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I Introduction I Cave Sites To Explore I Cave Attractions I Going Caving I
I What to Wear & Bring I Practical Tips I

Introduction

Malaysian caves are filled with mystery and some of nature's most beautiful sculptures. Most of the caves in the country date back to the Stone Age while some caves in Sarawak are over 60 million years old.

Although major expeditions have been carried out by the Royal Geographical Society in London and the British Caving Research Association, many caves are still not fully explored and remain an alluring, enticing adventure for the nature tourist. Repeat visitors marvel at how a cave can change within months as the naturally humid Malaysian weather promotes faster stalagmite and stalactite formations. Go To Top

Cave Sites To Explore

Caves	Location/State
Gua Kelam	Perlis
Gua Tempurung	Kampar, Perak
Kandu Cave	Gopeng, Perak
Gua Harimau	Perak
Batu Caves	Selangor
Gua Ikan	Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Taat Cave, Bewah Cave	Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
Daun Menari, Luas Cave, Gua Telinga	Taman Negara, Pahang
Gomantong Cave	Sandakan,Sabah
Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Jambusan Cave	Bau, North Kuching, Sarawak
Great Cave, Painted Cave	Niah National Park, Miri,Sarawak
Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave, Turtle Cave	Mulu National Park, Sarawak

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Cave Attractions

Malaysian caves are home to many exotic living creatures. The most notable are the blind catfish of Loagan's Cave and the Trapdoor Spider of Batu Caves, another attraction.

The skeleton of a big cat fossilised in the roof of Gua Harimau in Kinta Valley makes an intriguing sight. Perak is also famous for its cave temples. The most well known are Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong which contain many Buddha statues and religious cave murals.

The Hindu cave temple in Batu Caves have shrines to the Hindu deities and is the site for the colourful religious festival of Thaipusam.

The Gomantong Cave in Sandakan, Sabah houses thousands of swifts which nest in the two large caverns, producing birds' nests, an exotic Chinese delicacy.

The Niah Caves in Sarawak have walls which portray unique prehistoric paintings which point to the existence of early Man. Its chambers has hundreds of fascinating formations. The 52km long Mulu Caves in Sarawak is one of the longest network of caves in the world. An estimated four million bats live in this system of caves. Go To Top

Going Caving

There are seasoned cavers who will be willing to act as guides. They may be contacted through the Malaysian Nature Society and through various nature adventure operators.

Tour operators will arrange packages on request. Most caving expeditions are day trips though a visitor can choose to stay overnight. No overnight camping is allowed in most caves but budget hotels are available around most of the cave districts.

Caving is normally done in the dry season which runs from March to October. Permits may be required when exploring some of the caves.These are available from the respective state forestry departments and cost from RM10 to RM40. Go To Top

What to Wear & Bring

For the recreational caver, all that is needed to explore adventure caves is a reliable guide, safety helmet for protection and a powerful torchlight.

More experienced cavers may want to bring their carbide lamps as well as harnesses, ascending and descending equipment and carabanners if they plan to abseil.

Tropical caves are not as damp as those in Europe and the Americas, but they are chilly at times especially during storms and heavy rain. A light jacket is also recommended.

As with all nature adventures, preservation and conservation of stalagmites, stalactites and all cave dwelling creatures are of utmost importance. In caves with known inhabitants, avoid flash photography as the light frightens the cave dwelling life forms. Go To Top

Practical Tips

Always go with a guide who can be hired from the National Parks or from caving clubs. Many of Malaysia's caves are unmapped and not even an experienced caver should go exploring alone. Groups of four are optimum.
Although some operators offer cave diving, it is a highly specialized sport and should only be undertaken by professional divers and cavers.
Always check equipment before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling.
Experienced cavers recommend a maximum of eight hours in a cave at a stretch but most caves take less than three hours to explore.
Plan how much lighting you will need. One kilogram of carbide will give enough illumination for approximately six to eight hours.

Cavers should always carry back-up torches and extra batteries.

Heart patients and those suffering from claustrophobia should limit themselves to show caves where guides take in groups of 20 to 40 people.

Cavers should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano.
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