Gua Cenderawasih is a site where ancient geology meets local spiritual history. Historically known as Guar Sami (Monk's Hill), the cave once served as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks who used the space for meditation and to treat the sick. The Perlis state government later renamed it Gua Cenderawasih (Cave of the Bird of Paradise) because the hill was a documented habitat for the legendary bird. Geologically, the hill is part of the Setul Formation, making it one of the oldest limestone structures in Malaysia, dating back over 480 million years. On-site research has uncovered ancient sea fossils such as nautiloids and gastropods, proving that the hill was once a small island in a prehistoric sea. Recently, the site gained national attention when a plan to build a cafe inside the cave was permanently halted to preserve its delicate archaeological and geological heritage.