How To Visit Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple In Nusa Penida

by David & Intan

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 it’s inside of a huge natural cave.

Hindu ceremonies are still performed here, but it’s 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!
Inside the cave at Pura Goa Giri Putri temple in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

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. There’s a lighting system set up inside, but a flashlight could still be handy for some parts.

Pura Goa Giri Putri Temple Cave Entrance In Nusa Penida Bali

Cave door

Pura Goa Giri Putri Temple Cave In Nusa Penida Bali

Spooky inside

It’s 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, you’ll see bats and maybe a few spiders, and it’s 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!

Spider inside the cave at Pura Goa Giri Putri temple in Nusa Penida, Bali

We saw some spiders and bats inside

Hills outside the Pura Goa Giri Putri temple in Nusa Penida, Bali

You’ll see these green hills when you exit the cave on the opposite end


 

Entrance Fees

There’s a small 5k Rupiah fee for renting a sarong and then a second small fee (‘donation’) to actually enter the cave temple at Pura Goa Giri Putri.

For the donation, we paid 10k each and that was fine.

Cave rules at Pura Goa Giri

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, it’s 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.

Book Now: Nusa Penida Driver
 


 

Nusa Penida Hotels

 

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