We set off upstream the Sungai Melinau by a motorised longboat at about 8.45am. A thrill to sit in one of these longboats. The guide assured us the water wasn't deep and sometimes, the boat owner had to wade into the water to push the boat along at shallow parts. Thankfully, he didn't had to do this to his boat when he boarded it. The waters were deep enough. And so, off we went against the flow of water. Our destinations today were the Wind Cave and the Clearwater Cave but first, a brief stop at a Penan settlement at Batu Bungan to look at their native handicraft.
Wind Cave
Although it was supposed to be only a brief stop at the Penan settlement, we were there for close to 40 minutes. Then we were on our way again. Another 10 minutes in the longboat and we arrived at the wooden platform that would lead us to the Cave of the Wind. It's so-called because at certain narrow points inside the cave, the breeze would come through and bring about continuous gusts of cool, fresh air. A short five-minute walk/climb took us to the cave's entrance. This time, with the cave not well lit, we had to use our torches to move along the dim wooden walkway that would take us deep in to view the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Clearwater cave
We walked down to the wooden platform and another boat ride took us to the base of the Clearwater Cave. Actually, we could have walked there too as there was a boardwalk beside the river to connect the Wind Cave to the Clearwater Cave but since we were asked to board the longboat, well....
There was a picnic area here that overlooked a pool with the clearest water that came from the underground river that flowed through the cave, thus lending it the name Clearwater. We would be coming back to this picnic area for lunch later but first, there was a 200-step climb ahead for us. Even to arrive at the mouth of the cave, we would be required to meet this challenge head-on first.
There were more uphill and downhill steps within the dark and slippery cave. Plus, with water dripping down unexpectedly from the darkness, I had to look out for my camera too in case it got wet. Like the Wind Cave, the limestone formations at Clearwater were amazing too. And why shouldn't it be? The Wind Cave is considered a part of the entire Clearwater Cave which is the longest cave system in Southeast Asia, and the eighth longest cave in the world. It has the world’s longest underground river and is believed to be the largest cave in the world by volume.
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| The odd one-leaf plant found at Clearwater Cave |
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| Descending into the bowels of Clearwater Cave. Those aren't flames awaiting us there. |
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| The first glimpse of the underground river and its turquoise-coloured water |
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| Yah, we'd be crossing the bridge to join up to the walkway on the other side |
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| Our lunch spread |
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