Around eight kilometres from Bau – a quaint gold-mining town from the 1850s – and deep within the mysterious wilderness of Borneo, you will discover a realm that seems to occupy a different space and time in the heart of the island. The world of the Fairy Cave in the region of Sarawak is worth exploring, especially if you are an avid hiker, dedicated spelunker, enthused naturalist, or impassioned eco-tourist. Be prepared to surrender phone and internet connectivity, and rely on the friendly local population to direct you on your journey to the fantasy-drenched Fairy Cave.
Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate hiking gear, and bring plenty of water (there is a mini mart before the turn off to Fairy Cave) before you venture into the cave. Ascend 4-5 flights of stairs that will bring you to the open maw of the cave proper. Bring flashlights, as the path is not lit up, which adds to the otherworldly air of the locale. As you venture deeper and deeper into the very bowels of the labyrinthine interior, you will feel utterly transported to one of the fantasy worlds out of Tolkien, Card, or King. Towering stalagmites and graceful stalactites (“G” for ground up, “C” for ceiling down) form the impressive pillars on this meandering path, before opening out into an immense cathedral-esque cavern.
Be prepared to witness a veritable underground landscape replete with lush tropical foliage decorating this majestic subterranean chamber. Visitors are advised to be of a fairly moderate fitness level, as the sheer number of stairwells you will have to climb will soon knock the wind out of you. Yet nature lovers and spelunkers will be transported to an utter paradise, as the sight of the sun bathing the cave’s interior illumines and enhances the more magical aspects of the Fairy Cave. It is regarded as a powerful spiritual locale to the locals, as you will discover a stunning stalactite gracefully emerging from the roof of the cave, and resembles Quan Yin, the Chinese Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. The locals visit the stalactite and waft its surrounds with sweet-smelling incense in veneration of the deity. You will also come cross a fairy statue, on which droplets of water fall, and is believed to be holy water on account of that point of contact.
Although a magnificent natural site, the Fairy Cave is not well advertised, which means crowds are never a problem. You can trek through it alone, or hire the services of an experienced local guide who will safely take you through the interchanging interiors of pitch and light.
Make this unique site part of your visit to Borneo, and the capital city of Kuching offers its own brand of cultural and historical marvels that are sure to transport your imagination. You will feel spoiled beyond compare when you make your stay at one of the stylish serviced apartments Kuching has to offer its corporate and leisure visitors. Amongst your options of a luxury apartment hotel in Kuching is the elegant Citadines Uplands Kuching which features a central location and gracious accommodation to make any stay in the city utterly unforgettable.