Goa Cerme – An Underground Journey of Nature, Spirit & Adventure
Located at the border of Bantul and Gunungkidul Regencies in Yogyakarta—spanning from Srunggo in Selopamioro (Bantul) to Ploso in Gunungkidul—Goa Cerme sits about 500 m above sea level and stretches roughly 1.5 km long.Yogyakarta Tourism+1
Historically, this cave was known as a meeting site for the revered Wali Songo during planning sessions for the Great Mosque of Demak—hence, its name “Cerme,” derived from ceramah (sermon).Yogyakarta Tourismgudeg.net
What Makes It Special
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Natural & Spiritual Elements: Inside, discover striking speleothems—stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones—illuminated by headlamps or guides’ lanterns. The cave also houses a small waterfall and a flowing subterranean river.TravelsPromoYogyakarta Tourism
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Sacred Springs & Ceremony: There are 26 named sendang (ritual springs)—such as Sendang Panguripan (Life Source), Jampi Raga (Physical Healing), and Rejeki (Prosperity)—often visited for reflection or prayer.ExploreJogja
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Spiritual Legacy: Parts of the cave remain used for meditation today, with locations referencing Wali Songo’s gatherings adding layers of meaning to every step.TravelsPromoYogyakarta Tourism
What to Expect
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Challenging but Safe Exploration: The path winds through water as deep as the chest, over slippery rocks, and through chambers requiring crouching or tight squeezes. The guidance of knowledgeable local guides is mandatory for safety.Yogyakarta TourismExploreJogja
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Equipment & Access: Entrance is budget-friendly—just IDR 3,000 for admission, with additional costs for headlamp rental (~IDR 5,000) and guide services (~IDR 30,000–50,000).gudeg.netTravelsPromoSalsa Wisata
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Logistics & Times: Open daily from approximately 07:00 to 18:00 (some sources suggest availability around the clock), though it’s best to visit in dry weather to avoid rising water levels or unsafe conditions.TravelsPromogudeg.netExploreJogja
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Visitor Amenities: The cave is equipped with basic forms of support—parking, toilets, a mushola, and sometimes nearby food stalls.Salsa WisataTravelsPromo
Quick Info at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | ~IDR 3,000 |
| Guide Fee & Gear | Headlamp: IDR 5,000 • Guide: IDR 30,000–50,000 |
| Opening Hours | ~07:00–18:00 (Daily) |
| Length | ~1.5 km through the cave |
| Unique Features | Speleothems, underground river, waterfall, 26 sacred springs |
| Historical Note | Wali Songo used this cave for spiritual discussions |
Why Visit Goa Cerme?
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A rare blend of nature, history, and spirituality, offering both adventure and reflection.
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Immersive spelunking equipped with rituals, legends, and geological beauty—all within a single journey.
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A budget-friendly, offbeat destination that rewards curiosity and reverence in equal measure.
Visitor Tips
- Best Season: The dry season (May–October) offers ideal weather for exploring.
- Activities: From beach rides and sand-boarding to cave rappelling and cultural workshops, Bantul offers diverse experiences for all types of travelers.
- Modes of Transport: While some sites are easily reachable by car or motorbike, others—like Jomblang or waterfalls—may benefit from guided tours or local help.
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