Cape Argus Lifestyle

Is this the new "Instagram attraction" for travellers?

Clinton Moodley|Published

Umbul Ponggok in Central Java allows travellers a chance to create quirky photographs with a range of props. Picture: Instagram/Umbul Ponggok Umbul Ponggok in Central Java allows travellers a chance to create quirky photographs with a range of props. Picture: Instagram/Umbul Ponggok

Travellers want to take photographs at new and unique attractions that would make their Instagram accounts stand out and generate a wider audience. 

One such place is Umbul Ponggok in Central Java that offers travellers a chance to create quirky underwater photographs with a range of props.

Travellers pay an entrance fee of $1 (around R15.25) and can hire an underwater camera or pay for their photographs to be taken by one of the staff members. 

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A post shared by Umbul Ponggok(@umbul_ponggok) on Dec 26, 2018 at 4:28pm PST

They have a number of props to choose from including a jet ski, TV sets and even a scooter. Umbul Ponggok, according to its website, is known as the first water park in Indonesia. 

It states on its site: “More than 8 years we have faithfully served you. Umbul Ponggok is the first water park in Indonesia that gives the sensation of snorkelling and diving not in the sea but in a pool of natural water that is cold and refreshing.” (sic). 

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A post shared by Umbul Ponggok(@umbul_ponggok) on Apr 27, 2018 at 6:41pm PDT

 According to the Daily Mail, the pond was polluted and used by the locals for bathing and washing their clothes 15 years ago. 

That all changed in 2006 when Junaedi Mulyono, the village head, decided to clean it up and use it to attract tourists. Now the small community sell souvenirs and other items near the attraction.