Traveling around Yogyakarta is never complete without visiting Gunungkidul Regency. Located roughly 50 kilometers from the city center, the journey usually takes nearly two hours depending on traffic conditions. Although the distance may seem quite far, the natural attractions you will find there make every minute of the trip worth it.

Before we delve further into the main points of this article, we offer Jomblang Cave Tours for individuals or groups with your family or friends. Visit Goa Jomblang for more information.

One of the most memorable experiences in the region is cave tourism. The caves in Gunungkidul are famous for their beauty, exotic underground rivers, and impressive limestone formations.

Formed within a vast karst area, these caves display stalactites and stalagmites that developed over thousands of years. Because of this unique geology, many travelers—from casual tourists to serious adventurers—place Gunungkidul cave exploration on their bucket list.

Beyond their natural beauty, several caves also carry historical and cultural value. Some were once meditation sites for local communities, while others are associated with legends and ancient kingdoms.

This combination of nature, adventure, and history makes cave tourism in Gunungkidul especially appealing for nature lovers, photographers, and thrill seekers alike.

Below is a curated list of caves in Gunungkidul along with their opening hours and ticket prices so you can plan your trip easily.

Goa Pindul

Location: Bejiharjo Village, Karangmojo District, Gunungkidul Regency

The first destination you should not miss is Goa Pindul. This cave is arguably the most popular cave tourism spot in Gunungkidul, widely known because of its cave tubing activity. Visitors float along an underground river using an inflatable tube while enjoying the scenery inside the cave.

The main attraction here is the crystal-clear river flowing beneath towering limestone formations. Inside, you will see impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground. One of the highlights is the “Heaven Light” phenomenon—sunlight entering through a hole in the cave roof and illuminating the water surface, creating a magical atmosphere.

Cave tubing is suitable for beginners and families. The current is gentle, and visitors are guided by trained instructors. As you float along the river, the sunlight filtering into the cave combined with the echoing sounds of water creates an unforgettable experience.

Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (WIB)
Ticket Price: IDR 40,000 – 50,000 for cave tubing package
Area Entrance Fee: IDR 10,000

Goa Cokro (Luweng Cokro)

Location: Blimbing Hamlet, Umbulrejo Village, Ponjong District, Gunungkidul

For adrenaline seekers, Goa Cokro is the perfect destination. Unlike Goa Pindul, this cave requires visitors to rappel down approximately 18 meters using ropes. This vertical cave exploration offers a much more intense adventure and is recommended for those who enjoy extreme outdoor activities.

Before entering, visitors must wear full safety equipment including harnesses, helmets, and boots. The cave management has implemented international-standard safety procedures, ensuring visitors can explore securely under professional supervision.

Inside the cave, you will find striking limestone formations and a rock formation resembling a lion’s head. There is also a chamber known as the “Bridal Room,” a unique natural space that fascinates explorers. When the weather is sunny, rays of light enter through another opening about 50 meters away from the entrance, producing a dramatic visual effect.

This cave is also popular among international tourists because it offers a rare vertical caving experience in Indonesia.

Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Minimum Participants: 10 people
Estimated Price: Around IDR 1,000,000 per person

Goa Jomblang

Location: Jetis Wetan Hamlet, Pacarejo Village, Semanu District, Gunungkidul

Goa Jomblang is considered an icon of the Gunung Sewu Geopark. It is a vertical collapse sinkhole cave famous worldwide for its spectacular light beam often called the “Light of Heaven.”

To enter the cave, visitors are lowered approximately 60 meters using a single rope technique operated by professional guides. At the bottom, you will discover a lush “Ancient Forest.” This forest formed when the ground collapsed, bringing vegetation from the surface into the cave. Instead of dying, the plants adapted and continued growing underground, creating a prehistoric-like ecosystem.

After walking through the muddy forest trail, visitors reach a massive cavern where sunlight streams in from above. The best time to see the heavenly light is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the sun stands directly overhead.

The package includes safety equipment, guides, lunch, and insurance, making it a well-organized adventure tourism experience.

Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00 AM – 02:00 PM or until 04:00 PM
Ticket Price: IDR 500,000 – 700,000 per person

Goa Rancang Kencono

Location: Menggoran II Hamlet, Bleberan Village, Playen District, Gunungkidul

If you prefer a combination of nature and history, Goa Rancang Kencono is an excellent choice. Unlike vertical caves, this cave is easy to access and suitable for casual visitors.

The cave is believed to have historical connections with the Mataram Kingdom and possibly even earlier human habitation. Some local stories suggest it may have been used by ancient people centuries ago, adding a mysterious aura to the site.

Inside, you will find a spacious chamber measuring approximately 20 × 20 meters with a height of around 12 meters. The area is often used for traditional ceremonies, including engagement gift processions. Visitors also enjoy camping here due to the large open space.

Another highlight is the iconic klumpit tree growing near the cave entrance, which has become a favorite photography spot.

Facilities around the cave include parking areas, public toilets, food stalls, and local guides.

Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Entrance Ticket: IDR 10,000

Goa Kalisuci

Location: Jetis Wetan Hamlet, Pacarejo Village, Semanu District, Gunungkidul

The final destination on this list is Goa Kalisuci. This cave is not only beautiful but also beneficial to the local community, as its clear underground water serves as a daily water source for residents.

Today, the area has been developed into a village tourism attraction featuring cave tubing along a 500-meter underground river. The water depth varies from 1 to 3 meters, making it exciting but still manageable for beginners.

During the exploration, visitors pass through several cave sections including Goa Suci, Luweng Senglat, Luweng Geleng, and Goa Mburi Omah. Along the way, you can admire limestone formations and occasionally see bats hanging from the cave ceiling.

The activity is guided, and safety equipment is provided. The calm water and scenic interior make it ideal for travelers who want adventure without extreme risk.

Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000
Cave Exploration Package: IDR 70,000 per person

Tips Before Visiting the Caves

Before exploring caves in Gunungkidul, preparation is important. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that can get wet or muddy. Non-slip footwear or sandals with straps are recommended, especially for cave tubing destinations.

Bring waterproof bags for phones and cameras. Some caves are dark and humid, so a headlamp or flashlight can be helpful, although many operators already provide safety gear.

You should also maintain physical condition because certain caves involve walking on slippery surfaces or rappelling. Always follow guide instructions and avoid touching fragile stalactites and stalagmites to preserve the ecosystem.

Why Gunungkidul Cave Tourism Is Special

The caves in Gunungkidul are part of a massive karst landscape called the Gunung Sewu (Thousand Hills). This geological area contains underground rivers, sinkholes, and limestone hills formed millions of years ago. Because of this, each cave offers a different experience—from relaxing river floating to extreme vertical descent.

The diversity of activities is what makes Gunungkidul unique. In one day, you can explore a cave, visit a beach, and watch sunset from a hilltop viewpoint. Additionally, the local community actively manages tourism villages, allowing visitors to support local livelihoods while enjoying nature.

Conclusion

Exploring the caves in Gunungkidul is one of the most rewarding travel experiences near Yogyakarta. Despite the two-hour journey from the city, the region offers unforgettable scenery, adventure activities, and cultural value. Whether you want a relaxing cave tubing experience at Goa Pindul, a thrilling descent into Goa Jomblang, a historical visit to Goa Rancang Kencono, or a community-based adventure at Goa Kalisuci, each destination provides something different.

By knowing the opening hours and ticket prices in advance, you can plan your itinerary more efficiently. So, if you are preparing a trip to Yogyakarta, make sure to include at least one of these caves in Gunungkidul—you will discover that the underground world here is just as beautiful as the beaches above it.

For travelers looking for an unforgettable underground adventure, the Jomblang Cave tour by GoaJomblang.com provides professionally guided excursions to one of Indonesia’s most captivating natural attractions. Their experienced team manages a safe and well-organized descent into the cave, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of the “Light of Heaven.”