Pura Goa Giri Putri temple (also known as Karangsari Cave) is another neat hidden temple in Nusa Penida, Bali, but this one is unique because itβs inside of a huge natural cave.
Hindu ceremonies are still performed here, but itβs also open to tourists. Exploring this cave is an interesting experience, for sure.
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
What To Wear To Temples In Bali
You'll need to wear a sarong to enter most temples in Bali.
A sarong is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist, that can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than one US Dollar).
Or, if you plan to visit a lot of temples in Bali, it may be worthwhile to shell out for a sarong of your own to keep. They're very cheap!
Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
The Goa Giri cave is located halfway up a hill on the east side of Nusa Penida island, so you have to climb 100+ steps to reach it.
At the top, a Hindu priest will flick some holy water on your forehead as a purification rite. Then, to enter the cave, you get to crawl through a small opening in the side of the rock. With a backpack it may be a tight squeeze.
After crawling a few meters through a narrow, slightly claustrophobic passage, the inside opens up to a huge room with high ceilings. Thereβs a lighting system set up inside, but a flashlight could still be handy for some parts.
Cave door
Spooky inside
Itβs a big, dark cave almost 300 meters long, and if you follow it all the way to the opposite end it exits into some dense green hills with monkeys.
Inside the cave, youβll see bats and maybe a few spiders, and itβs also home to two species of endangered purplish-orange crabs that live in the Goa Giri cave and nowhere else on Earth.
All in all, it was a fascinating and unique experience!
We saw some spiders and bats inside
Youβll see these green hills when you exit the cave on the opposite end
Entrance Fees
Thereβs a small 5k Rupiah fee for renting a sarong and then a second small fee (βdonationβ) to actually enter the cave temple at Pura Goa Giri Putri.
For the donation, we paid 10k each and that was fine.
Temple rules
How To Get To There
The Pura Goa Giri Putri cave is on the east side of Nusa Penida island.
The parking area is accessible by car or scooter, about 15 minutes drive from the Sampalan docks or accommodation in north Penida.
From the parking lot, itβs a short 5-10 minute walk uphill to reach the cave entrance.
Looking for more info on how to get to Nusa Penida island in the first place? You can find that here.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
Looking for more information on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?
Don't forget to check out my full Nusa Penida Travel Guide with free tips, maps, photos, and more.
This island is loaded with nice beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!
More Bali Temples
Looking for more information on the best temples in Bali, Indonesia?
Check out my Bali Temple Guide for a complete list with photos, maps, and more!
Nusa Penida Private Driver
If you want to explore Nusa Penida in the comfort and safety of a van with a driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.
They offer a full day of driving and sightseeing in Penida (up to 8 hours) for 1-5 passengers. This tour includes the whole van + driver + petrol.
We've used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.
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Nusa Penida Hotels
See Also
- Nusa Penida Island: Complete Travel Guide
- 4-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary - Bali's Blue Paradise Island
- How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali
- What To Do In Nusa Penida - Caves, Beaches, Cliffs, & Temples
- GetYourGuide Day Tours To Nusa Penida Island
- Bali Beach Guide - The Best Beaches In Bali
- Bali Waterfalls Guide - The Best Waterfalls In Bali
- Bali Temple Guide - The Best Temples In Bali
- Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia