Wind Cave is a fascinating limestone cave system situated in Bau, along the banks of the Sarawak River. The cave winds through a rocky limestone outcrop and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore remarkable geological formations that have developed over millions of years.
Wind Cave is believed to have received its name from the cooling breeze that flows continuously through the cave passages. The cave is a smooth, tubular limestone formation dating back to the Jurassic–Cretaceous period, approximately 60 million years ago.
Early explorations by Italian naturalist Odoardo Beccari in 1865 revealed evidence that the cave was inhabited in the past. Archaeological findings such as earthenware vessels, charcoal, and marine and freshwater shells suggest that the cave was used by earlier communities. Some of the deep pits inside the cave are also believed to have been dug by gold prospectors during the 1930s.
A 1,000-metre wooden plankwalk runs through the length of the cave, allowing visitors to explore the interior safely and comfortably. The cave itself is unlit, so bringing a flashlight is essential for navigation.
Inside the cave, visitors can observe fascinating limestone formations, including:
- Stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling
- Stalagmites rising from the cave floor
- Limestone pillars, formed when stalactites and stalagmites join together
- Conical cavities and blade-like limestone pinnacles
- Limestone pendants and current scallops, which have a honeycomb-like appearance and indicate past water flow patterns
- A small stream also flows through the cave before joining the Sungai Sarawak Kanan at the northern end.
Wind Cave is home to a rich ecosystem. Throughout the cave, visitors will hear the high-pitched squeaks of thousands of bats, including various insect-eating species and large colonies of Dusky Fruit Bat. The cave also hosts thousands of Black-nest Swiftlet, whose nests—made almost entirely from hardened saliva—cling to the upper walls of the cave.
At the end of the cave passage, the plankwalk exits onto a hillside path that leads down to the banks of Sungai Sarawak Kanan. Here visitors will find a narrow sandy riverbank, public changing rooms, and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot to swim and cool off after exploring the cave.
Several small stalls nearby sell snacks and drinks, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Just 8 km away is another spectacular limestone cave, Fairy Cave. A long flight of concrete steps leads to the cave entrance, which sits high on a limestone cliff. Similar to Wind Cave, wooden plankwalks allow visitors to safely explore the cave interior and admire its dramatic formations.
The surrounding limestone cliffs also provide opportunities for adventure. Batman Wall, managed by the local community, has become a popular destination for rock climbing, featuring routes with varying degrees of difficulty.
With its unique geological features, rich wildlife, riverside scenery, and nearby attractions, Wind Cave and Fairy Cave together offer visitors a memorable nature and adventure experience in Bau, Sarawak.
Time Slot:
- Slot 1: 9:00 AM – 10:59 AM
- Slot 2: 11:00 AM – 12:59 PM
- Slot 3: 1:00 PM – 2:59 PM
- Slot 4: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Malaysia Adult – RM 1.00
- Malaysian Senior Citizen / Disabled Person – Free
- Malaysian Children above 6 years old but less than 18 years old – Free
- Malaysian Children 6 years old and below – Free
- Non-Malaysia Adult – RM 5.00
- Non-Malaysian Disabled Person – RM 3.00
- Non-Malaysian Children above 6 years old but less than 18 years old – RM 2.00
- Non-Malaysian Children 6 years old and below – Free
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday Closed
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: +60 82-767 836
- Address: Wind Cave, 94000 Bau, Sarawak.