Goa Pancur


Useful Information

Location: Sawah, Jimbaran, Kayen, Pati Regency, Central Java 59171.
(-6.926136, 110.979301)
Open: All year daily 7-17.
Cave tours only after appointment.
[2023]
Fee: Adults IDR 20,000.
[2023]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst Cave SpeleologyRiver Cave
Light: equipment provided
Dimension: L=8.27 km.
Guided tours: L=1 km, Max=20, D=1.5 h.
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Goa Pancur, Sawah, Jimbaran, Kayen, Pati Regency, Central Java 59171.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1932 cave discovered by the local Mbah Sarto.
1955 opened as a show cave, called Pancur Cave Natural Tourism Object.
1996 operated by the Raimuna Regional Scout Movement.

Description

Goa Pancur is a river cave, and not one of nice ones with elevated trail. In this one you have to wade through water up to your neck, there are neither trails, nor boats nor light. Nevertheless, it is a show cave since 1955, a weird combination which is only possible in Indonesia. In other countries it would be forbidden because its unsafe, and there would be no visitors because the water is too cold.

However, it seems most visitors come for the lake with gum boat rides, the barbecue area, and the other stuff in the small park. It's a little run down, but it gets better. And the people only enter the first 10 m or the cave. Then the trail ends and the cave river starts, and one can see a massive iron bar gate 20 m deeper inside the cave.

It seems there are cave "swimming" tours offered after reservation by the “Gasong Community” Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis). The provide life vests, helmets, head lamps and gum boots. However, the cave is more than 8 km long and only the first section, about 1 km, is accessible. While the water is quite warm and neoprene is not required, we nevertheless recommend a boat, and good watertight lamps.