During the full moon ceremony last week I arrived at Goa Giri Putri under a sky full of lanterns and the low chant of the priests. I'm Pebri — a local who has lived on Nusa Penida for over a decade as a diving instructor, cultural guide and photographer — and that night changed how I show solo travelers these sacred caves. This guide is every practical, insider detail I shared with guests like Anna from Berlin and Pak Wayan’s niece during that ceremony: GPS points, exact prices, safety incidents I've personally witnessed, and the small local customs that make your solo visit respectful and unforgettable.

Why visit sacred caves on Nusa Penida?

The island's caves are living temples, community centers and ancient prayer sites. For a solo traveler, caves like Goa Giri Putri and Gua Tembeling offer quiet reflection, incredible photo opportunities and intimate local encounters — especially powerful during a full moon ceremony.

Main caves to explore (with GPS)

• Goa Giri Putri (main cave temple) — GPS: -8.718600, 115.451800. Entrance at roadside steps. Expect dim paths, incense and priests guiding offerings.
• Gua Tembeling (forest pools & small cave) — GPS: -8.761200, 115.501000. Natural pools, a short cave and a community shrine above the cliff.
• Gua Raja (lesser-known shrine) — GPS: -8.733000, 115.460500. Small, often empty; great when you want solitude.

How to get there (step-by-step for solo travelers)

• From Bali (Sanur) take a fast boat: Semaya One or Maruti Express. Cost: IDR 150.000–250.000 (USD 10–17). Trip time: 30–45 minutes. Book 24–72 hours in advance during full moon.
• Arrive at Toya Pakeh (main landing). From there rent a scooter from Made Scooter Rental (IDR 80.000–120.000/day; USD 5–8). Alternative: private driver from Penida Explorer (IDR 500.000–700.000/day; USD 33–47).
• Travel times on island are longer than they look: Toya Pakeh to Goa Giri Putri ~45–60 min by scooter (due to gravel roads).

Costs, comparisons and what to expect

Item	Typical Cost (IDR)	Estimated USD	Notes
Fast boat (Sanur–Nusa Penida return)	150.000–250.000	10–17	Higher on full moon; book early
Scooter rental (daily)	80.000–120.000	5–8	Ask for helmet + lock
Entrance Goa Giri Putri	10.000–20.000 donation	0.70–1.40	Donation system; bring small bills
Local guide (optional)	50.000–150.000	3.5–10	Important during ceremonies

Pros & Cons for solo travelers

• Pros: Deep local interactions, photography at low crowds, spiritual experience during ceremonies.
• Cons: Low light, uneven steps, potential congestion during full-moon events, roads are rough.

Booking & timing tips (time-sensitive)

• Full moon (Purnama) gatherings are busiest; book fast boat and accommodation 7–14 days in advance. I booked with Adiwana Warnakali (comfortable mid-range) last week for IDR 650.000/night (USD 43) and it sold out 5 days before Purnama.
• Goa Giri Putri opens at 07:00 and generally closes at 18:00 but during ceremonies hours are extended — check with a local contact like Pak Made (local guide) before you go.
• Best solo times: early morning (07:00–09:30) or late afternoon (16:00–17:30). Avoid midday heat and busier tour vans.

What to bring (step-by-step packing)

• Light long-sleeve shirt and sarong/sash for temple entry (ask for a sash at the entrance if you forget).
• Headlamp or small torch (for inner cave passages). Bring extra batteries.
• Cash in small bills (IDR 5.000–50.000) for donations, offerings, and warung food.
• Basic first-aid: plaster, antiseptic; I keep one in my scooter bag after seeing a guest slip on wet steps last month.
• Spare phone battery or powerbank (no reliable charging inside caves).

Local businesses I trust

• Warung Sunrise (Toyapakeh): great nasi campur, IDR 25.000 (USD 1.60). Good wifi and ATM nearby.
• Made Scooter Rental (Toya Pakeh): helmets included; insist on a test ride before you pay.
• Penida Explorer (tour operator): guides for temple etiquette and full-moon coordination; call ahead to confirm.
• Warung Bu Sari near Goa Giri Putri: tea and traditional snacks; small community-run place — tip generously.

Safety warnings & real incidents I've seen

• Slippery steps: a German solo traveler slipped at Goa Giri Putri last month; she avoided serious injury thanks to her sarong sash acting as a grip. Wear closed shoes with good soles.
• Incense smoke + enclosed spaces: during the full moon ceremony last week, one elderly visitor felt faint from smoke — move to the cave entrance immediately and seek Puskesmas aid if symptoms persist.
• Scooter crashes on gravel roads: always wear a helmet and drive slower than you think. Roads can drop off sharply with little guardrail.

Cultural etiquette & phrases (say these)

• Greeting: Om Swastiastu (om swah-sti-ah-stu) — traditional Balinese greeting.
• Thank you: Suksma (sook-smah).
• Excuse me: Permisi (per-mee-see). Use when moving through crowds or passing priests.
• Respect rules: remove shoes, keep shoulders covered, women who are menstruating traditionally do not enter certain inner sanctums — ask if uncertain.

Photography and Instagram tips

• For the full moon ceremony: avoid flash and loud shutters. Use a high-ISO setting and a fast prime lens (f/1.8) to capture candlelight mood. Ask permission before photographing priests or offerings.
• Gua Tembeling: sunrise light filters beautifully into the pools — best at 06:30–07:30. Bring a small tripod for long exposures of water.

Troubleshooting & common problems

• Boat cancellation: full moon seas can be choppy. If your fast boat cancels, Semaya One usually rebooks for free or offers credit. Keep hotel flexibility for these nights.
• No cash: ATMs on Nusa Penida are limited and sometimes empty. Withdraw at Sanur before the boat; Warung owners accept small change only.
• Language issues: most locals speak basic English. Use simple Indonesian: "Berapa ongkos?" (How much is the cost?)

Emergency contacts & nearby facilities

• Indonesian Emergency: 112 (works across islands).
• Puskesmas (Community Clinic) Nusa Penida: near Sampalan harbor — GPS: -8.717000, 115.460000.
• Police station: Polsek Nusa Penida (report theft or accidents) — ask hotel or guide for current phone.

Responsible travel reminders

• Bring your own water bottle; there is limited recycling. Avoid single-use plastics.
• Respect offerings — do not move or photograph them without asking. Donate small amounts to temple funds after ceremonies.
• Support local warungs like Bu Sari's — your IDR 20.000 helps the community.

Conclusion & personal recommendation

If you're traveling solo, plan your trip around quiet hours or join a trusted local like Pak Made or Penida Explorer for full-moon nights. During the full moon ceremony last week I watched Anna from Berlin sit quietly at the cave mouth, lantern light painting her face — she said it felt like the island spoke directly to her. That’s the gift of these caves: intimacy, ritual and an honest connection with local life. Take the boat early, rent a good scooter, carry small bills, and bring patience. Say "Om Swastiastu", tuck your camera away when asked, and leave the cave a little better than you found it — and you’ll have a memory you can’t download anywhere else.

Contact tip: Ask your hotel to call Pak Made (local guide) or check with Semaya One at booking time for boat updates. For solo travelers, a local guide during ceremonies is worth the IDR 100.000–150.000 comfort and cultural insight.