Jomblang Cave
Discovering the Mystique of Jomblang Cave
In the hills of Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Jomblang Cave is a breathtaking natural wonder.
Gunung Kidul is located south of Jogjakarta city and means “mountains in the South”. Since 2014 Gunung Kidul is recognised by UNESCO as a Geopark. The beautiful landscape of limestone rocks is unique on our earth. Over thousands of years the rainwater and underground rivers eroded the soft limestone and created a unique cave system.
Jomblang Cave is one of these caves and a great place for travelers seeking the extraordinary. The cave is known for its stunning vertical entrance and beautiful light beams that pierce through the cave’s ceiling. Jomblang offers a unique glimpse into the underground landscapes of Gunung Kidul.
A Journey into the Depths
The Jomblang cave tour is made up of three parts.
The first part of the tour you will visit a large sinkhole (25 meters in diameter and about 50 meters deep). This sinkhole used to be a cave until, a long time ago, the roof collapsed. Now the sinkhole is covered with trees and vegetation. The adventure begins with a descent down a steep vertical shaft, where you will be equipped with harnesses and ropes. As you descend, the air cools, and the sounds of nature transform into an otherworldly echo.
The second part of the cave is a long tunnel (250 meters) which you will enter at the bottom of the sinkhole. The roof of the tunnel is not completely closed and the sun will peek through and creates an amazing view of sunrays.
The tour ends in Goa Grubog, the central cave which is as high as 90 meters. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
The Light of Jomblang
One of the cave’s most special features is the “heavenly light” that spills in through the entrance, creating a magical atmosphere. The best time to witness this spectacle is during midday when the sun is directly overhead.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) is ideal for cave exploration.
- What to Wear: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, along with a jacket for the cooler cave environment.
- What to take: If you mind being a bit dirty; don’t forget to take clean clothes with you.
From Yogyakarta it takes a 2 hours drive to go to the Jomblang cave. To arrive at the right visiting time, we have to depart at 07.00 in the morning from Yogyakarta. Every day maximum 70 – 90 people are allowed to visit the cave. The visit will finish around 2 pm, with a simple lunch.
Pinus Pengger
After the lunch we drive back to Yogyakarta. On the way, we can stop at the Pinus Pengger or Pinus Becici view point (Obama visited Pinus Becici in 2017) . From these view points we can watch the sunset and after dark we can beautifully see lights of the city. After enjoying the view we drive back to Yogyakarta and in about 1 hours you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with nature, Jomblang Cave offers everything you need for a beautiful day.