Cave Tubing at Pindul Cave

A. Overview

Gunungkidul, the mostly karst hill area of Jogjakarta, stores lot of charm of special interest tours such as climbing at Siung Beach, Cave Tubing at Seropan Cave, Cave Tubing at Kalisuci, and Nature Exploration at Ancient Mount Nglanggeran. Currently, there is one more additional special tour being developed by the Department of Tourism and by local community, which is Cave Tubing at Pindul Cave.

Cave tubing is an activity to trace the cave using the tools such as a raft or inner tube. Pindul Cave is one of series of seven caves flowed by underground river in Bejiharjo. This horizontal cave is measured to be approximately 300 m length, 5 m width, 5 m depth, and 4 m of distance between water surface and the cave roof. The quiet water flowing inside the cave makes it suitable to be used as cave tubing for all ages.

While doing the cave tubing, you may also listen to the Cave Pindul history. The name itself is derived from the story of Joko Singlulung’s odyssey traced the dense forest, rivers, until the cave to find his father. While tracing in the seven caves that have rivers beneath it, Joko’s head knocked at big rock. Therefore, the cave is then named Pindul Cave.

B. Features

Gunungkidul is often imagined as a barren place, but it is much different when entering the area of Bejiharjo, an abundance of water flowing through ditches and irrigates the rice fields. Arriving at Pindul Cave within short distance from the main village road, you will see quiet river flows out of the mouth of the cave located at the foot of the hill. Green turquoise water is then entered into a wide mouth of the cave. However, you will get an explanation of some things that should or should not be done inside the cave for the safety and security.

Cave tubing at Pindul Cave needed no training or special skills, because the river flow is very calm and quiet so anyone can follow it. The cave is dark and its atmosphere is rather quiet. Occasionally there is sound of bats flying at the roof and the sound of splashing water. Stalactites and stalagmites with the white color like the crystal are seen in some corners. There is even one stalagmite became one with big stalactite blocking the flow of water. Its size is about five-arm span of adults.

Entering the middle of hallway, there is one spacious room looks like a wide swimming pool. There is also wide hole for the sunlight that forms a beautiful light. This place is usually used as the entrance by the SAR team and the community of Nature Lovers who practicing. Getting out of the cave, you will be treated by the views of Banyumoto Dam that have been built since the Dutch era.

C. Location

Pindul Cave commonly used to perform cave tubing is located in Gelaran Hamlet I, Bejiharjo Village, Karangmojo District, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta (DIY).

D. Access

For those of who bring personal vehicles, you can travel from Jogjakarta to Wonosari, Gunungkidul. Arriving at the circular path, turn left follow the highway to Karangmojo. After arriving at the intersection of Argopolitan, turn left follow the village road. Now you are arrived at Bejiharjo Village, and Gelaran Hamlet is located not far from there.

Besides using public transportation, you can also take bus transport in destination of Jogja-Wonosari with the charge of IDR 6,000.00 for one way. From Wonosari, you can continue the journey using a motorcycle taxi in the charge between IDR 10,000.00-15,000.00. The motorcycle taxi driver will take you to Gelaran Hamlet I (October 2010).

E. Ticket Price

For the visitors who bring their own equipment and no need for guide can go directly to the cave without paying any fees. However, for the first time visitors who do not bring their equipment can contact the manager who provides the equipment and guides. For the standard package is priced IDR 25,000.00-30,000.00 includes guide, equipment, snack, as well as food. As theadditional package such as outbound or home stay may contact the manager (October 2010).

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

Various facilities provided by local community to support the convenience of visitors including the equipment of cave tubing (inner tube, life jacket, and flashlight or headlamp), guide, home stay (typical resident houses with bamboo walls), fishing place, and food stall.

 

Text: Elisabeth Murni

English translation: M. Noer Said

Photo source: The Collection of Jogjatrip.com

(Primary data and various sources)

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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