I went on a caving trip with my brother to Gua Sirih, a cave near Serian known for its archaeological significance and as a site for bird's nest collection. This cave wasn't just any cave; it housed ancient wall paintings and artifacts buried deep within.
As we descended, a long wooden staircase maintained by the Sarawak Museum Department led us into the cave's embrace. The walls were adorned with nature's artwork—tree vines wrapping around boulders, a testament to time's passage.
The archaeological area, fenced off, revealed ancient wall paintings, depicting human and bird shapes, a silent testament to the cave's historical significance.
Turning on my headlamp, I was immediately besieged by flying bugs, a lesson learned for next time: wear a jacket with a mosquito net. The bats, however, were less intrusive, their silhouettes darting through the light, their squeaks filling the cavernous space.
The cave floor was uneven, with muddy patches where tiny streams flowed. Gloves would have been handy to avoid the muck that clung to our hands. The sight of a waterfall inside the cave was mesmerizing, the water cascading with such force, it seemed alive.
A mysterious breeze in one section, where the chamber narrowed like a bottleneck, left us puzzled. Even our guide was at a loss, adding to the cave's enigma.
Nature's art was everywhere—the stalactites, cave spiders as large as an adult's palm, and a peculiar creature resembling a scorpion but lacking its venomous tail, all contributed to the surreal experience.
As we ventured deeper, the cave's chambers grew narrower, with deep cracks that demanded careful navigation. One misstep here could lead to a fall, a stark reminder of the cave's unforgiving nature.
The water stream section, with its quick-flowing water into a narrow tunnel, marked the end of our exploration. Curiosity about where the water led was strong, but safety dictated our retreat.
Emerging from Gua Sirih, we cleaned up by a nearby stream, reflecting on the day's adventure. The cave's complexity, its hidden waterfall, and the unexplored depths left me yearning for more. Perhaps one day, equipped with the right gear, I'll return to uncover more of its secrets.
As the first light of dawn crept through the canopy, our local guide, with the wisdom of the land etched into his weathered face, led my brother and me through the lush tapestry of a sprawling plantation. Each step we took was a verse in the silent song of the wilderness, our hearts beating in rhythm with the earth, until finally, we stood at the yawning mouth of the cave, where the known world whispered secrets to the shadows within.
Gazing upon the ancient tapestry of tree vines that lovingly embraced the boulder and cascaded over the cave wall, one couldn't help but marvel at nature's patient artistry, a masterpiece sculpted over eons with a brush of time itself.
Venturing into the cave's embrace, we were enveloped by a darkness thick with humidity and the pungent aroma of guano. Yet, what truly tested my patience was the aerial ballet of flying bugs, performing an impromptu dance around my headlamp, turning my view into a swirling, insect-filled disco.
Year 1998 in Chinese writting
Amidst the subterranean symphony of trickling water, ranging from gentle whispers to more assertive gurgles, I spotted tiny shrimp darting through the streams. Recalling those Nat Geo documentaries, I mused over how these cave dwellers, often blind, navigate their world through an orchestra of alternative senses, detecting the presence of others in a dance of survival hidden from sight.
A mini pond inside the cave
After our spelunking sojourn, we emerged into the light and made our way to a nearby stream, where the cool, clear water served as our natural shower, washing away the cave's embrace and reviving us with its gentle flow.
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