Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
89 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
40
Average
16
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Laveever
Leeds, UK4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Enjoyed my trip to the Crystal Cave. Took about 35 mins to get there with a driver (200k rupiah) and then had help from friendly locals to get down - it is a bit slippery and steep in places but I'm 64 with dodgy knees and I made it. Swimming in the cool water (lit by under water torch) is lovely. Had a bit of help out and paid 50k for all the assistance. Interesting to see the various ports of Kupang on the way back too.
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonnyJakarta
Serpong, Indonesia481 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
This is a good destination near Kupang City, the "Gua Kristal" named after its crystal clear water, it is very beautiful inside the cave but unfortunately local goverment or local tourism body seems has no idea how to manage this beautiful sites, everything runs by the local people, they are friendly and helpfull but with poor management and with poor garbage management
The cave located within a resdiential area, the access is very poor, the path is full with rocky and sharp stones, goverment could do something about this, ie to build a proper path with a wood deck or something, there is no public toilet at all, there is only a simple changing room made with left over wood and zync.. many garbage and grafiti .. such a waste of beauty
The cave itself is very beautiful, and you can swim in its clear water - if you arrive in the morning, make sure you make arrangement with the caretaker who hold the key, Pak Osmi mobile number 0812 38767401 because the sites is always locked especially in morning
Entrance fee is only Rp5000/pax (aprox usd 0,4) - and you pay the guard another Rp20,000 and there are 2 guards(incl the key keeper) - but this guards are very usefull, the are the one bring the torch, direct the light when you are taking picture, and the other one simply hold your camera abd took all videoa and picture for you
This can be a very potential spot if managed properly, improve the access, build a proper public facilities like toilet and changing room, provide a proper restaurant, and since the cave is rather small - there has to be a visitor management with queing cards/ numbers, so it wont be too crowded inside the cave - limit group visit for 1 hour, the queing can wait in restaurant, provide a proper lightning and safety inside the cave, so a simple comprehensive facility and improve a lot
Tips:
1. Make appointment with the caretaker prior arrival, so you wont wait for too long - Pak Osmi +6281238767401
2. Bring googles, and underwater camera or under water camera casing , the underwater is very beautiful, a GoPro camera would be very usefull
3. The water can be as deep as 10m- 15m, bring a swim jacket or swim tire if you cant swim
4. If you have your own underwater torch it can be very usefull too
5. Not suitable for underage children, the entrance is very stiff and slipery, the cave is dark and the water is deep - it can be very dangerous for small children
Thanks
The cave located within a resdiential area, the access is very poor, the path is full with rocky and sharp stones, goverment could do something about this, ie to build a proper path with a wood deck or something, there is no public toilet at all, there is only a simple changing room made with left over wood and zync.. many garbage and grafiti .. such a waste of beauty
The cave itself is very beautiful, and you can swim in its clear water - if you arrive in the morning, make sure you make arrangement with the caretaker who hold the key, Pak Osmi mobile number 0812 38767401 because the sites is always locked especially in morning
Entrance fee is only Rp5000/pax (aprox usd 0,4) - and you pay the guard another Rp20,000 and there are 2 guards(incl the key keeper) - but this guards are very usefull, the are the one bring the torch, direct the light when you are taking picture, and the other one simply hold your camera abd took all videoa and picture for you
This can be a very potential spot if managed properly, improve the access, build a proper public facilities like toilet and changing room, provide a proper restaurant, and since the cave is rather small - there has to be a visitor management with queing cards/ numbers, so it wont be too crowded inside the cave - limit group visit for 1 hour, the queing can wait in restaurant, provide a proper lightning and safety inside the cave, so a simple comprehensive facility and improve a lot
Tips:
1. Make appointment with the caretaker prior arrival, so you wont wait for too long - Pak Osmi +6281238767401
2. Bring googles, and underwater camera or under water camera casing , the underwater is very beautiful, a GoPro camera would be very usefull
3. The water can be as deep as 10m- 15m, bring a swim jacket or swim tire if you cant swim
4. If you have your own underwater torch it can be very usefull too
5. Not suitable for underage children, the entrance is very stiff and slipery, the cave is dark and the water is deep - it can be very dangerous for small children
Thanks
Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fadiahasna
21 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
It is definitely a very beautiful, gorgeous place.
Clear, blue water inside of a cave, and you can swim in it! What else can you ask for?
It is better to visit the place in sunny days. The sun beam will strikes through the cave hole & make the water shine, resembling a crystal, just like its name.
I recommend you to visit the place around 12 until 2 p.m., when the sun is right above.
Not recommend you to visit the place when it’s sunny cause the stone inside the cave will be all slippery, and it also will be darker inside.
I recommend you to wear shoes or hiking sandals, cause the road leading to the cave is filled with rough stones. Tho I think it is safer to take off your footwear once you get inside the cave so it will be less slippery.
✅ There is a place to change clothes
✅ There is a parking area (and some locals guarding the vehicles)
✅ There are some local guides whom will help you get inside the cave, will help bringing your stuffs, & also will help taking pictures for you
Clear, blue water inside of a cave, and you can swim in it! What else can you ask for?
It is better to visit the place in sunny days. The sun beam will strikes through the cave hole & make the water shine, resembling a crystal, just like its name.
I recommend you to visit the place around 12 until 2 p.m., when the sun is right above.
Not recommend you to visit the place when it’s sunny cause the stone inside the cave will be all slippery, and it also will be darker inside.
I recommend you to wear shoes or hiking sandals, cause the road leading to the cave is filled with rough stones. Tho I think it is safer to take off your footwear once you get inside the cave so it will be less slippery.
✅ There is a place to change clothes
✅ There is a parking area (and some locals guarding the vehicles)
✅ There are some local guides whom will help you get inside the cave, will help bringing your stuffs, & also will help taking pictures for you
Written February 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kireina W
Kupang, Indonesia3 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
The second time i was in Kupang, i spent a few days sleeping in Aston hotel. That is the first time i heard/ known about Gua Kristal (Crystal cave) -- i saw a poster inside a lift showing an article of some tourist sites around Kupang. And the picture of Gua Kristal caught my eyes even though it was unclear and too small for me to see the details. All I can was this turquoise blue clear water that caught my attention.
After that, i started asking around about that cave to the local people in the hotel. Nobody know where it is.. and it made me even more curious. So after wandering around inside the city and the outskirts, I got into this conversation with a middle aged man that is working on PT.Semen Kupang by that time, and he said he once heard about that place and was willing to take me there after office hour.
The location is very close to the police owned harbor. And not like what I expected, the surrounding area looks very flat and barren with dry trees, bushes some cow herd, lots of dried cow dung, and some pretty pastel purplish colored flowers. Doesn't look anything like a tourist site. Nobody else is there.
The Car stopped and dropped us on a place that looks like in the middle of nowhere, then the driver told us to just walk straight ahead until we see trees with small yellow flowers that means the cave is near. So we walk and walk and walk for about ten minutes until we find those trees with small yellow flowers. Now we start to see big rocks everywhere on the ground, and at last.. the opening of the cave.
No lamps, no stairs, nobody to ask you to pay entrance ticket, just a natural cave that you have to climb down for (+-) 20 M deep with slippery stones, so i suggest you to toss your plastic sole sandals/shoes and climb down on your bare feet (it grips better). This place are definitely not for those comfort loving people that enjoys urban luxury.
Once you've reached the bottom you will find a breathtaking clear turquoise blue fresh water that is so still until you decided to swim in it (because really, you cannot resist it). Looking up from where you climb down seems like a totally different world. I suggest you to go here around 9AM until 3PM, thats where the sunlight reaches the water at the bottom of the cave and creates spectacular water reflection. Here you will hear nothing else but yourselves and water ripples. Makes this cave a perfect spot for meditation.
Sadly there must be some strict regulation about not to litter the place with garbage, specially plastic stuff. I understand that not all the locals here get proper educations due to the lack of government support and facility, so it's also a matter of social and economic situation.
After that experience, I swam there a few more times, took a few friends there, and every time I stepped out of that cave I felt completely serene for having a feeling of total disconnection of the outside world and then back into reality.
After that, i started asking around about that cave to the local people in the hotel. Nobody know where it is.. and it made me even more curious. So after wandering around inside the city and the outskirts, I got into this conversation with a middle aged man that is working on PT.Semen Kupang by that time, and he said he once heard about that place and was willing to take me there after office hour.
The location is very close to the police owned harbor. And not like what I expected, the surrounding area looks very flat and barren with dry trees, bushes some cow herd, lots of dried cow dung, and some pretty pastel purplish colored flowers. Doesn't look anything like a tourist site. Nobody else is there.
The Car stopped and dropped us on a place that looks like in the middle of nowhere, then the driver told us to just walk straight ahead until we see trees with small yellow flowers that means the cave is near. So we walk and walk and walk for about ten minutes until we find those trees with small yellow flowers. Now we start to see big rocks everywhere on the ground, and at last.. the opening of the cave.
No lamps, no stairs, nobody to ask you to pay entrance ticket, just a natural cave that you have to climb down for (+-) 20 M deep with slippery stones, so i suggest you to toss your plastic sole sandals/shoes and climb down on your bare feet (it grips better). This place are definitely not for those comfort loving people that enjoys urban luxury.
Once you've reached the bottom you will find a breathtaking clear turquoise blue fresh water that is so still until you decided to swim in it (because really, you cannot resist it). Looking up from where you climb down seems like a totally different world. I suggest you to go here around 9AM until 3PM, thats where the sunlight reaches the water at the bottom of the cave and creates spectacular water reflection. Here you will hear nothing else but yourselves and water ripples. Makes this cave a perfect spot for meditation.
Sadly there must be some strict regulation about not to litter the place with garbage, specially plastic stuff. I understand that not all the locals here get proper educations due to the lack of government support and facility, so it's also a matter of social and economic situation.
After that experience, I swam there a few more times, took a few friends there, and every time I stepped out of that cave I felt completely serene for having a feeling of total disconnection of the outside world and then back into reality.
Written March 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
galuhv
Kupang, Indonesia76 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
FREE admission. Do not get wrong, crystal here is not intended that this cave was filled with crystal mineral. Crystal here means : water is very clear in this cave that resembles a crystal. If you like caves adventure, swim in an unusual plac2 , this crystal cave is the right place .
How to come here : navigate your vehicle to the Port Bolok , then navigate to the Water Police ( locals often abbreviated Polair ) . Crystal Cave is about 200 meters from Polair . Leave your vehicle in Polair , then ask one of them to give directions . They are very friendly and willing to help the traveler.
The best time to visit Crystals Cave are about 9 am to 2 pm when the sun will go through the cave gap and make the beautiful blue color , crystal-clear water . Be careful when entering into this cave because there are no stairs and the rocks are very slippery . Bring your swim gear from hotels, kind of brackish water. Not found any seller of food / drinks, so pack a lunch since departed . It is save to swim in this Crystal Cave.
How to come here : navigate your vehicle to the Port Bolok , then navigate to the Water Police ( locals often abbreviated Polair ) . Crystal Cave is about 200 meters from Polair . Leave your vehicle in Polair , then ask one of them to give directions . They are very friendly and willing to help the traveler.
The best time to visit Crystals Cave are about 9 am to 2 pm when the sun will go through the cave gap and make the beautiful blue color , crystal-clear water . Be careful when entering into this cave because there are no stairs and the rocks are very slippery . Bring your swim gear from hotels, kind of brackish water. Not found any seller of food / drinks, so pack a lunch since departed . It is save to swim in this Crystal Cave.
Written February 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mitageorge
Jakarta, Indonesia14 contributions
Feb 2018 • Business
This is my first time went to chrystal cave and i'm so excited. I've heard about this cave from my friends. And finally i can get there. The path to reach the pool was very dangerous,and u need to bring flashlight,when i went there,i have no preparation because we are not planning to go to chrystal cave. But fortunately there are many children from local people are there,they help and guide me to go down the pool using their phone flashlight. I went there about 2 or 3pm,and inside the cave was so dark,i heard that better go there on 11am, where the sun reached inside the cave.
Written February 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andind17
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia6 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Water is very clear in this cave that resembles a crystal. You can swim in an unique place.
A nice place to visit if you like meeting locals
The best time to visit the Cave are about 9.00 am to 2.00 pm when the sun will go through the cave gap and make the beautiful blue color, crystal and clear water. Be careful when entering into this cave because there are no stairs and the rocks are very slippery. It is save to swim.
A nice place to visit if you like meeting locals
The best time to visit the Cave are about 9.00 am to 2.00 pm when the sun will go through the cave gap and make the beautiful blue color, crystal and clear water. Be careful when entering into this cave because there are no stairs and the rocks are very slippery. It is save to swim.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzie16361
Bangalow, Australia40 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Sorry but I have to disagree with other reviews, not much crystal about this place. Went there with a local family and even they had a hard time locating it. Difficult slippery climb into the cave and even though it was afternoon it was a dark pond and nothing to remark upon. There are not many attractions in Kupang so you might only want to check it our for yourself if you are stuck for things to do but honestly don't go out of your way for this one!
Written December 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablitooos
Krakow, Poland96 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
Beautifully situated underground pond, just near ferry harbor of Kupang city. It's not properly marked and there is no signs about it on the way (I suppose:), better ask people around if you find any! The best time to visit and fully enjoy the cave and its crystal clear pond is afternoon cause then sun rays go into the hole and show us the water in full beauty ;) Enjoy and don't get lost (like me)! :)
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mama2010
Indonesia484 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The way to go down is not easy and rather slippery. The cave is not far from Kupang.
There is entrance fee of Rp.5.000/person.
There is entrance fee of Rp.5.000/person.
Written May 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi...Is this place safe for female solo traveler? Considering there are camera, phone & money in the bag will be left for swimming. Thanks!
Hi Emboacon. I did come with 2 friends & decided to leave my stuff in the car, & bring only my action cam :D
The place was nice, and I heard it would be closed soon for housing.. If it's true, too bad :(
Petr Č
Pribram, Czech Republic2 contributions
Say hallo, we are going to West Timor in July, do You recomendet me some places and way to it ? Thanks Petr and Dasa form Czech . zlatokopik@seznam.cz
emboacon
Kupang, Indonesia2 contributions
hallo there...
sure there are many places to go.
you can visit crystal cave, tablolong beach, oenesu waterfalls, go snorkling and diving, ikat woven home industry and elses..
for further information, please contact me at johann_baptist@id
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Claim your listingCrystal Cave - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal Cave
- Hotels near Crystal Cave:
- (7.82 mi) Harper Kupang
- (8.14 mi) SOTIS Hotel Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
- (7.32 mi) Swiss-Belcourt Kupang
- (6.80 mi) Lavalon SeaView Hostel & Café
- (9.01 mi) Aston Kupang Hotel & Convention Center
- Restaurants near Crystal Cave:
- (8.17 mi) Beer & Barrel Kitchen n' Lounge
- (2.00 mi) Tebing Bar and Cafe
- (2.67 mi) RM Ikan Kuah Asam Tenau
- (8.18 mi) Bambu Kuning
- (3.85 mi) Bil's Resto
Crystal Cave Information
Excellent Reviews | 28 |
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Very Good Reviews | 40 |
Crystal Cave Photos | 78 |