Top Travel Destinations Boki Moruru Cave - Central Halmahera Attractions-Wonderful Indonesia

Boki Moruru Cave is one of the unique attractions in Central Halmahera, North Maluku province. This cave has a natural beauty, making the cave is frequently visited by travelers although the access to this place is not easy. However, during the trip to the cave, you will enjoy a beautiful scenery. So no wonder many foreign tourists had visited this cave.

To reach the gate of Boki Moruru cave, you had better go through Sageyen river by small boat, so you can enjoy the chirping of birds among leafy trees that grow along the riverbanks. The journey is about 30 minutes.

Source: R. Heru Hendarto

Batu Susun 

Along the way, you will encounter some sacred places for Sagea people. One of the sacred places is Batu Susun (stacking stone). Along this location is neatly arranged several colorful stones which are very beautiful, from the base to the riverbank. It is said that this stacking stone is the origin of Sagea ancestor named Lai Salama. Lai Salama was a child found in al-katif raja (a large dinner plate) by a married couple, Mantakway and Sari ma Dago. Lai Salama then is given a title "Ngofa Manyira" by the Sultan of Tidore, Mansur when visiting after returning from his expedition to Papua.

The Origin of The Name

'Boki Moruru' is taken from the story of a princess who is said to settled in this region. Boki Moruru means princess who swept away herself. According to the saga that developed in the society, in Sageyen river, a princess from Tidore Sultanate bathed and played around as she washed herself in the flow of Sageyen river to downstream river. But this saga does not explain the origin of the princess, sultan who, and in what year.

Afterwards, you will arrive at the gates of Boki Moruru Cave. In front of the gate there is a land which is called Buleu (land in the middle of water) which usually becomes one of the resting place of visitors.

Source: Blog Kafka Maulana

Before entering the cave, you may prepare your torch first as a lighting in the cave. Inside, we can see stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cave, with large pillars which has a very unique shape. In fact, you can find a stalagmite shaped like a man, known locally as "Batu Sembahyang" or Praying Stone.

Source: Blog North Maluku

Unfortunately, on the wall of the cave there are some visitors' handwriting (their names) with mud, that reduces the aesthetic of this cave. Hopefully in the future, visitors have the awareness to participate in maintaining the beauty of this cave.

When entering the cave to 7.8 km, you will find more beautiful ornaments in the form of stupa and temples and even ornaments shaped like human face and animals. People here believe that Boki Moruru Cave is a kingdom of supernatural beings (Muslim Genie).

Source: R. Heru Hendarto

The tip of Boki Moruru Cave until now is unknown because at the furthest point that people can get through then it becomes narrower and cannot be passed. There are also many alleys in this cave.

This cave has been visited by the brother of the Queen of the Netherlands, Welhelmina, named Prince Bernhard in 1937. This can be proven by his handwriting on the wall of the cave, bearing the name of Bernhard and the year of visit. In 1996, the cave has also been visited by a French expedition team who examined these caves but they have yet to find its end. 

Boki Moruru Cave is located near Sagea Village, for about 5 km. The distance from the capital city of Central Halmahera (Weda) to Sagea Village is about 55 km. You can reach Sagea Village by land or sea. However, the road condition is not good in this area, so you may prefer using a speedboat for about 1.5 hours. You also need to wear dark clothes to avoid stains on clothing, and do not wear jewelry.