Everything’s so overrated in KL! Shopping malls, skyscrapers, high-end restaurants, and entertainment parks are usually the main highlights, but the costs, the traffic congestion, and the overcrowding are major turnoffs. If you’re craving for weekend adventures that are worth your money or you desperately need of a break from the concrete jungle, it’s time to plan a trip to Gua Tempurung, Perak. Why spend extra to go internationally, when you can do it locally?
I’m 80% certain that the last time many had heard of this cave was during Geography lessons back in school. Caves are not as appealing as beaches or highlands, probably because they are dark, infested with bats (not to mention the bat droppings and the stench) and not preferred by those who are claustrophobic. Besides, not many are willing/know how to appreciate stalagmites, stalactites and the unique structures of caves.
Gua Tempurung, however, is not your ordinary cave. Situated in Gopeng, approximately 24km south of Ipoh, it is one of the largest limestone caves in West Malaysia. Aside from the natural rock formations, its main attraction is the cave exploration activities that are provided through guided tours. There are four tours ranked according to their levels of difficulty, namely the Golden Flowstone (Tour 1), Top of the World (Tour 2), Top of the World & Short River Adventure (Tour 3) and the Grand Tour (Tour 4). These tour packages also differ according to entrance fees (ranging from RM2.50 to RM22 per person), duration (ranging from 40 minutes to 3.5 hours) and the route taken.
If you’re more of a sightseeing person, Tours 1 and 2 would be more suitable as they only involve steps-climbing. On the other hand, Tours 3 and 4 involve water. If you’re not afraid to get wet and dirty, try embarking on an adventurous cave exploration via either of these tour packages. Such challenging wet and dry tours require visitors to crawl through narrow tunnels (claustrophobes are discouraged), slide down rocky slopes and get soaked in muddy waters, thus some rules are to be followed. Rules like donning on a safety helmet, which one can acquire from https://climbgearhub.com/best-climbing-helmets/, before venturing inside these portentous caves.
I personally suggest those who are opting for Tours 3 and 4 to wear long pants that do not tear easily and constraint movements, due to friction caused by all the sliding. There’ll be bathrooms provided for visitors to clean up, so bring along extra clean clothes. Phones and cameras are not encouraged, unless they are waterproof. To be extra safe, wear rubber shoes with good grip as the rocks are slippery, and hand gloves to prevent scratches and cuts. These tours can take up to a few hours, so do bring some snacks and water. Last but not least, listen to the tour guide and try not to be left behind!
If you’ve never been to Gua Tempurung, you should visit at least once! It will worth the time and effort when you realise you make it out of the cave, and you can drive to Ipoh for lunch!
