Gua Tempurung — Attraction in Perak

Gua Tempurung, a cave of wonders and adventures promises an exhilarating discovery deep into its bowels; a cave complex that is home to stalactites and stalagmites of varying shapes and sizes! It’s time to switch on your Indiana Jones mode - we’re going to be exploring one of the oldest cave in Malaysia. This popular Gua Tempurung is the crown jewel of Perak, which offers various activities to spice up the guided caving tour here.

Into the Bowels of the Earth

 Going Deeper into the Cave

Though there’s no hidden treasure to hunt for, Malaysia is blessed with incredible caves and natural resources that adds more appeal to this country. Known as the oldest cave in Malaysia, Gua Tempurung is situated in Gopeng, Perak. Gua Tempurung, lauded also as the largest limestone cave (4.5km in length) in Peninsular Malaysia, has been called many things, a refuge for those oppressed during the Japanese Invasion, a hideout for communists and even a shelter for prehistoric communities dating back to the 8,000 BC. With an affordable entrance fee starting from RM 8.00 for a Malaysian adult, the entrance fees varies according to the length of the tour

While it may not be known to many about Gua Tempurung’s darker side of story, this cave was once served as a hideout for the notorious communists, led by Chin Peng. The remnants of their hideout are left in forms of graffiti on the cave walls. The historical graffiti left by the communist guerrillas are said to be part of their plot to go against the British government during the Emergency Era of the 1950s.  The cave consists of five large domes that are adorned with varied formations of stalagmites and stalactites, it was opened to the public in 1997 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.

If you yearn to explore the Malaysian subterranean caverns, Gua Tempurung is definitely one that you shouldn't miss. It is listed as Says.com: One of the Top 11 Caves in Malaysia. At the site itself, there are various tour packages offered to bring spelunkers a distance of 1.9 km deep, filled with breath taking underground waterfalls and magnificent limestone formations; all a mere fraction of the largely unexplored cave complex. Visitors can expect to be greeted by a variety of fun-filled adventurous activities, to spice up their journey in Gua Tempurung.

Getting to Gua Tempurung

Situated in the Kampar district of Perak, it is located only 24 kilometres south of Ipoh (From Kuala Lumpur/Penang: approximately 200 km, 2 hours; from Singapore: approximately 550 km, 6 hours). Lucky for you Ipohites, this natural wonder lies not too far from you, which will only require a 20-minute drive from the city. Due to the short distance from the bustling cities, the drive from Kuala Lumpur/Penang to Gua Tempurung would be a better choice, where the journey there will be filled with scenic route, that is perfect to fulfill your appetite for sightseeing.For international travellers coming from Kuala Lumpur or Penang, car rental is a wise choice especially if you are travelling in a group. Once at the cave, it is time to embark on a journey deep into the bowels of this 250 to 400 million-year-old speleological wonder. “What is the opening hours of Gua Tempurung”, you may ask. The cave is made accessible to public on a daily basis, from 9am to 5pm.

The Sublime Beauty of the Golden Flowstone and Karst Landscape

Dazzling Golden Stones

Nothing will prepare you for the vast, subterranean cavern of Gua Tempurung as you descend deeper into the belly of the Earth. The narrow entrance and its sturdy cement pathway is only a prelude to an epic adventure. The first tour—dubbed the Golden Flowstone—provides an interesting and pleasurable 40 minutes trek allowing any spelunker to marvel at the alabaster stone slabs and walls. As you journey deeper past the illuminated maw of the cave, prepare to be awestruck by the 90m high, sloping damp walls and cave floor that reflect light with a golden hue. Tours begin with a guided walk through the accessible sections of the cave, where you can learn more...

Gua Tempurung is one of the most popular and impressive caves in Malaysia, located in Gopeng, Perak. Known for its stunning limestone formations, it is a top destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and tourists alike. Here is an overview of the experience based on general feedback:

Majestic Limestone Formations

The cave is renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are millions of years old. The formations are awe-inspiring, and visitors are often amazed by the intricate designs and natural beauty of the cave's interior.

Adventure and Exploration

Gua Tempurung offers several cave tours, ranging from easy to more challenging routes. The most popular is the "Grand Tour," which includes a walk through the entire cave system, exploring various chambers and tunnels. The adventure includes some narrow passages and slippery surfaces, so it’s recommended for visitors to be physically fit and wear proper shoes. The more advanced tours include wading through streams and even crawling through smaller sections, making it a thrilling experience for those seeking adventure.

Scenic Views

The cave’s entrance offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and hills. The limestone peaks outside the cave add to the visual appeal of the location, making it a great spot for photography.

Educational Experience

Besides its natural beauty, Gua Tempurung provides an educational experience for visitors. The guides offer insightful information about the cave’s formation, its history, and the different species of flora and fauna found around it.

Facilities and Accessibility

The site has decent facilities, including parking, washrooms, and a visitor center. There are also local guides available for tours. However, the cave's interior can be quite humid and slippery, so visitors should be prepared for the conditions. The site is accessible by car, and it’s not far from the town of Gopeng, making it convenient for travelers.

Great for Nature Lovers and Families

Gua Tempurung is suitable for families, especially for those who enjoy nature and light exploration. For those looking for a more physically demanding challenge, the cave’s longer routes offer a good test of endurance.

Overall Rating:

Visitors commonly give Gua Tempurung a positive review due to its natural beauty, diverse tour options, and thrilling experience. It is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in learning more about Malaysia's unique limestone cave systems. However, some recommend being cautious of the humidity and slippery floors inside the cave.

In summary, Gua Tempurung is a must-visit location for anyone visiting Perak or Malaysia in general, especially for those interested in adventure tourism and...

During our recent trip to Ipoh, we visited the Tempurung Cave (aka Gua Tempurung) cave network and we impressed at how well-kept the entire venue is. Gua Tempurung is just a 30 minutes ride from Ipoh city centre and is definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting Ipoh for the first time. Tempurung Cave (aka Gua Tempurung) is located in Gopeng Perak, a short 30 minutes ride from Ipoh. Having visited the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, we were able to see the similarities of the limestone cave networks of both locations (of course without the Glow Worms at Tempurung) and we must say that the Tempurung Caves are very well maintained.

At 4.5km long, the Tempurung Cave network is one of the longest and largest cave network in Peninsular Malaysia. Of the 4.5km, only 1.9km is accessible to visitors with a 1.6km underground river that flows through it. It is these waters that carve out the beautiful cave networks and limestone formations that you will see within the Gua Tempurung network.

There are several caverns that you can visit at Gua Tempurung, including the Golden Flowstone Cavern, Alam Cavern, Tin Mine Cavern, Gergasi Cavern and the Battlefield Cavern. During which, you will be able to see beautiful limestone structures such as Stalactites (that grow from the ceiling downwards) and Stalagmites (that grow from the cave floor up). One way to remember is that Stalactite has a “T” that represents growing from the Top downwards while Stalagmites has a “G” that represents growing from the Ground upwards...

For the full review of our visit to Tempurung Cave, visit...