Located in a karst region, Gunung Kidul, Jogjakarta is blessed with many wonderful caves. One of the most intriguing caves in this region is Jomblang Cave, located in Pacarejo Village, District Semanu, approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Yogyakarta. Jomblang is a cave system that present a challenging adventure and gives a heavenly reward to whoever take it.
Baca juga : Pesona Puru Kambera, Savana Habitat Kuda Liar Hingga Pantai Perawan
If you want to explore Jomblang Cave, you must set off quite early. You need to be at the resort early as the management here only allow up to 80 people to visit this cave each day. The entrance fee is IDR500,000 per peson. It covers all equipment rent and insurance. You’ll need to register and then the crew will give you safety equipment, from waterproof boots, SRT set, helmet, and headlamp.
Getting down Jomblang Cave
Jomblang Cave is a large hole, with a diameter of about 25 meter. The hole drops at least 60 meters down. This sinkhole is probably formed in the distant past as the vegetation here has already formed an forest ecosystem. You will be lowered down in pairs to the landing ‘platform’ of the hole.
You will be helped by one guide here. Most people will be nervous when the first had to jump to that huge sinkhole but it’s perfectly safe.
Climb down to the gathering point
The landing spot is not your final destination, far from it. You’ll have to climb down a very narrow and slippery path to the gathering point. You need to be extremely careful because there is no handrail to help you steady your steps.
You will have to gather at the actual bottom of the cave system, at the mouth of horizontal Grubug Cave. The guides will only continue the tour when all tourists are already in the gathering point.
Into the darkness of Grubug Cave
After everyone in your group are gathering, you will be guided through the pitch black Grubug Cave. This horizontal cave is big, but the soil is damp, muddy, and slippery even though there are stepping stones put as a path. Slowly a phenomenal heavenly light comes into view.
Grubug Cave ends in another sinkhole, but now it is much bigger. Columns of light from above touch an elevated stone that look like a massive stalagmite.
Showering in the heavenly rays
Most people come to this place specifically to witness this majestic view. Everyone definitely want their picture taken here, right under that pillars of lights if possible. However, you will not be permitted to climb that rock for conservation reason.
You can take your picture just next to them, the result will be just as spectacular. Aside from bringing camera, it is also better for you to take this adventure with your friends.
Exploring this U-shaped cave system is not the easiest challenge, so make sure you are in a good condition when you go here. Make sure you bring protectors for your camera and gadgets as the condition in the cave can be very humid and wet. You also need to bring towel and extra clothes. Venturing into these caves will definitely make your clothes dirty (and muddy) and you will need to shower when you get back up to the resort.
So, are you up for the challenge? Next