I participated in the Pindul cave tand Oyo River ubing experience as part of my 2 day trip in Yogyakarta.

Pindul Cave & Oyo River

Pindul Cave is a natural limestone cave located in the Gunungkidul region of Yogyakarta, known for its tranquil underground river and rock formations. This tubing experience involves floating along the river on an inflatable tube, guided by an experienced local who would share stories about the cave’s history, formation, and cultural significance.

The Pindul Cave adventure is often paired with tubing down the Oyo River, a continuation of the underground waterway that flows out of the cave. Unlike the calm waters of Pindul cave, the Oyo River tubing experience is outdoors and offers a mix of gentle drifts and mild rapids, providing a more dynamic and adventurous ride.

Worthy experience?

Too lazy to read? Check out the tiktok video I posted. Although not as highly raved as the tour in Jomblang cave, this experience still stands out for the following reasons:

1. A Unique Underground and Open-Air Experience
   The combination of Pindul Cave and Oyo River tubing offers a diverse adventure. You begin by exploring the mysterious underground world of Pindul Cave and transition into the open-air of the Oyo River.
2. Immersion in Natural Beauty
   From intricate cave formations to verdant riverbanks, the experience immerses you in the natural landscapes of Gunungkidul, showcasing a side of Yogyakarta that contrasts with its bustling city life and historical temples.
3. Cultural and Historical Insight
   Guides often share stories about local legends and the cultural significance of the cave and river, deepening your connection to the experience. For instance, Pindul Cave is said to be named after a Javanese prince who hid there, and the Oyo River has long been a lifeline for local communities.
4. Adventure at a Leisurely Pace
   While the experience is adventurous, it’s not physically demanding, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or light adventure, tubing down these waterways strikes the perfect balance.

Some Tips

Here are some quick tips before embarking on this activity:

• Dress Comfortably: Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes or sandals with good grip.
• Bring Waterproof Gear: Consider a waterproof pouch for your phone and a change of clothes for after the activity. Keep your valuables in your bag and the tour personnel will store your belongings safely for you.
• Timing Matters: Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. For Jomblang cave, this would be a must if you want to get the best "Heavenly Light" effect while in the cave
• Book a Combo Tour: Most local operators offer combined packages for Pindul Cave and Oyo River tubing at reasonable prices, often including transportation.

Pindul Cave Tubing

We were brought to a little shelter where we were given our river tubes which we had to carry for a short walk towards Pindul cave.

Since the cave is almost pitch black, we were made to stay together by having our tubes connected together with a rope. Our guide would have his own tube and bring us down the cave during the tour.

The journey through Pindule cave is around 350 meters long and takes about an hour. I don't have much photos since the cave is quite dark, but you might get a chance to see bats inhabiting the upper sections of the cave and stalagmites that are said to have taken thousands of years to form and are among the largest in the region.

After cruising in the dark for about 30 minutes, we reached a lit portion of the cave where our guide invited us to a small platform jump (~2 meters) off the rocks and into the river, which was a refreshing experience at the least.

We were just a short distance from the cave exit - Since we were off our tubes from the platform jump, the group decided to swim towards the exit while pulling our tubes along, which concluded our tubing adventure.

Oyo River Tubing

After our Pindul Cave experience, our adventure continues with tubing along the Oyo River. Unlike Pindul cave, the Oyo river is outdoor, has a stronger current and offers a serene cruise between limestone cliffs. If you're missing the sun after staying in the cave for too long, then this is the perfect way to recharge and replenish the Vitamin Ds.

The Oyo River tubing journey spans 1.5 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours. We carried our tubes a short distance once again before arriving at the river. Our guide secured our tubes together once more before we were floating down the river together with him again.

The whole journey was mostly floating down the river and letting the current carry you along. The highlight is probably a 8 - 10 meter jump off a bridge into the river. Our guide steered and anchored us against a rock wall before directing us to head up a platform for the jump. We had to climb up natural terrain to get to the jump point, and we each took turns to make the jump and capture the moment for each other. After floating down the river for another 15 minutes, we reached the river bank and exited, marking the end of the experience.

Overall, the tubing adventure in both Pindul cave and Oyo River is beginner-friendly and suitable for all ages. Still, there's more to experience in Yogyakarta, so read on to discover other activities like visiting Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, or a jeep tour around Mount Merapi, a super active volcano.