East Kalimantan’s Hidden Gem: Haji Mangku Cave Revealed
East Kalimantan’s Berau Regency never ceases to amaze with its natural beauty. This time, there is Haji Mangku Cave or local called it Gua Haji Mangku on Maratua Island.
Haji Mangku is a cave on a remote beach cliff with crystal-clear and calm water. It is also home to stunning stalactite formations and it is famous for its hidden location. This is because before reaching it, visitors must first go through a cave.
This cave is the entrance to the cool brackish water lake. When passing through the watery cave entrance, visitors will feel a mixed sensation of being creepy, tense, and enjoyable.
Meanwhile, the blue lake has a relatively narrow space, so if you look deeper, it will look like a deep abyss. Although the location is hidden, the fatigue and fear will be paid off with an unforgettable experience. The water’s shimmering turquoise color makes the lake look like a world in another dimension.
Location of Haji Mangku Cave
Haji Mangku Cave is located on Maratua Island, Derawan Islands, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. It is located about dozens of meters from the northern beach of Maratua Island.
Route to Haji Mangku Cave
The route to the cave can start from Maratua Island. This is because the location of Haji Mangku Cave is closer if accessed from Maratua. Meanwhile, to reach the destination, visitors can choose one of two transportation options, namely via land or via sea.
If using the land route, visitors can use a motorcycle from Maratua Island to Payung-Payung Village. After that, continue with trekking for several hours until you reach the cave location.
While if using the sea route, visitors can rent a speedboat or boat owned by local fishermen. The boat trip will take visitors to the edge of the island (trekking point) with coral rocks. From this point, continue trekking for 10 minutes until you reach the destination.
Opening Hours of the Cave
Haji Mangku is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that visitors can freely arrange their time according to their opportunity. However, it is not recommended to visit at night. In addition to the obstacle to enjoying the panorama, it is also due to the lack of lighting at the location and on the route to the location.
Ticket to Haji Mangku Cave
Visitors who want to come and admire the beauty of Haji Mangku Cave are not charged an entrance fee. So visitors only need to prepare transportation costs, especially for renting a fishing boat, if you want to reach the cave by sea route.
Facilities of Haji Mangku Cave
Haji Mangku Cave has not yet had any supporting tourism facilities. Therefore, for visitors who want to visit, it is advisable to bring their own provisions that can be bought while in the Maratua area.
Then, for those who want to snorkel, free-diving, or cave diving at the cave location, don’t forget to bring your equipment, as there are no rental services for these equipment in the area around the cave.
Attractions of Haji Mangku Cave
The journey to the cave can be said to be not easy, but even so, this natural tourist destination is never empty of visitors.
This is because Haji Mangku Cave has the following attractions:
Challenging Trekking
Haji Mangku is located in a rather hidden place, namely in the middle of a forest surrounded by lush trees. The terrain to be taken is also quite challenging, where visitors must pass through a small forest and a slightly steep trekking, so caution is needed.
After passing through the forest, visitors will arrive at the edge of the cave on the lower side. This cave edge has the shape of a long pool with clear blue water.
Although it seems full of mystery, visitors don’t need to be afraid to dive into the pool. With the natural beauty and originality of this area, it is also the reason why many travelers want to keep coming to this tourist destination.
Very Clear Water
Mangku Haji on Maratua Island, Derawan Islands promises visitors an unmatched view. Especially if visitors come during the day, the sunlight that penetrates into the interior of the cave gives the charm of water that is blue, sparkling and calming.
The water in Haji Mangku Cave is so clear that you can see the bottom of the cave, even in the deepest parts. The water is also very calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and free-diving.
If you are planning to snorkel in Haji Mangku Cave, be sure to bring your own equipment, as there are no rental services available at the cave. You should also be aware of the tides, as the water level can rise and fall significantly throughout the day.
Cave Diving
The cave is also a popular destination for cave divers. The cave has a number of underwater tunnels and passages that can be explored by experienced divers. If you are interested in cave diving in Haji Mangku Cave, be sure to hire a qualified guide who is familiar with the cave and its underwater passages. Cave diving can be dangerous, so it is important to take all necessary precautions.
Unique Rock Formations
Haji Mangku is also home to a number of unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The rock formations are illuminated by the sunlight that enters the cave, creating a truly magical sight. Visitors can explore the rock formations on foot or by swimming. If you choose to swim, be sure to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp rocks.
Peaceful Atmosphere
The cave is a truly peaceful and relaxing place. The sound of the water and the cool air inside the cave make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can spend hours simply sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet of Haji Mangku Cave. You can also bring a book or some music to enjoy while you are there.
Final Thoughts
Haji Mangku Cave is a truly unique and special place. It is a must-visit for anyone who is traveling to Maratua Island or the Derawan Islands. With its stunning scenery, crystal-clear water, and unique rock formations, Haji Mangku Cave is a place that you will never forget.
