Visiting Java – Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug
The ultimate guide to Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug
Visiting Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug is a unique and special experience.
Are you visiting Yogyakarta and would like to wander off the beaten tourist tracks? Then I got something for you! But let me warn you: You should not be scared of heights and you will get dirty. However, if you are brave enough for some serious abseiling, you will have one of the most magical experiences spelunking in Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug.
Visiting Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug makes for a lovely day trip from Yogyakarta but can easily be combined with another activity later in the afternoon or very early in the morning. I visited Jomblang Cave and Grubug Cave in the morning and did cave tubing in Pindul Cave later in the afternoon. It might also be combined with a Merapi Jeep Tour.
What is Goa Jomblang and Goa Grubug?
“Goa” means “cave” in Indonesian. Goa Jomblang is a vertical cave located in Gunung Kidul, Java, about 1.5 hours drive from Yogyakarta. In the middle of the jungle, the 15-20 million year old limestone collapsed forming a 60 m deep and 50 m wide sinkhole. It is filled with lush green vegetation, giving strong “Jurassic Park” vibes. The adjacent cave, Goa Grubug, was formed by a river running through the cave forming a waterfall. There are light beams shining into Goa Grubug illuminating the interiors of the cave, perfect to take pictures.
To visit Jomblang Cave it takes some real manpower: Local men from the village rope the visitors down into the cave by pulley and pull them back up after the tour.
What to expect
Goa Jomblang is a 60 m deep sinkhole in the middle of the Javanese jungle.
Goa Jomblang is a 60 m deep sinkhole in the middle of the jungle. There is neither a path nor stairs to get in there. It is only accessible by abseiling. When arriving on site, you will be registered and equipped with boots, a helmet and a harness at the visitor center. The number you get is your “abseiling”-group. Arrive on time not to miss your turn and mess up their schedule. There is only one tour per day starting at 9 am. If you miss it, you have to do it another time. In pairs of two, local men from the nearby village lower the visitors with a pulley into the cave. It takes some courage to take the step over the edge of the cliff and sit back into the harness. However, no (!) bungee jumping. The cave guides make sure that you are secured properly in the harness. Then you will be lowered gently into the cave. Just the height is a bit scary at first.
The sinkhole is filled with ancient lush green vegetation, different from the jungle at the top. It feels like arriving in another world when slowly descending into the lush greenery. There are a few little paths to wander around. I was among the first groups so I had enough time to walk around Goa Jomblang and take pictures. Because it takes some time to get everybody into the sinkhole, I could enjoy the peace and quite among ancient plants and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Make sure to look up! It is also fun to watch the other visitors getting lowered into the cave.
When we were complete our guides led us into Goa Grubug. The descent to the entrance of Grubug Cave is steep, muddy and slippery but not too challenging. Everybody with a basic level of fitness can do it. There are ropes to hang onto. The 300 m walk to the waterfall is pitch-black. There is a path made of rocks in the mud. Bring a headlight or a torch so that you can see the rocks. Wear appropriate clothing because it is wet, muddy and slippery in there and definitely cooler than inside Jomblang Cave which is open at the top and gets warmed by the sun. If you slip and fall, you will get a nice mudpack. But no worries, you can wash later, when you get back to the visitor center.
It takes some courage to step over the edge of the rocks and sit back into the harness.
At the end of the cave runs an underground river with an impressive waterfall. There you will be rewarded with the stunning “Lights of Heaven” as they call the light beams hitting the rocks inside the cave. The mist from the water fall contribute to this magical mystical experience. There are different spots where the guides will take you picture. You can hand them your phone or camera and the will take some really cool pictures of you posing on the rocks in the heavenly lights. While waiting for your turn you have enough time to wander around inside the cave and explore it a little bit by yourself.
Eventually, you will make your way back to Jomblang Cave and get ready to be pulled back up. There are around 30 men from the village pulling the visitors back up to the top. You then can walk back to the visitor center, wash the mud off and enjoy your delicious meal packed in banana leaves. I got rice with chicken and veggies.
How to get there
Around 11 am, the “Heavenly Lights” shine into the cave.
By yourself
You can get there on your own, by renting a car or a motorbike. For the itinerary, just check Google Maps. However, expect the last bit of the road to be very bumpy because the caves are in the middle of the jungle.
By private transfer
I hired a driver who picked me up in the morning at my hotel and dropped me off in the evening. I actually only planned to visit Jomblang Cave but he spontaneously hooked me up with an extra trip to Pindul Cave for cave tubing.
By tour package
There is always the option of booking a guided tour package, with transfer and entrance fee included in the price, or with an extra tour added.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to book your spot in advance. They only let a limited amount of people per day into the caves. Also make sure to be there on time because there is schedule when to get down into the cave and back up. It starts at 9 am because the light beams shine into the cave around 10 to 11 am. The tour will finish around 2 pm with a small lunch on site.
The entrance/exit of Goa Grubug to Goa Jomblang is huge.
Contact information
Visit the official website of Goa Jomblang here. You can easily message them directly by WhatsApp (+62 818 629 901) or send an e-mail (jomblangbook@gmail.com).
The entrance to Goa Grubug is steep and slippery but everybody with a basic level of fitness can visit the cave.
Harness, helmet and wellies are included in the price as well as a delicious lunch after the tour. I had noodles, chicken, rice and veggies.
How much does it cost?
The entrance fee to visit the caves is 500 000 rp/person. That is about 50 Swiss Francs (around 50 Euros or 50 Dollars). In the price included is the rental of the harness and the rubber boots as well as the lunch served after the cave-adventure. The entrance fee must be paid in cash upon arrival.
Best time to visit
My visit to Jomblang Cave and Grubug Cave was in July. Although the cave is open year round, it is better to visit during dry season from June to September. During rainy season it is muddier and clouds might cover the light beams or the cave is closed due to heavy rainfalls. Avoid weekends if possible, since it is much busier and chances are that they are already fully booked.
Lush green vegetation welcomes you inside Goa Jomblang.
Descending into Jomblang Cave is like entering “Jurassic Park”.
What to wear and what to bring
Here are some (optional) suggestions of what to bring when visiting Jomblang Cave and Grubug Cave that might come in handy:
Comfortable breathable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty: Remember, you will be wearing a harness for abseiling, it is humid, it is hot in Jomblang Cave and somewhat cool in Grubug cave, and it is muddy. Dress modestly. Indonesia has an overwhelming Muslim majority. So are the people from the village working at Jomblang cave. There will be many domestic tourists or tourists from neighboring countries like Malaysia. There is no dress code by law in Indonesia but dressing modestly is highly appreciated.
Spare clothes: In case you get too dirty and wet you can change into some fresh clothes.
Towel: You can wash yourself after the visit, therefore a towel comes in handy to dry yourself.
Socks: I brought socks to wear inside the provided wellies for hygienic reasons and because it simply is more comfortable to wear rubber boots with socks.
Headscarf/shower-cap: For the abseiling part you must wear a helmet. For hygienic reasons I always carry a silky headscarf with me that I can wear under a helmet.
Raincoat or a rain cape: You are in the tropics, so there is always a chance to get some rain. Inside the cave water is dripping from the top.
Headlight/torch: It is pitch-black inside Goa Grubug. The guides have torches but you want to bring your own. A headlight will keep your hands free.
Waterproof bag/waterproof phone case: You won’t really need anything inside the cave besides your camera or phone to take pictures. To keep your belongings dry, put them in waterproof bags.
Cash: Remember, you must pay the entrance fee in cash. You cannot pay by credit card or upfront on booking. You will get your picture taken right before abseiling and they will sell it to you later. While it was quite expensive, I still bought it. It is a fun souvenir and you help the people of the village to make an income.
Snacks/drinks: While you will get lunch after your cave-adventure, bring water/drinks and snacks if you think you will need them.
After visiting the caves you will go back up the same way you got down: by pulley. At the top you can wash the mud off and a delicious lunch is waiting for you.
Make sure to look up when you are inside Goa Jomblang.