Clearwater cave a hidden gem in the heart of Mulu
Known for the beautiful subterranean river that flows through the cave, exploring it is no easy feat as visitors have to climb nearly 200 stone steps.
NESTLED deep within Mulu National Park, behind towering limestone cliffs, lies a geological wonder that is millions of years old.
Named Clearwater Cave, it is the longest underground cave in Southeast Asia and the eighth longest in the world, stretching 265 kilometres beneath the earth in Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site.
Known for the beautiful subterranean river that flows through the cave, exploring it is no easy feat as visitors have to climb nearly 200 stone steps.
Yet every ounce of effort one puts in is rewarded with breathtaking views of nature unmatched anywhere else.
"Clearwater Cave is famous for its beautiful structure and unique flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy the limestone formations along an 800-metre trail without needing to venture deeper inside,” said Richie Philip, 35, a Mulu National Park tour guide.
Bernama had the chance to explore the cave recently through a familiarisation trip to Mulu National Park, organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in collaboration with Gaya Travel Media.
The journey to Clearwater Cave required a boat ride along the Melinau River from the participants’ accommodation site, treating them to stunning views of limestone cliffs, lush tropical forest and occasional longhouses of the indigenous people along the way.
After about 15 minutes navigating the river’s currents, a small wooden jetty came into view - the gateway to Clearwater Cave and the starting point of the true challenge: climbing nearly 200 steps to witness the marvel of the subterranean cave.
At the cave entrance, several botanical treasures of Mulu can be sighted, including the one-leaf plant (Monophyllaea pendula), a rare species that produces only a single leaf throughout its life; and the slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum sanderianum), an exotic species with long dangling petals that grows only on Borneo’s limestone terrain.
The true reward of the adventure awaits at the foot of the cave, where visitors can bathe in the crystal-clear, cool river flowing within the cave.
"The cave’s river, which originates from Mount Api and flows into the Melinau River, is home to unique species such as the blind crab, blind catfish and soft-shelled turtle.
"Although the water looks crystal clear, visitors are advised not to drink it directly as it may be contaminated by bat and swiftlet droppings,” Richie said.
Another unique feature here is the phytokarst rock formations. These formations are created in areas of limestone caves where sunlight is present. The rock is eaten away by bacteria, leaving behind sharp spikes that angle towards the daylight.
"The spikes, resembling the pinnacles of Mount Api, add to this area’s spectacular geology,” Richie added.
Visits to Clearwater Cave are often paired with a trip to Wind Cave, located nearby. If Clearwater Cave highlights "water” as its central theme, Wind Cave showcases natural airflow that can be felt in certain chambers - two elements of nature that complete the unique Mulu experience. - BERNAMA
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