Caves

A tall cave, which lies right next to the road. The main cavern isn't particularly deep, but at the far back several narrow tunnels branch off to the unknown. The cave features in the Hawaiian folklore (it's named after the god of creation Kane), which explains the small offerings that might be laying around. There is a parking lot across the road.

Maniniholo Dry Cave is exactly what the name suggests, a dry cave. It's neither big or exciting, but it's worth having a look. The parking lot for Haena Beach Park is across the road.

Does going deep inside a volcano sound a bit crazy? Well, the volcano in question – Thrihnukagigur – hasn’t erupted for over 4000 years ago, and odds are pretty good that it will stay dormant for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, this is a unique and absolutely mind-blowing experience – the feeling of being lowered down 120m on an open elevator (of the kind used to clean windows on skyskrapers) is quite intense, to say the least. The magma chamber is large and colourful, and walking around inside it feels more than a little bit surreal. The elevator set-up has only been present since 2012, when a National Geographic film crew needed to find a way to access the chamber. The volcano is within easy reach of Reykjavik, although obvious safety issues means you can’t visit it independently, and is an excellent choice for a half-day trip from the capital. But the trip does involve a one hour walk each way, and it can (given the usual Icelandic weather) be windy, wet and muddy.

Although Grjótagjá could be lumped in with Lake Mývatn, being located no more than a kilometre away from its shores, it is spectacular enough to deserve its own entry. An underground geothermal pool, contained in a cave with only two small openings large enough to enter – carefully, as there are plenty of places to bump your head. Once inside, make your way into the far right corner for a magical view of the mirror-like surface, steam rising from the water and meeting the light as it enters through the openings to the side. Grjótagjá won’t take very long to visit, but is a very special place to see.

A 7.5 km long cave in the bottom of a gorgeous valley protected by steep limestone cliffs. At Ban Kong Lo, you can take a boat trip all the way through the cave to the other end (and back, of course) where it opens up into another valley. One section of the cave has a nice range of stalactites and stalagmites, where some are still growing. Unfortunately, the local tourists are having a hard time keeping their hands off the fragile formations. The rest of the cave is just one long tunnel that bends around big boulders that once have fallen from the ceiling high above. Sure it's a nice cave, but it is its extremely long length that makes it extraordinary.

The sacred Buddha caves at Pak Ou consist of two caves, where Buddhists for centuries have come to pray and place Buddha sculptures in hope of merits. They sit in a steep limestone cliff face right above where the Mekong River meets the Nam Ou river. The upper cave is dark and almost empty, since the old Buddha statues have been eaten by termites. The lower cave is open and is the famous one. Every surface is littered with big and small Buddha statues. It has been estimated that the cave has once contained more than 6000 statues, though the number is probably closer to 100 today thanks to souvenirs hunters and thoughtless tourists.

The outdoor capital of Latvia is Sigulda. Although it's not Chamonix, there are both bungee jump, bike trails, bobsled tracks and down hill skiing in winter. For those less adventurous, there are some fine sightseeing in the area. A beautiful church, a medieval castle along with a newer castle - plus views to the open air museum, containing another medieval castle, across the gorge in neighbouring Turaida. The famous Gūtmana Cave is also nearby. The cave ceiling and archway is covered in centuries old graffiti. The oldest readable 'tag' dates back to the 1667, though sources state that graffiti already was chiseled in the 16th century. Believe or not, but the cave's modest length of 19 meters makes it the longest cave in the Baltic.

Located in a limestone hill and consisting of several caves with a series of Hindu temples within, this is one of the most visited sites of Malaysia. What is more striking than nature perhaps, is man made - the world's tallest statue of Lord Muruga stands just outside the entrance at an impressive 42.7 metres. To reach the actual temple complex, visitors have to climb 272 steps amongst local worshippers who do it barefoot. The best time to visit is during the Thaipusam festival, when as many as 800,000 devotees arrive, most carrying kavadis. These elaborately decorated frameworks are supported by metal hooks or pins that pierce the skin, cheeks, and tongue to support their weight and are meant as offerings of sacrifice. The caves themselves are decorated with natural limestone formations and ornately painted sculptures of Hindu Gods. Beware though, of the numerous macaques that will follow your every footstep all the way up those steep steps if you carry any semblance of food.

The limestone hills around the smal village of Bau are holed like a Swiss cheese. Most caves are hidden and should only be explored with proper caving equipment, but two caves are easily accessible, namely the Fairy Cave (picture) and the Wind Cave, about 6 km apart outside the village of Bau.
The Wind Cave (Gua Angin) has its fair share of stalagmites, stalactites, and pillars, but is particularly known for swiftlets and bats. A boardwalk runs the length of the cave, while a small river meanders at the bottom. A cool breeze blows, earning the name to the cave.
The Fairy Cave (Gua Kapor) is a totally different story. The cave entrance is 30 metres up, accessible through a flight of stairs in a concrete tower. The cave has been a place for prayer throughout times and there are several shrines in here. The cave is huge, a lot bigger than the Wind Cave, and though there are boardwalks here too (well, concrete stairs), you can go exploring the dark parts on your own. Just remember to bring a flashlight.

Gomantong Caves appear to be the mother of all caves. With a ceiling 90 metres above head, and the millions of swiftlets and bats living in them, it is quite a spectacle. The main chamber is huge, and for further adventure, you can head to the upper chamber which involves some serious caving to see. There is an elevated walkway around the main chamber - a relief because it keeps you off the mountain of bat guano beneath. Bring a flashlight and a set of nerves if you don't like insects. The guano attracts cockroaches by tens of millions, along with long-legged centipedes, and many more creepy crawlies.