

🔧 Skills You Will Gain

By studying here, students will Insha’Allah gain practical and valuable skills, including:

• Building your own websites and applications
• Understanding how to use social media for dakwah and business
• Creating videos, graphic designs, and digital animations
• Learning ethical hacking and cyber security
• Starting and growing an online business from scratch

All of this is taught without forgetting the most important foundation: deepening Islamic knowledge. So every creative work and business stays within the path of goodness.

🙌 Come and Join Us!

For you — young people, students, or anyone who wants to:
✅ Learn both religion and technology in balance
✅ Become an Islamic content creator
✅ Build your own apps, websites, and online businesses
✅ Become financially independent while keeping strong character and faith

Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah Salatiga could be the perfect place to start your journey.

We are located at:
📍 Mangunsari, Sidomukti District, Salatiga City, Central Java, Indonesia

Let’s become a new generation that is knowledgeable, creative, and faithful.
Come and study with us at Pesantren Digital Alazhariyyah Salatiga – the place where future Islamic Techno-Preneurs are born!