GIRI PUTRI CAVE TEMPLE

Giri Putri Cave Temple, known locally as Pura Goa Giri Putri is one of Nusa Penida Island’s major cultural attractions. The large cave temple islocated in Banjar Karangsari, Sauna village. It is about 5 km from Sampalan harbour, on the north-eastern part of Nusa Penida Island. Clear signs lead you to the site along the Jalan Ped-Buyuk main road. A shrine and a priests’ praying shelter guards its entrance. The entrance itself is uniquely a narrow opening in a rock face. You'll need to stoop down low to be able to squeeze and get through. Inside, you’ll discover a spacious temple courtyard. Floorings before the main shrines in the cave’s corner are partly covered in white marble.

The word “Giri Putri” was given to the greatest cave in Nusa Penida Island for a certain reason. The word “giri” means ’hill’ and the word “putri” means ‘female”. These words were given to refer to the cave as a holy site of Siva on the manifestation as a goddess who possesses the nature and power to protect, nurture, and love human beings. This place is a perfect place for meditation.

Giri Putri Cave Temple (Pura Goa Giri Putri) can be reached easily by all types of vehicle. Started from climb up 100 staircase before arrive at the first temple. It is followed by entering a small cave with a diameter of 80 cm which is located among limestone curvatures. When arriving at the cave, we have to crawl about 5 meters until you find the main cave that can accommodate more than 500 people.

There are 6 temples in the main cave which have different function on each temple. At the exit of the cave there is a temple with a statue of Dewi Kwam Im with typical ornament Pagoda, decorated by many lanterns on the ceiling of the cave.

The first step that visitors need to do in order to do the worship at Giri Putri Cave Temple is by climbing 110 staircases to reach the first place of worship that is called as Pelinggih Ida Hyang Tri Purusa Lan Ganapati. This is the only one access to enter Goa Giri Putri.

The diameter of the mouth of the cave is 80 cm. If we have over-sized body, we have to be really careful to get into the cave because the size of the case that is not too big. However, different case will happen if we have a strong willing to pray. The main cave is a huge cave that can accommodate 500 people.