South East Asian Trips

Indonesia's most accessible caves are on the island of Java and include Luweng Jaran, stretching over 20 Km (125 miles) beneath the Gunung Seuw mountain range; Gua Barat, which has the longest underground river system in the southern hemisphere; and Gombong, whose stone towers rise spectacularly to some 40m (132ft) above sea level. On Kalimantan island, Mangkalihat offers a rarely visited underground world of giant limestone corridors. Even less explored are the isolated caves near Wamena on the remote Bird's Head peninsula in Irian Jaya.

Indonesia has many volcanic mountains, mainly in the island of Java. The other islands also have some mountains. With these rocky and volcanic terrains, caving in Indonesia is a popular sport followed by the natives and tourists alike.

Most of Indonesia's approachable caves are in Java. The Luweng Jaran cave stretches over 20 Km beneath the Gunung Seuw mountain range. Gua Barat (having the longest underground river system in the southern hemisphere) and Gombong (having stone towers rising 40 meters above sea level) are also famous destinations for caving in Indonesia. On Kalimantan island you can visit the underground world of giant limestone corridors at Mangkalihat cave, which has seen little of mankind. The Wamena on the remote Bird's Head peninsula in Irian Jaya is even less explored.

Several caves in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas have become favorite destinations for cavers, including Luweng Jomblang, Luweng Grubug, Gua Cerme, Luweng Jaran and Gua Gong. Both Luweng Jomblang and Luweng Grubug are in the Semanu district, Gunung Kidul regency, 60 Km east of Yogyakarta. The surrounding caves, linked by a natural tunnel, are home to a fascinating subterranean river named Kali Suci (Sacred River) that flows to the nearby southern ocean. Some parts of Luweng Jomblang collapsed hundreds of years ago, enabling sunshine to reach parts of the cave floor, giving enough light and humidity for trees and shrubs to grow.

There are around 600 caves near Sewu. Sewu (literally meaning "Thousand Mountains") is a limestone mountain stretching from parts of Bantul regency to Malang regency, East Java, about 400 Km east of Yogyakarta. It covers a huge area. Outdoor enthusiasts estimate there are almost 1,000 caves along the two mountains.

Three kinds of caves are found here - volcanic caves, limestone caves and erosion caves. Most caves in Gunung Sewu are classified as limestone caves. Limestone caves are formed by a geological process generating a hollow underground space underground and water mixed with limestone from surface forming stalactites and stalagmites in the subterranean hollow space.

Indonesia organizes cave tourism for these nature enthusiasts. If you are planning to visit Indonesia, do not miss out on caving. The ancient caves of Indonesia with their crystals, pillars and other wonders seldom fail to generate awe in the travelers.