Yesterday was a beautiful day, and I had the pleasure of spending it with my family and a group of friends from Jakarta and Borong. We had planned a visit to Gua Batu Cermin, also known as the Huge Mirror Cave, located in Batu Cermin, Labuan Bajo. The last time I had visited the cave was in 2017. Until yesterday, I had not returned to the place.
As I drove closer to the principal gate, I was surprised to notice massive improvements and embellishments that had been made since my last visit. And, as we walked along the winding path, we were caressed by refreshing afternoon breeze that blew through the surrounding trees, providing a respite from the tropical heat. The lush greenery and the sounds of chirping birds added to the serene atmosphere.
Upon arriving at the cave, we were greeted by a spectacular sight. The entrance of the cave was grand and majestic, with huge boulders stacked upon one another, forming a natural archway that seemed to lead to another world.
Before we made our way into the cave, we had to put on the helmet to protect our head from the cave wall and specially from low hanging stalactites. At some points, we had to walk squat to avoid them. The cave in fact is adorned with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, forming intricate patterns that looked like a work of art.
As we delved deeper into the cave, we came across a hidden chamber deep within it. The chamber is completely dark. But, as we explored further, we came across a beautiful ‘Mother Mary’ alike attached on the top wall of the cave. The guide told us that the best time to enjoy the beauty of the statue is around quarter past 12 pm. At that hour, the sunlight streamed in through a small opening high up on the cave wall.
The journey through Gua Batu Cermin was an unforgettable experience, one that we will treasure for a long time to come. It was a reminder of the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer, and we were grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it first-hand.
