Gua Cerme — Attraction in Bantul Regency

Amazing hidden gem, sacred meditation cave with a river running through it. We went on a holiday weekend and there was no one else there. You take a guide (70,000 for the group) and wade through the river up to your knees (sometimes a little deeper) for about 2 hours, and you come out a different entrance. It's beautiful inside, there are bats and shrimp and spider crickets. Sometimes you have to climb rocks, or duck under very low stalactites, but it's not too difficult if you're adventurous. Bring water shoes or sandals with good grip. They also rent boots at the entrance, but they are very uncomfortable and will give you blisters. You can rent powerful headlamps for 5,000 and there is a lady selling noodles or chicken soup for lunch. This is also a place for rock climbing In rainy season, cave is flooded...

So worth it, reasonable price, the experience and ambience were outstanding.

Altough the place itself was in the middle of nowhere, the road to go there kept ascending, quite far, with quite small path, but it was well taken care so it wasn't rocky and slippery, and the moment you stepped in the cave, all of the hardship you've gone through will be worth it.

The cave itself has 1,2km for us to walk. It took around 1,5 - 2 hours to reach the end of the tunnel. The water on the cave was knee-length high. So prepare to bring extra pants. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable.

Overall this was an unforgettable hidden gem...

Ticket for locals, going inside the cave up to Gunung Kidul Regency is IDR9k/person. One guide is IDR50k.

Renting helmet and headlamp: 5k/each.

It feels more caving than exploring Jomblang Cave, as you will go through the watery cave for ~1.5km long. Prepare your footwear, regular trekking sandals is better than having your walking shoes soaked - unless you're a pro with those gears. They have also spots for wall climbing outside the cave. It's a worth it...