The Kei Islands of Maluku are notorious for their beautiful beaches and breathtaking sceneries, but that’s not the only highlight. Kei Kecil stores its own hidden cave called Goa Hawang (Hawang Cave), which is about 15 km from the city of Tual, specifically in the village of Letvuan.
Unique and exotic, Goa Hawang has made headlines for its mesmerizing pond where you can swim under stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. The water is also of very high quality, the baby blue transparent water Goa Hawang comes from the Evu Spring (the biggest spring in Kei Island) through an underground river. The spot is indeed breathtaking, delivering spectacular hues of blue, especially when the glowing cave is getting exposed to sunlight. Arrive at midday when the afternoon light shines inside Goa Hawang, to witness a sparkling reflection on the translucent water.
The hidden paradise of Goa Hawang also has its very own legend believed by the locals. It tells the story of a male hunter who went hunting with his spear and two dogs for a wild boar. Chased by the hunter, the wild boar fled to Goa Hawang. Frustrated and tired, the hunter drank from the cave water and complained of its bitterness (at that time). He then continually blurted out indecent curses that resulted in him and his two dogs, cursed to become stones for eternity by the spirits of the caves.
However, fast-forwarding it to the 21st century, this place is now upheld by many as a sacred place. Vacationers enjoy this beautiful spot by swimming and diving. The depth of the pond during high tide can reach 3.5 meters and 1-2 meters during low tide. If not for swimming under the stalactites hanging down from the ceiling, Goa Hawang makes it a staggering place to take photographs, at least.
