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| Cave Exploring |
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Malaysia is endowed with vast numbers of limestone caves. Many are shrouded in folklore and mystery and are home to some of natures most fantastic and beautiful sculptures. Archeological research has found evidence of early man in many of these cave sites.
The majority of caves are limestone and are at above ground level. Due to the humid weather, the
appearances of caves can change within months. This has marveled repeat visitors with formations of
stalagmites and stalactites. Exotic creatures are also found in these caves making cave exploration a unique educational adventure.
Malaysian caves can be divided into two categories - adventure caves and show caves. Adventure caves are ones that remain close to its natural state whereas show caves are those that have been opened for public viewing with guides, lights and walkways as well as clearly marked paths and explanatory boards. Show caves as expected, are cleaner and easier to access than adventure caves are.
In Malaysia, caves are also frequented for cave temples. Popular ones are the Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong in Perak, which contain many Budda statues and religious cave murals. The Batu Caves in Selangor has Hindu shrines within and is the main site for the colourful festival of Thaipusam each year.
Famous caves in Sarawak include the Painted Cave in Niah and the Fairy Cave in Bau. There are portray prehistoric paintings on the walls of Niah Cave. The Mulu Caves in Sarawak are estimated to be one of the longest cave networks in the world and its length is still being documented. In Sabah, the Gomantong Cave which contains thousands of swiftlets from which birds nest is collected, is the most well known.
Cave exploring is normally done in dry season, which runs from March to October. Permits may be required when exploring some of the caves. Interested parties can make arrangements with the Malaysian Nature Society or selected tour operators. |
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| Caves To Explore |
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Cave Name |
Location |
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Gua Kelam |
Perlis |
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Gua Tempurung |
Kampar, Perak |
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Kundu Cave |
Gopeng, Perak |
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Gua Harimau |
Perak |
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Batu Caves |
Selangor |
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Gua Ikan |
Kuala Krai, Kelantan |
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Taat Cave, Bewah Cave |
Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu |
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Daun Menari, Luas Cave, Gua Telinga |
Taman Negara, Pahang |
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Gomantong Cave |
Sandakan, Sabah |
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Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Jambusan Cave |
Bau, Sarawak |
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Great Cave, Painted Cave |
Niah National Park, Sarawak |
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Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave |
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Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave, Turtle Cave |
Mulu National Park, Sarawak |
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| Practical Caving Tips |
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Always go with a guide who can be hired from the National Parks or from caving clubs. Many of
Malaysias caves are unmapped and even an experienced caver will not go exploring alone. Groups of
four are ideal. |
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Although some operators offer cave diving, it is a highly specialised sport and should only be undertaken
by professional divers and cavers.
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Always check equipment before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling.
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Experienced cavers recommend a maximum of eight hour in a cave at a stretch but most caves take less
than three hours to explore.
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Plan on how much lighting you will need. One kilogram of carbide will give enough illumination for
approximately six to eight hours.
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Cavers should always carry back up torches and extra batteries. |
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Tourists with heart diseases or suffering from claustrophobia should limit themselves to visit show caves
where guides take in groups of 20 to 40 people.
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Cavers should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano. |
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| Contacts |
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| Malaysian Nature Society |
| Address: |
P.O Box 10750, 50724, Kuala Lumpur |
| Tel: |
(603) 22879422 |
| Fax: |
(603) 22878773 |
| Website: |
http://www.mns.org.my |
| Sabah Park |
| Address: |
First Floor Lot 1-3, Block K, Sinsuran Complex, P.O Box 10626 88806, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
| Tel: |
(6088) 211881/212508/212719 |
| Fax: |
(6088) 221001/211585 |
| Kuching |
| Address: |
Sarawak Visitor Information Centre, Jalan Masjid, 93400, Kuching |
| Tel: |
(6082) 248088/410942 |
| Fax: |
(6082) 256301 |
| Bintulu |
| Address: |
Sarawak Forestry Department, Regional Forest Office, 97000, Bintulu |
| Tel: |
(6086) 331117 |
| Fax: |
(6086) 331923 |
| Heritage Acres Sdn. Bhd
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| Address: |
(Management Company for Gua Tempurung), 31-A-1, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara, Ipoh Garden South, 31400, Ipoh, Perak |
| Tel: |
(605) 5458834 |
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