What You Should Know before Visiting the Historic Selarong Cave
Selarong Cave is a historic cave situated in Kembangputihan Village, Pajangan Sub-district, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This cave is located in a limestone hill that was used as an office of Pangeran Diponegoro’s Gerilya. Pangeran Diponegoro was one of the most heroic people that struggled for the independence of Indonesia. He is also famous with his special operation, Gerilya (doing action only at night). He was involved in Java Fight from 1825 to 1830. After his house in Tegalrejo, Yogyakarta was overthrown and burned, he moved to this cave.
The cave is now one of popular tourism destinations in Yogyakarta. It is well known, especially for those who love camping because it is equipped with a large camp area. This tourism object is about 14 km from Yogyakarta. It is located in a hill with lots of trees. There are also some researches to develop agro tourism surrounding the cave location. It is informed that longan will be the main attraction of this agro tourism.
Learning the History
Selarong cave is not only a place where we can find a great beauty of natural panoramic views. It is also a place where we should learn about the history behind the existence of this cave. The story began on 21 July 1825 when the house of Pangeran Diponegoro was destroyed. Fortunately, he could escape from the house and go to Selarong. At that time, Selarong Cave had been prepared to be headquarters where Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers planned for some fights against colonizers. Even the noblemen of Yogyakarta Kingdom moved from the palace to join Pangeran Diponegoro.
Pangeran Diponegoro managed his followers, including the noblemen and the local residents to plan a fight. Before finally moved to Dekso and built other headquarters, colonizers attacked Selarong headquarter three times. Every time the colonizers attacked Selarong headquarter, Pangeran Diponegoro’s troops were hiding in the caves in Selarong area.
Selarong Cave Nowadays
Selarong Cave is situated in a limestone hill with the height of about 35 meters. The hill is full of dense trees. The main attention of this cave is not only the natural hole inside the hill, but also the waterfall. To get to the cave is easy enough because there are some stairs directing to the cave. The stairs are about 400 meters length. It is also safe to go to the cave because the stairs are completed with fences.
Goa Buntet
If you find some caves with wide entrance, you may find something different. This is because the cave is narrow with 3 m width and 1.7 m height. The length is 3 m only. The local residents commonly call this cave Goa Buntet that means a short cave with an end and without holes for direct sunlight.
However, according to Sarimin, the caretaker of Selarong Cave complex, this cave is not as narrow as what can we see. He said that it has no end and it was a magical door to enter the underground area of the hill. In fact, Pangeran Diponegoro and his troops could hide inside the cave so that the colonizers could not find them. Only Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers could enter the hidden underground area of the hill.
Waterfall at selarong cave
The waterfall is also beautiful. However, you may find nothing special when you come to see the waterfall during the dry season. Within this season, it has less water debit. The best time to go is within the raining season. It looks so natural with the dense greeneries surrounding it. In addition to learning the history, you can also enjoy the refreshing nuance in this area to remove your fatigue.
How to Get There
It is easy to get there from Yogyakarta. You need to find Bantul Street first. Go ahead to the south until you find intersection after the gate of Bantul regency. Turn right and follow the street to get to the cave. There are signposts directing you to the cave.
Why You Should Go There
There are at least two reasons why you need to visit Selarong Cave. Especially for the local travelers, you need to learn the history of this cave. Then, you should thank to Pangeran Diponegoro and his troops of what they did for our independence. For every visitor, they can go for a retreat. Selarong cave is a tranquil place. It is good for them to get close to nature and to get relaxed.
How Much You Should Pay
The retribution fee is only IDR 2,750. However, you need to also consider the parking fee. The fee is IDR 2,000 for motorcycle and IDR 5,000 for car.
When the Cave Is Open
The cave is open every day from 08.00 to 16.00 WIB. However, the best time to go there is between 12.00 and 14.00 WIB.
What You Should Keep in Mind
There are some important points to remember before you go to Selarong Cave as the following points.
You better read the history book first. The main point to go there is to know more about the history. If you go to the cave and expect you can find a great view of the cave, you may be disappointed. The benefit of reading the book is to get more understanding of what Pangeran Diponegoro and his followers did there. When you get there, you can see and imagine what happened at that time. It is also important because you can’t get a guide there to tell you the history. You may only find a board with writing about the past.
You need to walk to from the parking lot to the cave. You will also find steep stairs. This can be tiring. You better bring mineral water, especially if you go there at day.
If you want to see interesting natural view, you must find the waterfall. It is interesting enough because it is surrounded with dense trees. Just stay and feel the breeze and the sound of the water.
You must obey the rule of visiting the cave. Every visitor is prohibited to ask for pesugihan, an effort of making money through some uncommon ways with the help of demons.
Description: Selarong Cave is a historic cave that also has a beautiful waterfall. Some visitors go there to learn the history of Pangeran Diponegoro while enjoying beautiful natural scenery.