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ABOUT MALAYSIA
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Malaysian caves are home to many exotic creatures. Notable are the blind catfish of Loagan's Cave and the Trapdoor Spider of Batu Caves. Gua Gomantong near Sandakan, Sabah, houses thousands of swifts in the two large caverns, producing birds' nests, an exotic Chinese delicacy. 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 Painted Cave in Gua Niah in Sarawak has walls displaying unique prehistoric paintings including boats that point to early man's local civilization. Its chambers has hundreds of fascinating formations. The Mulu Caves in Sarawak has some of the biggest and longest networks of caves in the world. Although 195km of cave passages have already been surveyed, these represent just 30% of the estimated total.
Here the Sarawak Chamber, 600m by 415m and 80m high, is the largest known cave chamber in the world. The Deer Cave measuring 120 to 150m in diameter is the world's largest cave passage and at 108km, Clear Water Cave is the longest cave in Asia. An estimated four million bats live in this cave system.
Gua Kelam - Perlis.
Gua Tempurung - Kampar, Perak.
Gua Kundu - Gopeng, Perak.
Gua Harimau - Perak.
Batu Caves - Selangor.
Gua Ikan - Kuala Krai, Kelantan.
Gua Taat, Gua Bewah - Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu.
Gua Telinga, Gua Daun Menari, Gua Luas - Taman Negara, Pahang.
Gua Gumantong - Sandakan, Sabah.
Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Jambusan Cave - Bau, Sarawak.
Great Cave, Painted Cave - Niah National Park, Sarawak.
Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave, Turtle Cave - Mulu National Park, Sarawak.
There are seasoned cavers who will be willing to act as guides. They may be contacted through Malaysian Nature Society and adventure clubs or operators. Most caving expeditions can be day trips although a visitor can choose to stay overnight. No overnight camping is allowed within most caves but room accommodation is usually available around most cave districts. Caving is normally done in the relatively dry season from the month of March to October, but be prepared for rain anytime. Permits may be required when exploring some caves. These are available from the respective state forestry departments and will cost from MYR10 - MYR40. Tropical caves are not as damp as those in Europe and the Americas but thy are chilly at times especially during storms and heavy rain.
A light jacket is recommended. As with all nature adventures, conservation of stalagmites, stalactites and all cave wildlife are of utmost importance. In caves with known inhabitants, avoid flash photography as the light frightens the cave-dwelling life forms. Note the possibility of encountering potentially dangerous creatures around caves such as snakes or scorpions.
Always take a reliable 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 highly specialised sport and should only be undertaken by professional divers and cavers.
Always check equipment before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling.
Experienced cavers recommended 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 kg 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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