Deep within the jungle
of Malaysia is one of the most majestic white marble and limestone towers
called Gua Tempurung. Concealed within this limestone massif is an intricate
system of caves of various dimensions honeycombed inside the limestone
hills.
This
cave is metaphorically a breathtaking gallery of stalagmites and stalactites
and other amazing rock formations which are superb speleological wonders
found only in this part of the world.
Gua
Tempurung, is located in Gopeng, Perak, and can be reached from the North-South
Highway by exiting through the Gopeng Interchange (about 25 km south of
Ipoh). You then take Federal Route 1 and proceed south about 2 km until
Kampung Gunung Mesah. Turn left and drive through the kampung road for
about 4 km. This kampung road can support heavy vehicles including buses.
As you drive through this kampung area you begin to see the limestone
hills in the distance. Approaching the caves is a mystical experience
with the mist hovering above the hills.
When
exploring the cave one would have to crawl to fit through the labyrinth
of stalagmites and stalactites. Bats could be heard squealing in the high
caverns throughout the cave lending a very surreal atmosphere to the entire
experience. It's all pitch black once you're in the cave and having flashlight
is a must to all. A stalagmite aged over 2 million years old stands majestically
right in the center of the cave that will make you appreciate more the
wonder of nature.
At
the base of this ancient stalagmite is a running river. Where pebbles
from the river are so tempting that you need to get hold of them and keep
it as a souvenir. When you finally reached the exit of the cave and you
will see the sunlight filters down through the lush jungle greenery, with
monkeys and birds frolicking all about, you are now truly in God's kingdom.
