12/09/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | SEPT 12, 2025

21

N ESTLED 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 265km beneath the earth in the park, which is 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 the 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 the occasional longhouses of the indigenous people. After 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 the 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

Longboat operators at the Melinau River. – PIC FROM BERNAMA

Clearwater Cave is known for the beautiful subterranean river that flows through it. – PIC FROM ZAHIRA HANAFI

Mulu adventure

o Ancient geological wonders await visitors to Clearwater Cave 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 the tranquillity. With a cup of coffee in hand, most visitors simply sit in silence, letting themselves sink into the peaceful atmosphere. For Gultina Rizagul, 32, a visitor from Beijing, the cave offered perfect relief from the scorching 37°C summer heat. “It’s so hot outside, but here I feel comfortable and refreshed. Enjoying coffee while taking in the view is an amazing experience,” she said recently. The Seeker’s

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 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

Visitors exploring the cave. – PIC BY NOR AZMEER ISKANDAR

theme, Wind Cave showcases natural airflow that can be felt in certain chambers – two elements of nature that complete the unique Mulu experience.

area’s spectacular geology.”

Visits to Clearwater Cave are often paired with a trip to Wind Cave, located nearby. If Clearwater Cave highlights “water” as its central

China’s cave cafe brews path to wellness, offers escape from city life WHEN we talk about “healing”, the mind often drifts to sandy beaches and the sound of waves.

But in China, more people are discovering that the soul can also be restored in the stillness beneath the earth’s surface. Nestled in the Moganshan mountains, about 80km from Hangzhou, lies a unique cafe called The Seeker. Built within a natural limestone cave, it offers visitors an escape from the noise of the city. The moment

presence beyond the main city is not only the result of local entrepreneurs’ creativity but also part of a broader initiative by the Chinese government to promote health and

one steps inside, the cave’s cool air greets like a gentle embrace, calming anxious hearts. Soft-toned LED lights reflect off the stone walls, casting soothing shadows,

Visitors enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

The cave cafe offers visitors tranquility.

wellness tourism. Since 2016, the China National Tourism Administration has introduced the National Health and Wellness Tourism Demonstration Base standards, highlighting harmony between humans and nature through destinations such as forest therapy trails, natural hot springs, and healing caves like The Seeker. The initiative aims not only to

while slow droplets of water fall like a rhythm teaching the essence of peace. The cafe was designed without disturbing the natural landscape, preserving the limestone formations of high geological value. To enhance the experience, a man-made waterfall and viewing deck have also been added, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in

home after more than a decade in bustling Shanghai. “Back then, these mountains were just dense forests. But since commercialisation, they’ve become a source of livelihood for locals. “For me, this is an opportunity to contribute to my hometown while enjoying lower living costs compared to Shanghai,” she said. – Bernama

created new jobs for baristas, tour guides and homestay operators, raising local incomes. As a result, many people are returning to their hometowns, leaving behind city life, convinced that tranquillity itself holds economic value. For Chen Lijun, 36, the booming tourism sector inspired her to return

strengthen mental health but also to boost rural economies. With measures such as subsidies, infrastructure upgrades and entrepreneurship support, more than 10 million rural residents have been lifted out of poverty through the growth of nature-based tourism. In Moganshan, the effort has public