Gua Tempurung

First identified in 1887, it was known then as Gua Tempoo Rong. Gua Tempurung or Tempurung Caves, located in Gopeng, is one of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. There is an underground river of about 1.6 km in length. Estimated of existence, from 8000 B.C.

It is called 'Tempurung' because the ceiling is of a dome shape like a coconut shell. This cave consists of 5 domes whereby each dome has different shapes of stalactites and stalagmites. 

During the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), communist guerrillas used this cave as a hideout.

It was also used for tin mining activities later around 1970s.

Did you know that cave exploration is known as caving, potholing or spelunking?

The cave is honeycombed inside this limestone hill.

Did you know that caves are one of the darkest places on Earth? Light does not reach inside caves.

Constant allogenic water flowing into the cave

First steps...

Did you know that if you break off a piece of stalactite, it would only grow at the rate of 1 inch every 200 years on average?

Marble

First flight of steps...

Looking down.... and beyond

Dating in the cave!

The Giant (left) is a 15m stalagmite known as the Earth Guardian.

Did you know that animals who spend their entire lives in caves are call troglobites? Blind salamanders and flatworms.

Did you know that animals who live in caves part of the time are call trogloxenes or 'cave guests'? Bats and spiders.

Where are the bats?

Did you know that a baby stalactite is call a Soda Straw Stalactite?

Did you know that limestone causes arthritis?

Hello...Helllllllooooo... Heeeeellllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Second flight of steps...

More steps...

Never-ending steps...

Did you know that when stalactite and stalagmite meets, a pillar or column is form?

Steps going downwards now...

Golden flowstone forms where films of water flow over walls and formations, depositing sheets of calcium carbonate like icing.

This tunnel is where the air from both ends circulate and create the gusts of cold air.

This is the coolest part of the cave. The only part that felt like it is air-conditioned. So nice to just stand around, cool off and rest the tired feet.

C'mon...final flight of steps to the Top of the World in Gua Tempurung!

See the roof? We have climbed 640 steps.

We reached the Top of the World in the cave. Look at the roof just above our heads.

And now...to climb another 640 steps downwards!!!

Hot, humid and exhausted, but happy to have gone spelunking!