Boki Maruru Cave

Magnificent Geological Architecture and Karst Landscape

Boki Maruru Cave is part of the vast Sagea karst hydrological system. Visually, the cave entrance is magnificent, with a width of about 20 meters and a height reaching 15 meters, resembling a giant gateway into the earth's belly. What makes this cave unique compared to other caves in Indonesia is the presence of the Sagea River flowing calmly right through the middle of the cave passage.

Inside the cave, visitors will be treated to views of active stalactites and stalagmites that continue to drip water. Some rock formations here have a crystal-like texture that glitters when hit by flashlight beams. The high cave ceiling creates a magical natural acoustics, where the sound of dripping water and the flapping of bat wings echo, creating a soothing natural harmony.

Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity

As a karst area, Boki Maruru is home to a sensitive ecosystem rarely found elsewhere. The cave serves as a habitat for large colonies of bats and swallows that nest in the ceiling crevices. Bat droppings (guano) on the cave floor support the life of various microorganisms and unique insects that have adapted to total darkness.

Around the outer area of the cave, the relatively preserved tropical rainforest of Halmahera shelters various endemic flora. Lucky visitors may encounter exotic birds of Maluku, such as the Wallace's Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii) or colorful Maluku parrots. The vegetation around the riverbanks is dominated by ferns and large trees whose roots grip the limestone cliffs, creating a green landscape that contrasts with the gray rock walls.

Tourist Experience: Navigating the River in the Earth's Belly

The main activity in Boki Maruru Cave is navigating the river using wooden boats or canoes (often called sampan by locals). This experience is very unique because tourists do not walk on muddy ground, but float on clear, greenish-blue water.

1. Caving and Boating: Tourists can rent boats from the residents of Sagea Village to enter the cave passage for approximately 500 meters to 1 kilometer. The deeper you go, the quieter and darker the atmosphere becomes, providing an adrenaline-pumping yet calming adventure sensation.

2. Nature Photography: The beautiful reflection of the calm river water against the textured cave walls provides extraordinary photo opportunities.

3. Swimming in the Sagea River: Outside the cave entrance, the water flow connects to the wider Sagea River. Its cool and fresh water is perfect for swimming after a day of exploration.

Accessibility and Facilities

To reach Boki Maruru Cave, the journey begins from Weda, the capital of Central Halmahera. From Weda, the land journey takes about 2 to 3 hours to Sagea Village. The road access is currently quite good, although at some points tourists will pass through mining areas and forests.

Upon arrival at Sagea Village, the journey continues by navigating the river using a small motorboat for about 15 minutes to reach the cave entrance. Facilities at this tourist location are still being developed by the local government and community. Currently, there is a small pier, boat rentals, local guides, and several simple accommodations (homestays) in Sagea Village that allow tourists to experience authentic local life.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Boki Maruru Cave is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, the river's water discharge tends to be stable and the water is very clear (transparent). Conversely, during the rainy season, the river's water discharge can increase drastically, and its color tends to turn brownish due to carrying sediment from upstream, which sometimes makes entering the cave dangerous and prohibited for safety reasons.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

The existence of Boki Maruru Cave is currently a serious concern for environmental activists and indigenous communities. As a karst area, this region has a vital function as a groundwater reserve for the Central Halmahera region. The main challenge faced is the expansion of mining industries around the Sagea area, which is feared to pollute the underground river flow and damage the cave structure.

Protection efforts continue to be voiced so that Boki Maruru can be designated as a geopark or nature reserve fully protected from extractive activities. Visiting tourists are strongly urged to adhere to the Leave No Trace principle: do not touch stalactites (as oil from human hands can stop their growth), do not litter, and respect the sanctity of the location, which is considered sacred by the local residents.

Conclusion

Boki Maruru Cave is a tangible proof of the natural grandeur of North Maluku. It offers more than just beautiful scenery; it offers a journey into the mysterious heart of the earth. For true nature lovers, visiting Boki Maruru is a must to understand how closely intertwined water, stone, and human history are in the land of Halmahera. By preserving its sustainability, we ensure that this "Princess Who Drowned Herself" will continue to enchant future generations.