Goa Maria Kombeng is a place of prayer and pilgrimage located in Wanasari Village, Muara Wahau Subdistrict, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. As part of St. Maria Ratu Damai Parish in Nehas Liah Bing, it has become a meaningful spiritual destination for local Catholics and pilgrims from surrounding regions.
This sacred grotto offers a deeply peaceful and natural environment, ideal for prayer, reflection, and inner renewal. Located far from the distractions of city life, the site invites visitors into a slower rhythm. One that allows time to be still, to listen, and to connect with God. From the moment you arrive, the forest's quiet presence creates a sense of calm. The cool, fresh air and towering trees offer shade and serenity, embracing each visitor in the peace of nature.
A short walk leads from the parking area to the grotto, along a path lined with tropical vegetation. Along the way, the gentle sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and whispering wind create a sacred atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like just a forest path. It feels like a spiritual approach, where every natural element helps guide the soul toward prayer.
Many visitors describe experiencing an immediate sense of peace, as though the natural surroundings help them release distractions and open their hearts to grace. This is not simply a quiet place, but a space where the presence of God is felt in stillness. Here, one can sit, breathe, and rest, free from pressure, simply being present with the One who listens in silence.
Maria in Dayak Tradition: Where Faith and Culture Meet
One of the most unique and meaningful features of Goa Maria Kombeng is the statue of the Virgin Mary dressed in traditional Dayak attire. This is more than a symbol. It is a visible connection between Catholic faith and the rich cultural identity of the Dayak people.
For the Dayak community, seeing Maria in familiar clothing holds deep spiritual meaning. It shows that holiness and cultural identity are not separate but can exist in harmony. The Virgin Mary, clothed in patterns and colors unique to the Dayak tradition, becomes a mother who is not distant or foreign but close, familiar, and present in the lives of the people.
The traditional dress symbolizes the dignity, strength, and grace of Dayak women, especially their role in family and community. Mary, too, is a mother who protects, comforts, and understands the daily struggles of her children. For many Dayak Catholics, this image of Mary builds a personal and emotional connection. It shows that the Christian message is not limited to one culture. It is alive and meaningful in every place that welcomes it.
This blending of faith and tradition gives Goa Maria Kombeng a strong sense of identity. It is not just a Catholic pilgrimage site. It is a cultural and spiritual home, where local values are honored. For both local visitors and pilgrims from afar, the grotto sends a powerful message: faith becomes more beautiful and alive when expressed through one’s own heritage.
A Sacred Space for All
Goa Maria Kombeng is an open-air place of worship. Visitors can attend Mass, pray in groups, or spend time in private prayer and contemplation. The quiet natural setting, free from the noise of the city, creates a space that invites deep focus, honesty, and surrender.
This is not just a religious site. It is a place where people come to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Many visitors describe their time here as spiritually refreshing and emotionally healing.
Call For The Journey
Reaching Goa Maria Kombeng requires some preparation. There are no public buses or commercial transport with comfortable seating that travel directly to the site. Visitors must travel by private car, which makes each journey feel more personal and intentional. The extra effort involved only adds to the experience, turning the journey itself into part of the pilgrimage.
If you are looking for a peaceful, natural place to pray, reflect, or simply pause from the pace of daily life, Goa Maria Kombeng in Wanasari is a sacred destination worth visiting. Where nature, culture, and faith come together in harmony.