When I came to Kuching the first time, I stuck mostly to the city center. This time around, I was with someone who’s not as cowardly as I was to drive in an unfamiliar place. So, we rented a car, which gave us the freedom to explore beyond the city. Finally, I could chase after spots that were a little more adventurous than Kuching Waterfront and the Cat Museum.
We mapped out a route between Kuching and Santubong (where we were staying at The Culvert), and along the way squeezed in three stops I’d been curious about for ages: Wind Cave, Fairy Cave, and the Blue Lake in Bau.
About the Wind Cave
Wind Cave is part of the Wind Cave & Fairy Cave Nature Reserve, managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
The reason for its name is because cool air tends to flow out of its entrances (or you feel subtle air currents), plus the large number of bats and swiftlets whose movements contribute to that cave ambience.
Unlike the bigger Fairy Cave, this one covers only a small reserve area: about 6.16 hectares, which includes the cave passages and the surrounding forest.
Wind Cave opening hours
The Wind Cave is open from 9 AM – 5 PM every day.
There are four time slots for visiting:
- Slot 1: 9 AM – 11 AM
- Slot 2: 11 AM – 1 PM
- Slot 3: 1 PM – 3 PM
- Slot 4: 3 PM – 5 PM
You’ll need to register online, as each slot is limited to 200 participants. This can be done in advance on the official website, or you can also register on the spot by scanning the QR code at the entrance (just make sure you have internet access). If you’re visiting outside of peak season, chances are you’ll still find an available slot, but it’s best to register beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Each slot lasts 2 hours, but you don’t have to be there at the exact starting time. For example, if you register for the 9 AM slot, you don’t have to enter exactly at 9 — you can arrive anytime during that slot. The only condition is that you must leave by 11 AM.
Wind Cave entrance fees
- Adult: RM 1 (Malaysians) / RM 5 (Non-Malaysians)
- Senior citizen: Free (Malaysians) / RM 5 (Non-Malaysians)
- Disabled person: Free (Malaysians) / RM 3 (Non-Malaysians)
- Child (6-17 y.o.): Free (Malaysians) / RM 2 (Non-Malaysians)
- Child (below 6 y.o.): Free
How to get to the Wind Cave
Wind Cave is in Bau, Sarawak, which is still in Kuching, but about 48 km from the city center (roughly 45 minutes’ drive). Getting there is pretty straightforward, depending on whether you’re driving, taking public transport, or joining a tour.
By car
- From Kuching, take the Jalan Batu Kawa–Bau road towards Bau town. The drive usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Look out for signs pointing to Gua Angin (Wind Cave) once you get closer to Bau.
- The entrance is a short turn-off from the main road, well-marked by a signboard.
- Parking: The parking area is not right in front of the entrance but about a couple hundred meters further down the road. On weekends it can get a little busy, especially with locals, but generally parking is not an issue.
By public transport
There isn’t a lot of information on the internet about buses to the Wind Cave, but apparently there’s a new bus Q08M that operates between Kuching (Saujana Bus Terminal) and Bau Bus Terminal. From Bau Bus Terminal, you need to walk 40 minutes or take a taxi to the cave.
I can’t be sure how easy it is to get a Grab ride from Wind Cave, so the safer option is to arrange a return pickup with your taxi driver before you start exploring.
By tour
If you’d prefer not to deal with buses or navigation, several Kuching tour companies include Wind Cave in their itineraries, often combined with Fairy Cave or a trip to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. A half-day private or group tour usually includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a guide.
What to expect at the Wind Cave
After a short video briefing at the visitor center, you’re free to explore at your own pace. There’s a simple trail map at the entrance, and it helps to know the suggested route and how long each trail is before heading in.
Most people start with the Cave Bat Trail, which leads you through the main passage inside the cave. It’s pitch black inside, so you’ll need a proper torch to see where you’re going.
The air was damp; every now and then, something dripped onto our hats. The name Wind Cave felt rather misleading, because it felt more stuffy than windy. Perhaps we just weren’t there at the right time.
Overhead, we could hear and sometimes catch glimpses of bats and swiftlets as we made our way along the wooden plank walks. Good shoes are essential here, because the walkways can get slippery from the constant moisture.
The smell of guano was unavoidable. I imagine it could be overwhelming for someone who’s never been inside a cave before, but since I spend almost every day at Batu Caves for work, I was already used to it.
There’s also a section in the cave where you have to mind your head, although for our heights, that was not something we had to worry about.
Halfway through, there’s an opening, and you can either take the Riverview Trail, which leads out towards the Sarawak River, and then double back, or continue along the Cave Bat Trail.
As you walk further down the Cave Bat Trail, the path then connects with the Jungle Trail, where you swap the echo of bats for the sound of insects and birds in the forest. Finally, you can breathe some fresh air.
Next, the Jungle Trail branches off onto the Fossil Trail. You can choose either path, as both will eventually bring you back to where you started.
On the Fossil Trail, you’ll find signboards pointing out a few fossils on the cave ceiling and walls. Just shine your torchlight on the spots indicated, and you’ll be able to see them clearly.
All along the trails, even inside the cave, there are clear signboards at every junction. There’s really no chance of getting lost, so going on your own isn’t a problem at all.
How long to spend at the Wind Cave
If you’re planning to visit both Wind Cave and Fairy Cave in one trip, it’s best to allow at least half a day (around three to four hours), not counting the drive from Kuching. That gives you enough time to walk the passages at both caves slowly, pausing to observe the bats and limestone formations, without feeling rushed.
Wind Cave on its own is more compact, so you could comfortably spend just one to two hours.
What to wear / bring to the Wind Cave
- Torch / flashlight. Phone torchlight works in a pinch, but you’ll appreciate a stronger flashlight for navigating the dark passages. You can rent one at the entrance.
- Proper shoes with good grip. You won’t be allowed to enter without proper footwear. Boots are available for rent at the cave.
- Hat to avoid bat droppings.
- Gloves if you don’t want to touch the railings with bare hands.
- Mask. Not a must, but recommended as there are some tiny flying insects in the cave.
- Insect repellent.
- Drinking water (also available for sale on site).
- Small change for the entrance fee, rental fees (if applicable), and any other purchases.
- MyKad / ID to confirm your nationality / age if you’re buying any of the concession tickets.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been to bigger caves like Niah, Mulu, or even the Fairy Cave nearby, Wind Cave may not feel as grand or impressive in comparison.
But it gives you a nice mix of cave, river, and jungle in one go, and if nothing else, makes for a nice morning workout. It also adds another stop to your trip in Bau, which already has a few interesting spots worth checking out (wait for my post on how to spend a day in Bau).
For more things to do around the area, head over to my Kuching travel guide. And if you’re planning a bigger trip, don’t forget to explore the rest of my blog. I share destination ideas and practical travel tips for making the most of your time in Malaysia.
