Pura Goa Giri Putri is an underground Hindu temple that should definitely make it onto your list of things to do in Nusa Penida!
It Begins With The Drive
We set off to find the temple at around 11:00 am. After a really packed week we opted to make the day much more relaxed and had quite a slow start.
If you’d like to see what else we got up to on Nusa Penida, check out the complete guide to all Nusa Penida attractions!
Driving through the town and along the coastline was amazing, one of the most beautiful ocean views we have ever seen!
As you drive along you see the contrast of the electric blue sea in front of old fishing villages with the assortment of fancy restaurants on the rise. The drive is a worthwhile outing in itself!
Goa Giri Putri Temple Parking
Right across from the temple entrance is a big parking lot. There is a security guard who sits outside on a chair and will show you exactly where you need to park.
The parking lot also has a little shop/warung on the property where you can rent out a sarong if you don’t already have one. At the time of our visit, they also had a few traditional festival floats outside too!
Entering The Cave
It is time to cross over the road and begin the journey up to the temple. As per usual in Nusa Penida, you will have to climb up stairs to get to the temple. 110 of them in fact!
Once at the top of the stairs, you will be pelted with Holy Water as a blessing and to purify you before you enter. Trust us when we say this will come as a shock, especially because the slope of the stairs means you cannot see anyone at the top before you actually arrive there.
You will then be guided over to the donation desk. It is supposed to be donation-based, but we will discuss that in the cost section.
Once we had donated, we were taken to a hole in the wall… literally.
When they told us that was the entrance, we almost didn’t believe them! I even shot Byron an ‘are we really doing this look’. It is not the most ideal entrance for people who are claustrophobic, but we assure you that once you are inside, the cave opens up to reveal a massive open space that is about 300m long and about 15m tall.
Did you know that around 5000 people can fit inside the Pura Goa Giri Putri temple cave?
The Unique History of The Goa Giri Putri Temple
Pura means Temple,
Goa means Cave,
Giri means Hill.
So it means that it is a cave temple, in a hill.
Putri, however, means “princess” and it is said to refer to the feminine qualities of a god. In the cave itself, you will see a few shrines dedicated to females deities from Hindu, Balinese, and Chinese religions.
So all in all, Pura Goa Giri Putri translates to the Princess’ Hill Cave Temple.
The cave also contains holy water which is said to have magical healing powers and can cure you of disease. The priests wash the people and themselves before they proceed with a ritual or ceremony.
If you are lucky enough, you may even bear witness to a traditional ceremony if you come at the right time. Whatever the case, please remember to be respectful. It is, above all, a place of worship.
Our experience in the temple was magical. The damp floors reflecting the dim light, incense filling the air and traditional song as our ambience. We saw prayer, meditation, relaxation and blessings.
One thing is for sure, you walk out a lot calmer than you walk in!
Exiting The Cave
So we lied to you. That small hole in the wall is not the only way into the cave – but it’s the way you’ve got to go!
Once you’ve explored the temple for a while, you’ll find that you have led yourself to the end of the cave, where there is a large opening. That’s your way out!
After walking down the ramp, you simply turn right and head towards the road again (it took us longer than we felt it should have, so don’t worry, you’re heading in the right direction). When you hit the road, you take another right and walk up towards the parking lot again.
Try and smash out these attractions on the same day:
Teletubbies Hills
Manta Point
Vital Visitor’s Information
How Much It Costs
Firstly, if you don’t already own a sarong, you will have to rent one, you can do this from the little shop in the parking lot for IDR 5K each.
When taken to the donation desk at the top of the stairs we put in IDR 20K but were told we had to put in an extra IDR 20K. So we are guessing the ticket price is IDR 20k each, which is still a relatively small amount except for the fact that we had no change. So, make sure you always have some change lying around!
How To Get There
Pura Goa Giri Putri is on the northeastern side of Nusa Penida. The drive to the temple is also one of the most beautiful you will encounter on the island!
X Marks The Spot
Need Some Extra Nusa Penida Help?
A Video Guide To Nusa Penida
Here’s a complete video guide to Nusa Penida. We talk every attraction in order, every cost, every detail, every secret! You should need nothing more!
“I’d like to subscribe on YouTube!“
Getting To Nusa Penida
If you’re heading to Nusa Penida from Bali, you can either take a day trip or go by yourself and spend a little longer on the island. We ended up staying for a week!
The easiest way is to catch a speedboat from Sanur harbour to Nusa Penida. You can book your ticket below!
Book here: Sanur to Nusa Penida
Or search your own Southeast Asia travels on 12Go Asia.
Getting Around On Nusa Penida
Since the island isn’t as built up yet, they only have one well-maintained main route that connects all of the attractions, which means that you will have to travel about 45 minutes between each attraction.
The easiest way to do that is to rent a motorcycle once you’re there. It cost us IDR 390k to rent a scooter for the week which was a little better of a deal compared to the standard IDR 70k a day.
WARNING: The roads to all the attractions are very bumpy and are not regularly maintained. Be very careful when driving!
➳ Tell Me About The Nusa Penida Roads.
It’s worth mentioning that we absolutely loved driving here, gladly cruising for three or more hours a day because of the spectacular scenery, quiet roads, authentic local lifestyle and fresh air.
Staying On Nusa Penida
We’re looking for:
Budget-Friendly ➩ Arie Guesthouse (We stayed here)
Unique ➩ Penida Bambu Green
Luxury ➩ Kompyang Cottage
We always start off by perusing Airbnb. They have so many options and Nusa Penida is no exception!
➩ When you first sign up to Airbnb and book using our code you can score up to R600 off of your first booking and R225 towards an experience!
Where To Head After Nusa Penida
Have you already explored Bali? More specifically, Ubud?
Maybe you’re on your way out of Indonesia. Thailand is quite nearby.
➳ The Ultimate Trang Travel Guide
Finally, if you’re still on the hunt for inspiration, try out this random blog post!
➳ Ooooh, where does this take me?
Let your travels lead you, but don’t forget to tag us in your journeys! Facebook, Instagram and the #DearTravallure.
❀ PIN FOR LATER ❀
Amazing experience I’m sure ?
I’m glad you have added the entrance as well as the giant cavern it gives you access to. Good to know also is that there is a normal size door leading you out again. ?
Metaphorically, I find the little opening very interesting because the way is narrow but for those who are willing to take the narrow way, the reward is discovering the abundant life at its end. Matthew 7:14
Thanks for sharing this, it was so interesting to read. We’re going to Bali in December, not Nusa Penida, but I enjoyed reading your insights none the less. That temple entrance though…
Definitely following you on Instagram!
Author
Thank you so much! We are so glad that you found it interesting!?Bali is absolutely amazing. You must have a fantastic time! What part of Bali are you visiting?