Light of heaven
A golden column.
Thomas Fuhrmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ranahpersada — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ranahpersada — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arie Basuki — CC BY-SA 4.0
A huge vertical cave in the Gunung Kidul limestone country, a broad sinkhole whose roof collapsed thousands of years ago, with a small isolated forest growing at its bottom. It is famous for the light of heaven: around noon sunlight enters through a hole in the roof of the connected Grubug cave and falls like a golden column into the darkness. Visitors are lowered by rope about sixty metres to the floor of the sinkhole with a professional team, then walk a muddy cave passage to the Grubug chamber, where they stand beneath the column of light. Afterwards they are hauled back up by rope, and lunch is served at the centre. The trip is fairly expensive per person, including equipment, guides and lunch; visitor numbers are capped daily, so advance booking is essential. It is sometimes cancelled in heavy rain. Book early, and bring clothes you do not mind getting muddy and closed shoes. An unforgettable adventure, but not for those afraid of heights or dark places.
A golden column.
About sixty metres.
An isolated world.
Gunung Kidul, about two hours south-east of Yogyakarta
No: the team lowers and raises you by rope in a harness, though reasonable fitness is needed for the muddy walk. Young children are usually not allowed.