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Yogyakarta Part 7: Jomblang Cave & Pinus Pengger
September 07, 2018
Jomblang Cave was supposed to be the first activity of the trip but due to some miscommunication, we postponed the cave visit and went for tubing instead. Anyway, I looked up for photos of Jomblang Cave prior to us going there but honestly, the view was so much better in real life and it was exciting to be there as well. With an entrance fee of IDR 500,000 one will get a pair of boots (more of this later), a helmet, and lunch after the activity. The boots are thoroughly washed after every round so it means that it isn't exactly clean and also takes a long time to dry. For this, it is best to wear a pair of socks in the boots so that it will be less disgusting but take note that the socks will have to be disposed after that. I also read about how smelly the helmets were that the sweaty smell from so many previous wearers will stick on your head the whole day unless you instantly wash your hair after the caving activity. To prevent this, I wore a shower cap first before putting on the helmet. So bring a pair of socks and a shower cap, both to be disposed at the end of the activity!
First of all, the opening of the cave was out of my expectations. I thought it was just a narrow path down but instead, the mouth of this cave was sooooo huge and as it goes down 90 degrees, it was impossible for me to fit all of it into a frame. We went down in a pair and like the man hanging at the edge of the beam (pic above), the first person has to hang in the air for a minute or two while the other gets hooked up. This is just a heads up so you can discuss with your friend on who to get hooked first.
It was a quick yet exciting journey down. Somehow made me felt like Lara Croft especially with my headlights on (please bring your own headlight, its very useful), and into darkness I proceeded with everyone else. Just a quick tip, there are small planks on the muddy area so that we can step through without planting ourselves into the mud. Step on the middle of each plank along the way with your toe area and not your full feet because you will tend to slip and fall. So imagine the front of your feet on the plank and the heel part in the mud. You have your boots on so you are safe and don't mind to balance yourself with your hands moving left and right like a lost octopus because no one can see you in the dark (which is why a headlight comes in handy).
I don't think anyone talked about a river inside Jomblang Cave and that's such a shame because it was such a beauty to look at it from higher grounds. Also, the echo of the gushing river really gave this place some natural sound effects. While trying to take a shorter route to my friends, I accidentally slipped and had a bad mud stain on my denim pants (wrong shorts to wear btw), so lesson learned, wear the right outfit and don't be lazy to make a big round to the other side.
On the attire for this activity, there are 2 choices, wear a set of clothing that you want to dispose later or wear a set that is made out of swimsuit or easy-to-wash material because the mud does not come off easily. Also, try to cover up as much as possible as the mud will harden on your skin and makes it really painful to remove even under running water. I was lucky that I wore a one piece swimsuit and after alighting from the cave, we get to take a shower first and the mud stains on the swimsuit cleared off instantly. However, my denim shorts had me washing so many rounds but still the mud stain are visible on it (even after numerous washings at home). Bring a towel along and a set of new clothes if you are planning to throw away the muddied ones. After that, you can have a "peaceful" lunch with your friends.
Our next stop for the day was Pinus Pengger where I don't remember how much was the entrance fee but what I do remember that for every photo-op spot, you can pay however you wish, so be generous if you want to take 101 photos at this place like we did. Here are some out-of-focused photos of me and my friends by another friend who preferred the structure over our faces:
We ended the evening at Malioboro Night Market and I got to try some some local food and shop for some local crafts. The sad part was again, like the previous night, the film roll I had on my Canon WP-1 was an expired roll that did not want to live another life hence the sad photos below:
The next day was our last day in Yogyakarta and we spent our free time with shopping again. Before that, I went to the post office with my friends who were sending home postcards to friends and family. Of course, I took the opportunity to get some Indonesian stamps for my journal too.
Due to our super early schedules everyday, we did not realize that there was a school right outside our homestay. We literally went out before school time started and came back after school time ended so it was such a gem to see these cuties at the school backdoor, practicing their English with us while we dragged our luggage to the main gate. They asked many questions and when it came to the part of where I came from, I told them, "Malaysia", these three little boys became very excited and asked, "Upin dan Ipin?!", and I said, "Yes, Upin dan Ipin!".
It's crazy how Indonesian kids love Upin & Ipin so much because wherever we went, if it isn't badminton, then it must be the twin boys on the television. I never knew how influential Upin & Ipin were outside of Malaysia because locally, the kids are already giving Upin & Ipin so much love.
Off we were, flying back to Malaysia, back to reality, back to work. Thank you Chloe whose window had this amazing view of a volcano peaking through the clouds. Would never have gotten this gem of a photo without your help. I also saw a cute rabbit tattoo on the girl in front of me and I didn't let that go either. Also, I had an amazing sunset view from the plane and it was breathtaking with the clouds in weird formations with the last one looking like a UFO.
It was another great trip with the bunch and I can't wait to see where we will go in the future. So thankful to have been able to experience Yogyakarta with all of them!
That's the end of my Yogyakarta trip! I've listed below all the parts I've posted about this trip that might have some useful information and tips if you are ever going to visit this beautiful part of Indonesia.
Yogyakarta Part 5: Prambanan & Ratu Boko
Yogyakarta Part 6: Borobudur Temple, Chicken Church, & Kali Biru
Yogyakarta Part 6: Borobudur Temple, Chicken Church, & Kali Biru
xx
R
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