The Beautiful Caves

In November 2009, I and my family went to Pacitan, Jatim. It was famous with named “The City of Thousand Caves”. In there, we visited “Goa Gong” and “Goa Tabuhan”. Gong caves is located about 30 km west of Pacitan precisely in Bomo village, Punung district. This cave called “Goa Gong” because a certain charm in the cave can produce sound like a gong. The entrance fee is Rp 4000,- per person and you can rent a flashlight to enter the cave only Rp 2500,-. But if you didn’t rent, it’s no problem because the spaces in the cave was quite light. Spotlights colorful placed at different angles and illuminate the entire stalactites and stalakmit the main attraction that cave. It given also the path down the halls of the cave, and the railing of stainless steel so no rust. It has about 256 m depth. The stalagtite and stalagmite was so thin, translucent light and always dripping water . There are stalagtites like a cloth curtains, it called drappery shawl that high stretching. Because of the beauty of this stalagtite and stalagmite, gong caves become the most beautiful cave in South-East Asian. This area also available some facilities, such as; souvenir shops, restaurants, parking area, Mosque, etc.

After we had shopping, we visited “Goa Tabuhan”. This cave is located in Wareng village, Punung district about 40 km from Pacitan city towards west. Different with goa cave, stalagtite and stalagmite in tabuhan cave didn’t drip the water. It just about 50 m depth. It is called as Tabuhan cave because if lapped will yield sound like rhythm of Javanese music (gamelan). Tabuhan cave is initialy known as Tapan cave because since ahead applied by the chevaliers for some meditation. It Is Called As Goa Tabuhan because if lapped will yield sound like rhythm gamelan Java. According to the public story around, Tabuhan cave has found by Kyai Santiko who lost his ox but finnaly the ox was come to a cave. His ox didn't want to out from the cave, because it save many water from the root on it. After the brushwood has cleaned, the cave was taken care by Raden Bagus Joko Lelono and a princess Raden Ayu Mardilah. When I entered the cave, there are performance by a group of people –teenagers and adult- that used the stalagtite to accompany the sinden who sang the Java song (gending jawa). Here, many sellers who sell precious stones, agate, etc.

I was very happy and wonder to see the extraordinary God’s creation.

RIANG A.R
XI IA 6/27