Entrance Fees

There is no official entrance fee to visit Giri Putri Cave Temple. Instead, visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to support the temple’s upkeep and ongoing activities. A recommended donation amount is IDR 50,000 per person, which is approximately USD 3. This donation helps contribute to the maintenance of the temple and its religious practices.

In addition to the donation, all visitors are required to wear a sarong as a sign of respect. Sarongs are provided at the entrance of the temple for convenience. Please note that all payments, including donations, should be made in cash as credit card facilities may not be available.

Address & Accessibility

Giri Putri Cave Temple is located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida, about 15 kilometers from the main port at Toyapakeh. The address is: Giri Putri Cave Temple, Suana Village, Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.

The temple is accessible by road and is best reached by hiring a car or scooter from the harbor. From the main road, a steep staircase leads up to the temple entrance, making for a short but strenuous climb. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the ascent.

How to Get There

Getting Around

If you're looking for an easy and enjoyable way to explore Giri Putri Cave Temple and other attractions on the island, Bali Cheapest Tours offers guided tours that often include Giri Putri Cave Temple as part of a Nusa Penida itinerary. These tours allow you to experience other popular sites and gain insight into the island’s culture and history. Here are some day tours to consider:

All-inclusive Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali

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From US$ 55

Explore Nusa Penida’s iconic spots, including Giri Putri Cave Temple, on a one-day tour. This all-inclusive package includes fast boat transfers, a local guide, lunch, and visits to the island’s most breathtaking locations. See Details

Nusa Penida Instagram Tour: Private Day Trip from Bali

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (755 Reviews)

From US$ 55

Embark on a private day trip to the iconic Kelingking Beach, Giri Putri Cave Temple, and other popular spots. This package includes fast boat transfers, a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver, lunch, and all entrance fees. See Details

Opening Hours

Giri Putri Cave Temple is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. During these hours, you can explore the temple, admire its unique features, and participate in various activities. However, the temple is available for prayer and spiritual practices 24 hours a day. This continuous access allows devotees and visitors to engage in personal meditation, prayer, and reflection at any time, enhancing their spiritual experience.

Temple ceremonies and religious festivals may occur outside of regular visiting hours, providing additional opportunities to experience the temple's vibrant spiritual life. If you wish to witness these ceremonies or participate in special rituals, it is advisable to check local schedules or contact the temple for information on specific event times.

Best Time to Visit

For an optimal experience at Giri Putri Cave Temple, plan your visit during Bali's dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, you can expect more predictable and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the temple and its surroundings without the interruptions of heavy rain.

Within the dry season, early mornings and late afternoons are particularly advantageous. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and a serene atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the temple's tranquility before it becomes busier. Late afternoons also provide a peaceful environment, with the added benefit of softer lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the cave and the surrounding landscape. Visiting during these times helps you avoid the peak crowds and allows for a more reflective and enjoyable experience.

What To See and Do

• Explore the Cave: Begin your visit by entering the temple through a narrow crevice in the rock, which leads to a stunning, expansive interior. As you explore, you'll encounter a variety of intricately carved statues, sacred altars, and traditional offerings dedicated to Balinese deities. Take your time to appreciate the blend of natural rock formations and spiritual elements that create a unique and sacred atmosphere.
• Capture the Beauty: Don’t miss the chance to photograph the striking contrast between the cave’s rugged natural beauty and the richly adorned religious artifacts. The interplay of natural light filtering through the cave’s openings adds a magical quality to your photos, making it a great opportunity to capture the essence of the temple’s spiritual and natural environment.
• Experience Temple Ceremonies: If your visit coincides with one of the temple’s traditional ceremonies, seize the opportunity to witness or participate in these sacred rituals. These ceremonies, often involving purification rites and offerings, provide a deeper understanding of Balinese spiritual practices and the temple’s role in the community.

Nearby Best Hotels

While you won’t find accommodations directly at Giri Putri Cave Temple, there are some excellent options nearby where you can relax after your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

• Semaya Beach Resort: This resort offers a tranquil beachfront stay with modern amenities, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. It features stunning ocean views and a serene environment that ensures a peaceful experience.
• MAUA Nusa Penida Bali: A luxury resort with eco-conscious designs, MAUA offers spacious rooms, an infinity pool, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Perfect for those looking for an upscale experience with nature at their doorstep.
• SUITE OCEAN BLUE: If you're after a luxurious and romantic stay, SUITE OCEAN BLUE provides elegant accommodations, ocean-facing rooms, and top-notch service. The perfect retreat for couples or those seeking a premium stay.
• Ocean Terrace Suite And Spa Luxury: This stunning resort combines luxury and comfort with an oceanfront spa, private suites, and exceptional service. It's the perfect place to unwind in style after a day of exploration.
• Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida: Located just a short drive from the temple, this hotel offers beautiful ocean views, a spacious infinity pool, and all the comforts needed after a day of exploring. Semabu Hills is an ideal choice for those seeking modern amenities and relaxation.

Nearby Restaurants

After exploring the stunning Giri Putri Cave Temple, treat yourself to a delightful meal at one of these highly recommended local restaurants:

1. Warung Pondok: This charming, casual eatery offers a variety of fresh Balinese dishes, prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes. The menu features a range of flavorful options that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Bali.
2. The Gallery Nusa Penida: A popular choice for those seeking a mix of Balinese and international cuisine, this restaurant is known for its creative fusion dishes. Enjoy a cozy dining atmosphere while sampling unique combinations of flavors from both local and global influences.
3. Ogix Warung: Renowned for its authentic Indonesian cuisine, Ogix Warung specializes in seafood and classic Indonesian favorites. The restaurant is well-regarded for its quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, offering a true taste of Indonesian culinary traditions.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit to Giri Putri Cave Temple by exploring these nearby attractions. Each site offers a unique experience that complements your journey:

• Atuh Beach: A hidden gem located on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach is known for its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the coastline.
• Diamond Beach: Just a short distance from Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach offers breathtaking views with its white sands, turquoise waters, and striking rock formations. This scenic beach is perfect for photography and exploring.
• Thousand Islands Viewpoint: Located near Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, this viewpoint offers sweeping views of the rugged coastline and numerous small islands. It’s a must-see for stunning panoramic photos of Nusa Penida’s natural beauty.
• Rumah Pohon Tree House (Molenteng): A popular attraction near Diamond Beach, this wooden treehouse perched on a cliff offers incredible views of the ocean and nearby islands. The Rumah Pohon Tree House provides a unique perspective on the island’s beauty.
• Teletubbies Hill (Bukit Teletubbies): Named after its rolling green hills reminiscent of the famous children’s show, Teletubbies Hill offers a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of Nusa Penida’s lush landscapes.
• Peguyangan Waterfall: A beautiful cascade that flows down cliffs into the ocean, located on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. Visitors must descend a steep set of blue stairs along the cliffside to reach the waterfall, offering breathtaking views along the way.
• Suwehan Beach: A secluded beach on the southeast coast of Nusa Penida, Suwehan Beach is perfect for those seeking a quieter and less crowded spot with pristine waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Banah Cliff Point: A viewpoint on the west coast of Nusa Penida, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean. The highlight is Banah Rock, a unique rock formation with a hole in its center, rising dramatically from the sea.

History of Giri Putri Cave Temple

Giri Putri Cave Temple, located on the island of Bali, holds a significant place in the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The origins of this sacred site are deeply rooted in the ancient Hindu traditions of Bali. Believed to be one of the oldest spiritual locations on the island, the temple has been a place of meditation and purification for Hindu priests for centuries. The name "Giri Putri," which translates to "Mountain Princess," underscores the profound respect the Balinese have for the natural elements of the cave, reflecting their belief in the powerful spiritual forces believed to inhabit it.

The cave’s spiritual significance is further enhanced by its role as a pilgrimage site for the Balinese Hindu community. Devotees visit Giri Putri Cave Temple to seek blessings, engage in various religious rituals, and connect with the divine energy that is thought to permeate the cave. The temple's setting, within a natural cave structure, adds to its mystique and sanctity, making it a central point of worship and spiritual reflection for the local community.

Historically, the temple's secluded and serene environment has made it an ideal location for spiritual practices, including meditation and ceremonies intended to foster a deeper connection with the divine. This rich history, combined with its striking natural setting, makes Giri Putri Cave Temple a revered destination for both local worshippers and visitors seeking a glimpse into Bali's spiritual traditions.

Cultural Significance

Giri Putri Cave Temple embodies the essence of Balinese Hinduism's reverence for nature and the divine. As a sacred site dedicated to multiple deities, including Giri Putri, the revered protector of the island, the temple plays a crucial role in Bali's spiritual landscape. The term "Giri Putri" translates to "Mountain Princess," reflecting the deep connection between the temple and the natural environment, which is integral to Balinese spiritual beliefs.

The temple is renowned for its purification ceremonies, which are central to its cultural and religious practices. These rituals, known as "melukat," involve cleansing both the body and spirit to restore harmony and balance. Such ceremonies are not only significant for local worshippers but also draw international visitors seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with the divine forces believed to reside within the cave.

Giri Putri Cave Temple serves as a vibrant cultural hub where traditional Balinese practices are preserved and celebrated. The site hosts various ceremonies throughout the year, including important festivals and ritual observances, contributing to its status as a key location for both local and global spiritual seekers. The temple's unique setting within a natural cave adds to its mystical ambiance, enhancing its role as a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance.

Architecture & Design

Giri Putri Cave Temple showcases a unique blend of natural and traditional Balinese architectural elements. Situated within a natural cave, the temple's design adheres to the core principles of Balinese temple architecture, integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The cave serves as the central structure of the temple, providing an otherworldly and serene atmosphere that distinguishes it from other temples on the island.

Inside the cave, various shrines, statues, and altars are meticulously arranged, reflecting the intricate artistry and devotion characteristic of Balinese religious sites. These sacred objects are strategically placed throughout the cavernous space, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the temple. Natural light, streaming through openings and crevices in the rock, illuminates the interior, casting a soft, ethereal glow that highlights the beauty of the religious artifacts and the cave’s natural features.

The design of Giri Putri Cave Temple not only emphasizes harmony with nature but also embodies the Balinese belief in the divine presence within natural elements. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the cave's natural rock formations, creates a captivating and immersive environment for worshippers and visitors. This architectural approach fosters a profound sense of connection to both the natural world and the spiritual realm, making Giri Putri Cave Temple a truly distinctive and spiritually resonant site.

Mythology & Legends

Giri Putri Cave is steeped in rich local mythology and legends that contribute to its revered status among the Balinese people. According to traditional beliefs, the cave is guarded by powerful and benevolent spirits who are said to oversee the well-being of the island and its inhabitants. These guardian spirits are integral to the temple’s spiritual significance and are honored through a variety of offerings and ceremonial practices conducted within the cave.

Local lore holds that Giri Putri Cave functions as a sacred gateway to the spiritual realm. Devotees believe that by entering the cave and participating in its rituals, they can bridge the earthly and divine worlds. The cave is thought to be a place where the veil between the physical and spiritual dimensions is particularly thin, allowing worshippers to connect more deeply with the gods through prayer, meditation, and ceremonial acts.

The myths surrounding Giri Putri Cave also emphasize its role as a site of spiritual power and transformation. Stories of miraculous events and divine interventions are often associated with the cave, reinforcing its status as a place of profound spiritual importance. These legends not only enhance the temple’s allure but also deepen its significance as a focal point for both local worshippers and visitors seeking a meaningful spiritual experience.

Why Giri Putri Cave Temple is a Must-Visit

Giri Putri Cave Temple stands out as a remarkable destination on Nusa Penida, embodying the essence of Bali’s spiritual and cultural richness. As one of the island’s most sacred sites, the temple offers visitors a rare and immersive experience that combines natural grandeur with deep spiritual significance. Its unique location within a massive limestone cave adds a layer of mystique and awe, making it an exceptional place for both reflection and exploration.

The adventure begins with the entrance through a narrow crevice, leading to a vast and serene cave interior. This journey through the cave’s labyrinthine passages enhances the sense of discovery and connection to the sacred space. Inside, the tranquil ambiance, combined with the cave’s natural formations and carefully placed shrines, creates a peaceful and meditative environment that invites contemplation and spiritual engagement.

For those seeking a deeper connection with Balinese traditions, Giri Putri Cave Temple offers a profound opportunity to witness and participate in authentic religious practices. The temple’s ceremonies, rich in symbolism and cultural significance, provide insight into the island’s spiritual heritage. Whether you are a dedicated spiritual seeker or a curious traveler eager to explore Bali’s cultural depths, a visit to Giri Putri Cave Temple promises a meaningful and enriching journey into the heart of Balinese spirituality and culture.

Know Before You Go