Bukit Kelam Maria Cave in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan Province
Located on the famous Kelam Hill at Sintang Regency, there is a Maria Cave. The locals call it Goa Maria Bukit Kelam, actually. The exact location is at Merpak Village and it belongs to Kelam Permai Sub-District. Aside from enjoying trekking and exploration, tourists can drop by at this sacred place, therefore. Both locals and outsiders are allowed to enjoy religious tourism in this area, without a doubt. Why is the name, though? “Bukit” means a hill while “Kelam” means dark or sullen. It is because the cave is surrounded by dark cliffs!
The Nuance
Due to the seclusion, Bukit Kelam Maria Cave feels peaceful and comfy. It becomes more crowded during religious events, though. Once arriving on the site, tourists may see a beautiful and well-maintained landscape. This man-made cave is small and features a beautiful garden with numerous stunning flowers and plants. There is indeed a Maria statue! In terms of the facility, it is quite satisfying. The local government gives special attention to it, after all. Not to mention the accessibility is easy. Visitors can explore the location comfortably, therefore.
Exploring Goa Maria Bukit Kelam
So, what can tourists do in Goa Maria Bukit Kelam? The most common reason is indeed to enjoy religious tourism. Outsiders want to see the religious procession done by local Catholics. At the time, they can also take some photos, as long as they don’t disturb the event. During these events, the nuance becomes merry! On the other hand, the cave feels more peaceful on regular days, which is suitable for relaxation. This is why tourists should choose the right time to enjoy either a merry or serene ambiance.
Many interesting and beautiful objects reside in Goa Maria Bukit Kelam, so tourists can enjoy sightseeing and photography well. It is important to come only during good weather, though. What is more? People usually come to the site to conduct exploration. After getting around the cave, these people would explore nearby landscapes. In some cases, reaching the top of Kelam Hill is recommended (especially for adventurers and passionate trekker). As for facilities, the cave has the cross route (Jalan Salib), chapel, hall, resting area, and much more! Everyone should take advantage of these activities during the visit, therefore.
What is more? Another reason for visiting Goa Maria Bukit Kelam is to watch beautiful scenery. The location is on a highland, after all. No wonder, the cave offers stunning panoramas and refreshing atmosphere. A beautiful waterfall can also be seen from up there. The hilly ambiance would astonish everyone, too. Moreover, lots of bats live there!
Nearby Attractions
- Kelam Hill
- Rentap Hill
- Lepung Iring Waterfall
How to Get There
For those coming from outside Kalimantan Island, it is recommended to take an airplane and head to Pontianak City first. Here is an example. A flight from Jakarta City (Soekarno – Hatta International Airport) to Supadio Airport (Pontianak) may take around 1 hour and 25 minutes. From Supadio, tourists should take another flight and head to Sintang Regency. This may take around 40 minutes. Later, after arriving at Susilo Airport, they can simply head to the cave by taking Lintas Sintang – Putusibau Street. The distance is 28.4 km, so this trip would take around 39 minutes.
Where to Stay
- Ladja Hotel
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