Nusa Penida is one of the most fascinating destinations in Bali. Home to iconic landmarks like Kelingking Beach and Manta Bay, Nusa Penida is fast becoming the most in-demand destination in the province.
A new discovery by a team of archaeologists has proven that there is more to this island than meets the eye, and the land holds secrets to humanity’s ancient past.
An underwater cave has been discovered on Nusa Penida. New archeological evidence suggests that the cave holds answers to questions about ancient humans’ lives.
There are already scientists in many fields who suspect that the origins of human life trace back further than the prevailing belief and evidence suggest.
The first scientific paper on the cave was published in ScienceDirect in 2023, but knowledge of the cave is only now reaching the public. Findings from the paper, titled “New evidence on prehistoric settlement in Song Toyapakeh, an underwater cave in Nusa Penida, Bali,” have been shared by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of the Republic of Indonesia.
The BRIN explains, “The Song Toyapakeh site contains various vertebrate fossils, such as: a fossilized lower jawbone of a Proboscis, a fossilized sacrum/collarbone of a turtle, a fossilized femur of a Cervical, and a fossilized shoulder blade of a Proboscis.”
“Research conducted in 2021 uncovered sharp artifacts shaped like arrowheads or spearheads, strongly suspected to be man-made.”
Adding “It wasn’t that way in the past…Researchers concluded that Song Toyapakeh Cave was once above sea level. This indicates that the cave was once part of the terrestrial landscape accessible to prehistoric humans and fauna before being submerged by post-ice age sea level rise.”
The discovery of the Song Toyapakeh site bridges current human understanding with the earliest settlements on Nusa Penida Island along the ancient human migration route. This site is evidence that a “land bridge” once existed between Bali and Lombok.
Researchers have also said that the site was also a crossing route for the Wallacea Islands and the distribution of ancient humans in Southeast Asia.
BRIN Marine Archeologist Gendro Keling explains, “Nusa Penida Island has developed as a leading marine tourism destination in Bali. The Song Toyapakeh site has the potential to enrich this attraction through underwater tourism with historical and archaeological themes.
With research-based development and preservation, the site is expected to become a tourist attraction and public education platform, while involving the local community to maintain a balance between site preservation and the well-being of local residents.”
For now, the Song Toyapakeh Cave and surrounding archeological site remain off limits to the public, but in the future, the area could be opened up for visitors or as an educational centre.
However, other areas of Nusa Penida’s underground cultural heritage are available to explore, and are certainly connected to the findings at Song Toyapakeh Cave.
Goa Giri Putri Temple is perhaps one of the most magical and spiritual sites to visit on Nusa Penida. The Goa Giri Putri Temple is built within one of the largest known caves in Nusa Oneida, and is accessed by a long and winding staircase.
The temple complex is open for non-Hindus to visit, though visitors must honour Balinese Hindu temple etiquette, including wearing a sarong and sash.
While Nusa Penida receives tens of thousands of tourist visits every month, precious few visitors opt to include a visit to the Goa Giri Putri Temple. As Nusa Penida is best known for its natural beauty, it’s easy for holidaymakers to skip over the island’s rich cultural heritage. A visit to the Goa Giri Putri Temple not only gives insights to tourists about the island’s incredible culture but also its prehistoric past.
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