Pindul cave is a rising star among destinations to visit in Yogyakarta. It is a recently popular destination, best known for offering a unique new way of cave exploration. For travelers looking for a break from Yogyakarta’s temples and monuments. Pindul cave provides a closer-to-the-nature option.
Located 7 km south of Wonosari, Gunung Kidul regency, it is around 3 hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. The cave spans 350 meters with a width of up to 5 meters. An underground river flows underneath between the two caves opening. Pindul cave is the home of the 4th largest stalactite in the world.
The stalactite is so huge that it needs five grown adults to circle it. Before growing to be a tourist attraction, locals considered Pindul cave sacred. The cave popping a mystical vibe that only a few people dare to explore the inside.
Locals whisper about ghosts and other supernatural beings dwelling in the cave. The hard terrain also makes Pindul cave difficult to explore without proper equipment. It remained largely unexplored for a long time.
It was not until a research group from a local university explore the cave. They explore to know more about the rock and water depth in the cave. Straightaway after the research is done, the beauty of the cave was finally exposed.
Follow by further examination by the local government not long after that. Pindul Cave is then opened as a tourist site in 2010. Since then the place has thrived into a popular site, offering a unique kind of tourism worth exploring.
Pindul Cave An Entrance To Underground River
Enjoy an interesting experience whilst inside the cave. Using rubber tires, visitors will be guided through the underground river. This activity is called cave tubing. Prepare to enjoy the beauty of the stalactite and the stalagmite as visitors glide through the river on this donuts-like inflatable.
A safety jacket is a standard, visitors do not need to worry when it comes to safety. The bright zone near the entry is still touched by the sunlight. This is where the marvel of an interior nature craft and be the witness at its best. Bats inhabit the roof and fishes swim in the water below, enriching the cave’s ecosystem.
As the visitors explore further inside, darkness awaits. The roof of the cave gets lower, the river’s width gets narrower, and the creatures are hardly found anymore. It is eerie but astonishing at the same time. A wonderful surprise appears as visitors approach the middle of the cave.
There is a rather large open space, with a hole above it that the local residents call “a well upside down”. Sunlight enters through the hole, illuminating this part of the cave. There are signs of life again, green vegetation, and small animals, giving relief after the darkness before.
Swimming In Banyu Moto
As visitors approach the exit, a small part of the river, called Banyu Moto, is where another fun will take place. Here visitors can hop off the tube and start enjoying the water. Swimming, taking pictures, and generally playing with the water are among the activities recommended to do here. Spend some time enjoying the last glimpse of the cave before leaving.
River Tubing
The fun with the rubber tire doesn’t have to stop at Pindul cave. Some tour companies also provide a tubing experience at the Oyo river, located not far from the cave. Unlike Pindul’s, the current of the river is stronger. It provides more thrills and adventures for those craving more adrenaline rush.
Karst rocks neatly stand along the river beds, left and right. The high rocks will remind visitors of the Grand Canyon. Only this one is smaller and in a tropical setting. Small waterfalls scatter and flow in several spots.
There is a lot of myth surrounding these waterfalls, make sure to ask the tour guide. Don’t leave the site without the story. The journey on this river spans 1,5 kilometers and lasts typically around 2 hours.
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Pindul Cave Opening Hours
The best time to visit the cave is at 9 AM. Since the sun shines perfectly through the cave roof. It is also when the river temperature is the least cold. The official opening hours are from 7 AM to 5 PM. The site is open all year round including holidays.
| Pindul Cave Opening Hours | |
| Every day | 07:00 – 17:00 |
See: Exceeding The Limit, Adventure in Jomblang Cave.
Best Time To Visit
However, the local government has put some restrictions on the number of visitors allowed. Earlier this year official tourism announce only 2.600 tourists were allowed. The limitation applies in order to preserve the ecosystem of the cave. Another thing to note, the water level rises during rainy seasons.
A flood can happen and this can cause the site to close temporarily. Tourists are advised to research this matter before visiting. The best time to visit the cave is during summer between July to October.
See: Guide To Explore Sri Gethuk Waterfall & Kencono cave.
Pindul Cave Entrance Fee
For cave exploration with the tube, foreigners will have to pay Rp10.000 extra than the locals. The price includes tube rent, insurance, a guide fee, and a plastic bag. Thus guests belonging is safe despite getting splashed by water. The price does not include an additional Rp10.000 for the entrance retribution.
| Pindul Cave Entrance Fee | |
| Retribution Fee | Rp10.000 |
| Caving Foreign | Rp50.000 |
| Tubing Oyo River | Rp75.000 |
| Gelatik Cave | Rp30.000 |
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Facilities
Parking, guesthouses, and bathrooms are available on-site. Tour services are plenty and each offers pretty much similar packages to the others. A modest food stall selling mineral water and local dish available too on the premises.
See: New Yogyakarta International Airport & Airport Transfer.
How To Get To Pindul Cave
From Yogyakarta, take the direction of Wonosari street. Follow the main route about 15 km towards Piyungan and continue straight towards Bukit Bintang. Keep driving for 25 minutes before finding a traffic light intersection known as the Gading intersection. Continue driving for approximately 3 km.
It is less complicated by public transportation. From the city center, head to the Giwangan bus terminal with TransJogja. At the terminal, find a bus heading to Wonosari. Do not hesitate to ask since locals are more than happy to help.
Hop on the bus and ask the driver to stop at the Grogol intersection. From the intersection, tourists could ride motorcycle taxis to reach Pindul Cave. And it will cost Rp30.000 for a round-trip.
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Address & Location
Pindul cave location is in Gelaran2, Bejiharjo, Karangmojo, Gunung Kidul District, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55891.
