Image credit: ShutterstockMalaysia is one of the most famous spots for travellers who love the sand and the sea. While it’s best known for the pearl-white sand beaches of Langkawi and the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu, the nation is also home to another exciting landscape feature that draws adventure seekers and nature lovers alike — its caves. From the world-renowned Batu Caves to the Sarawak Chamber of Gunung Mulu National Park (the largest cave chamber in the world), get in touch with your inner spelunker while exploring the magnificent caves in Malaysia.
These massive networks of interconnected systems enthral tourists with stunning arrangements of limestone stalagmites and stalactites sculpted over millennia. Caves in Malaysia are also home to the most unique flora and fauna, and some are even archaeological sites. Remnants of the prehistoric era have been discovered in Malaysian caves, like the ‘Perak Man’ (Southeast Asia’s oldest, most complete human skeleton) in Gua Gunung Runtuh of Lenggong Valley, and they have managed to preserve centuries of ancient history, local culture and native wildlife within their walls. They are truly fascinating sights as the caves manage to entwine the beauty of natural marvels and the cultural heritage of their surroundings.
Here are some of the best caves to explore in Malaysia:
Batu Caves
Image credit: ShutterstockThese world-famous caves are located in Gombak, in the State of Selangor. One of the most iconic tourist attractions in Malaysia, Batu Caves showcases mogote topography, which is a limestone outcrop and includes a series of caves and cave temples.
With over 20 caves forming part of the Batu Caves, the biggest cave, the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave, is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is a famous pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus. You need to be dressed appropriately to visit this cave temple.
Besides it, the Dark Cave, Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa are significant sites, with tourists flocking here to see the beautiful paintings of the Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa, as well as the unique flora and fauna of the Dark Cave. The Dark Cave has two areas — one that houses rare plant species (around 269 types) and the other part of the cave that is engulfed in pitch darkness.
However, the most iconic aspect of the Batu Caves is a steep flight of 272 steps that leads to the entrance of Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, from where you get a breathtaking view of the grand, golden statue of Lord Murugan, towering at 140 feet (around 42.6 metres), and the surrounding areas. Learn more with our detailed guide to Batu Caves.
Tickets: Entry to the Cave Temple is free, but other caves, like the Ramayana Cave (RM 4.4/USD 0.95) and the Dark Cave (RM 35/USD 7), have an entrance fee.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport is 25 km away.
Byroad: The caves are 6 km from Gombok and 17 km from Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Image credit: ShutterstockOne of the four UNESCO Heritage Sites of Malaysia, Gunung Mulu National Park is home to some of the most stunning caves in the country. Located in Borneo Island’s Sarawak, the national park stands out for a 2,376 metre-tall sandstone structure called Gunung Mulu and other karst features sprawling across the Malaysian state. For the uninitiated, karst is a special type of landform that is created when bedrock dissolves. It is associated with soluble rock types, including limestone, gypsum and marble.
Tickets: The park has curated tour packages that take people on a guided journey. These packages require you to stay for at least a night or even longer. The price of the tour packages starts from RM 500 (USD 107).
How to reach: The only way to reach Gunung Mulu National Park is by flying directly to Mulu Airport, situated within the park. Miri Airport, Kuching International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport have daily direct flights to Mulu Airport.
The Sarawak Chamber
Named the largest single cave chamber in the world by the Guinness World Records, the Sarawak Chamber is part of 295 km of explored caves in Gunung Mulu National Park. This cave stretches 600 metres in length, 415 metres in width and 80 metres in height. The only way to visit the Sarawak Chamber is through one-night camps organised by the park. However, this is an extreme adventure activity open only to people who are certified cave explorers and experienced swimmers. The cave has a volume of 12 million cubic metres and an unsupported roof of 300 metres.
Clearwater Cave
The park’s official website states that Gunung Mulu National Park is also home to the longest cave in Asia. Also known as Gua Air Jernih, the 107-km-long cave stands as a testament to Malaysia’s natural beauty. After navigating 200 steps through dense forest, trekkers reach the entrance of the cave, encompassing an underground river, plank walks, pathways and floating bridges.
The Wind Cave is also part of the Clearwater Cave System and has beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flow rocks, helictites and rock corals. Travellers can explore these caves through guided tours.
Deer Cave
Past plank walks, peat swamps, alluvial flats, an ancient burial site and limestone formations lie the Deer Cave. One of the largest cave chambers in the world, it serves as a place for deer to shelter in. This is how it got its name — the local Penan and Berawan people call it Gua Payau or Gua Rasu (which translates into Deer Cave). Several bat species can be found inside the cave, with over a million of these animals residing here.
The main chamber is 174 metres wide and 122 metres high. A formation at its entrance shares a distinct similarity to the silhouette of the late US President Abraham Lincoln’s face, which can be easily spotted on guided tours. Another interesting feature of the cave is the Garden of Eden, a hole in the roof of the cave where green vegetation thrives.
Image credit: ShutterstockAnother cave to visit in Malaysia is found on Borneo Island, but this one is in Sabah’’s Kunak region. The Madai Cave is situated in the Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve. This limestone cave has archaeological and cultural significance and is home to swiftlets whose nests are considered an expensive delicacy. The local Ida’an community are the guardians of the cave and live right outside it, often going back and forth to the cave to harvest the nests. Traces of human inhabitation and ancient coffins can be found inside the cave, making it necessary for visitors to be accompanied by a guide. Travellers can find a guide through either the locals or a travel agent before planning a visit.
How to reachBy air: Tawau Airport is 65 km away.
By road: Kunak is 16 km away.
Gua Gunung Runtuh
Image credit: ShutterstockOne of the important archaeological sites of Malaysia, Gua Gunung Runtuh makes the Lenggong Valley in Perak a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While this cave is not as big as the others on this list, it holds great historical significance. It is the excavation site of the ‘Perak Man’, the oldest and most complete human skeleton found in Southeast Asia. However, visiting the Gua Gunung Runtuh caves is not easy, as it is not a proper tourist destination. Visitors need to get a permit and a guide from the Lenggong Archeological Museum.
How to reachBy air: Penang International Airport is 140 km from the Lenggong Valley.
By road: Ipoh is 75 km away.
Image credit: ShutterstockPart of UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ tentative list, the Niah Caves are an important archaeological site in the country. Located in Miri, Sarawak, these caves have been credited for preserving vital historical relics, such as wall paintings, boat-shaped wooden coffins and a 40,000-year-old Palaeolithic human skull. Besides these discoveries, the cave complex is also known for its intricate cave networks, limestone hills and lowland dipterocarp forests. Visitors won’t need a guide for these caves; the authorities have created routes they can follow.
Tickets: Starting from RM 10 (USD 2) for adults and RM 3 (USD 0.64) for children.
How to reachBy air: Miri Airport is 87 km away.
By road: Miri is 95 km away.
Perak Tong Cave Temple
Image credit: ShutterstockA popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction around the city of Ipoh, Perak Tong Cave Temple has a grand 40-ft-tall Buddha statue sitting at its centre. The limestone cave has a high dome that branches off into hidden recesses and grottoes. The temple cave’s wall is adorned with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scriptures. This cave is easy to visit, and people of all ages can come here. However, one must be dressed appropriately as it is a religious site.
Ticket: Entry to the temple is free.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is 13 km away.
By road: The cave is 6 km from Ipoh city centre.
Image credit: ShutterstockThe Gua Tempurung in Perak is one of the longest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. Tucked away in the Kinta Valley Geopark, the cave has five grand domes that resemble coconut shells and showcase a diverse collection of stalagmites and stalactites as well as a 1.6-km-long river. This cave is great for beginners as they have guided tours that allow for easy exploration of this cave.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is 26 km away.
By road: Ipoh is 38 km away.
Image credit: ShutterstockA tin mine under British rule, this limestone cave in Perlis has transformed into a popular tourist site near Kaki Bukit. It is fairly easy to explore as walkways have been built within the cave, giving easy access to everyone. Visitors can spot the Sungai Perlis River flowing under the walkway. Gua Kelam has surreal rock formations throughout the cave, and the end opens into the Wang Tangga Valley.
Tickets: RM 1 (USD 0.21) is the entrance fee for adults and RM 0.50 (USD 0.11) for children.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Abdul Halim Airport is 80 km away.
By road: The cave is 700 m from the city centre of Kaki Bukit.
Hero and feature image credit: Shutterstock
Related: 12 Stunning Island Resorts In Malaysia To Add To Your Bucket ListFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)– How many caves are there in Malaysia?
Malaysia has more than 100 caves, with Gunung Mulu National Park being home to some of the most beautiful and iconic ones. Thus, it is one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
– Are the caves in Malaysia open to the public?
Several caves are open to the public. They are usually part of protected areas such as Kinta Valley Geopark, Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, or pilgrimage sites, like Batu Caves and Perak Tong Cave Temple.
– What are the most popular caves to visit in Malaysia?
The Sarawak Chamber, Clearwater Cave, Niah Caves and Batu Caves are among the most popular ones to visit.
– Are there any special cave activities in Malaysia?
You can explore the caves, swim in them and even camp overnight in some.
– What should I bring when visiting caves in Malaysia?
Although each cave has different requirements, it is best to have sturdy shoes that enable you to comfortably hike and explore.
– Are the caves suitable for children and elderly visitors?
Not all caves are suitable for children and the elderly.
– Can I take photographs inside the caves?
Yes, you can take photographs inside the caves. However, some of them are dark and have low light, which may hinder the taking of clear photographs.
Due to the high demand for Desaru trip, especially during the Singapore and Malaysia school holidays, families are more keen for a day trip to JB or 2D1N JB trip vacation to enjoy in Johor.
Many of us may think that the hottest Johor attraction would be Legoland Malaysia and JB downtown Area.
BUT, according to my survey, DESARU would be the next hottest place of interest in Johor. You may ask “WHY”.
Because a lot of parents would consider bringing their children to have an “ECO” trip or “Rural” trip. This is the reason why there are so many ECO farms begin established recently.
Now, let me list down some PLACE OF INTEREST of Desaru.
Extra –> Kota Tinggi Waterfalls (not recommended for a day trip)
I know most of you may refer to the google map to check which route is the most convenient and shortest path to reach your destination especially when you’re only planning for a DAY TRIP in Johor. You have to plan well before taking a day trip in Desaru.
Desaru Fruit Farm Map
If you are only looking for a DESARU DAY TRIP, I personally think that you can visit all the places that I have listed above.
I will go through one by one starting with the most important place of interest and how to get around in Desaru.
Based on the Desaru map above, you can see that the first destination on Desaru would be “Desaru Fruit Farm“.
If you are coming from Singapore, you will reach around 11:30am – 12:00pm. (If you depart at 8:00am in the morning)
Basically, you need at least 2 to 3 hours to walk around the Desaru Fruit Farm. The tour guide will guide you through all the journey in Desaru Fruit Farm.
Once you’re done touring the fruit farm, they will provide you a variety of fruit for lunch. Don’t miss them! All the fruit are plucked from their farm.
Entrance ticket is priced at around RM25/pax, please note that there is no accommodation provided at Desaru Fruit Farm. Therefore, you need to find the nearest accommodation if you take the 2D1N package.
For Desaru package details please visit here: desarufruitfarm.com
***Please note that Desaru Fruit Farm also provides ATV ride and Paint Ball game (If you plan for a Desaru one day trip, then you wouldn’t have enough time to visit Desaru Ostrich Farm and Sungai Rengit)
After having your stomach filled with fruit (Must Try!), you can consider going to the crocodile farm at Teluk Sengat.
One hour is sufficient to spend in Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.
Or you can skip the crocodile farm and go to Sungai Rengit area. It is a small town in Kota Tinggi district.
In Sungai Rengit area, you can first visit the Desaru Ostrich Farm. The journey from Desaru Fruit Farm to Sungai Rengit area is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive.
Desaru Ostrich Farm hosted more than 250++ ostrich and it is the largest ostrich farm in Malaysia.
I personally recommend Desaru Ostrich Farm rather than crocodile farm as it is more fun and excited to play with these long-necked creatures.
Your kids may like this farm very much because they will get the opportunity to feed these ostriches with corn kernels or a bunch of vegetables.
Besides that, you get the chance to touch and stand on the biggest egg in the world. Moreover, you can stand beside the ostriches and take photos together. It is definitely enjoyable and good experience with these ostriches.
But it is still worth to go to crocodile farm. At least your kids know how a real crocodile looks like. 🙂
Note: 1 to 2 hours is enough in ostrich farm.
You may refer to the images below to see what you can expect when you reach there.
After that, you can spend your evening for a delectable dinner at the top Desaru food restaurant. There are 3 options for your choice.
1. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
2. Jade Garden Seafood Restaurant
3. Restaurant Super Lobster
After you’ve eaten your dinner, you can choose to head back to Singapore, or you can request the driver to stop over at the Desaru Beach to have fun with your family member.
I think this is a great plan for those who look for only a DAY Trip in Desaru area. After dinner at about 7:00pm or 8:00pm, you may need at least 3 hours drive to reach Singapore.
Plan for the 2nd day if you would like to have 2D1N Trip. (Desaru Waterpark)
If you are going to have 2D1N Trip, then you can directly stay in Hard Rock Hotel Desaru or Lotus Desaru Beach Resort after having your dinner at Sungai Rengit.
On the second day, you can have a breakfast in the hotel and then check out from the resort and head to Desaru Waterpark for more water activities!!!
The really cool thing staying at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru is the private access to Desaru Waterpark.
1. Desaru Waterpark (spend time: 6 to 8 hours)
2. Lunch inside waterpark
3. After Desaru Waterpark (heading back to Singapore)
Have any plans this weekend? Why not make a trip to the alluring Kluang district in the middle of Johor?
Kluang is the former capital of Johor under the early British rule but has since made a name for itself in the tile industry and organic farming.
As a matter of fact, there a lot of Kluang attractions are waiting for you to discover! Some organic farms offer eco-farm tours – which are a fun way to learn more about food production!
There are a whole bunch of other engaging activities to do in Kluang – Check out the list below!
8 Best Kluang Attraction
1. Kluang UK Farm
UK Farm enjoys its reputation as one of the popular Kluang attraction. Only a couple hour’s drive from hectic Singapore city life too!
The 100-acre farm specializes in sheep and goat farming – they have thousands of sheep actually! Making them Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm.
As part of their venture into agrotourism (since 2008-2010), you can learn about the 21st-century goat milking production and even bottle feed goats and calves on the farm!
Other activities include:
A visit to their organic vegetable farm and fruit gardens.
Tour the mushroom farm.
Visit an Orang Asli (indigenous people of Malaysia) village.
Ride a horse-drawn cart.
Fish at the farm too!
Take the full experience and stay overnight on the farm:
Cozy chalet & dormitory-style accommodations
BBQ facilities
Surau
Function rooms and more!
The peaceful verdant pastures of UK Farm await you!
Location:http://bit.ly/2uQioRJ Contact: +607-759 7555 Ticket Price:
Adult: RM47.70
Child (3-12 years old) & Senior (60+ years old): RM37.10
2. Kluang Rail Coffee
One of the unique things to do in Kluang includes getting a comforting cup of coffee and breakfast at the maiden branch of Kluang Rail Coffee. It’s 70 years old!
This original Kopitiam serves the following in their menu:
Coffee made with coffee beans that they roast in-house with butter.
Quintessential Kopitiam food like kaya toast, curry puffs, nasi lemak, and soft-boiled eggs.
But unlike other Kopitiam, Kluang Rail Coffee still toast their bread in the traditional manner – over a charcoal fire!
Enough about the food though, let’s talk about the ambiance here!
Aesthetic features include:
Wooden slat sunshades hang over the curious wire mesh windows – the windows really add to the nostalgic feel of this Kopitiam! Makes for a nice breeze too!
A convenient location is next to Kluang’s train station.
A simple exterior belies the equally simple but extremely charming and rustic interior!
Want to relax and watch the trains go by? This is the best place to do it!
3. Zenxin Organic Park Kluang
Here is another Kluang attraction that health-conscious folks can appreciate! After all, you are what you eat!
And at Zenxin Organic Park, you can see first hand how fresh food gets to your table!
Learn about the main principles that this organic vegetable farm practices! It’s not only about avoiding pesticides!
Other things to do here include:
Pick your own herbs at the herb garden!
Or rent a bicycle to explore the huge farm!
Buy something at their gardening supply shop, Eko Paradise to start your own garden or introduce a more sustainable way to care for your existing one!
Have a delicious meal made from 100% organic produce straight from the farm at the Farm Table Restaurant. They specialize in vegetarian fusion food.
Or you can just get fresh ingredients from the Farm Mart at Zenxin Organic Park to make your own organic meal at home later!
You can bring home some organic mulberry tea from Farm Mart too!
Location: 47A & 47B, Batu 9, Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-759 5196
Daily: 9:00am – 6:30pm Ticket Price:
RM18 (Adult), RM16 (Child/ Senior) Price includes:
Farm tour
Welcome drink
Restaurant voucher
2 other free activities
4. Kluang Coffee Powder Factory
Coffee lovers, take note! Kluang Coffee Powder Factory may be one of the less prominent Kluang tourist attractions, but it boasts quite the success story!
Image credits: facebook.com/kluangcoffee1966/
The factory tour is free too and you can discover what lengths the founder, Goh Tong Tor went through to make the factory what it is today!
What is special about the coffee here?
Both black (sugar and vegetable oil roast) and white coffee (three-bean roast) of the highest quality are available here. You can sample them too!
Do you know the local coffee brand, Television Coffee? This factory makes it!
Television Coffee gets its curious name from the founder’s perspective on how coffee and television bring people closer back in the 1960s. And until today, that is still relevant!
Don’t forget to bring some tasty coffee powder back as a souvenir to remind you of a satisfying day at Kluang Coffee Powder Factory!
Location: 76, Jalan Besar, Kampung Yap Tau Sah, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +607-773 1943 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm Entrance Fee: Free
5. Gunung Lambak (Mount Lambak)
At 510m above sea level, the trek to the summit of Gunung Lambak strikes as a challenge, even for those of moderate fitness!
Not surprisingly, this is also a popular hiking spot for the locals.
From the base, it takes around 2 hours to reach the higher one and there are several routes you can choose from – the most pleasant route is the concrete path. Suitable for elders!
Once you reach the midway point (20-40 minutes’ time), there are different routes to choose from too.
The midway point has a pavilion, benches and a signboard.
Use the ropes and tree roots to pull yourself up! Especially if it’s been raining recently.
The view at the top is pretty nice! Just trees all around!
Eco Resort is nearby if you need accommodation. It has the following facilities:
Swimming pool
Playground
The restaurant is worth checking out!
In case you do plan to go, allow up 2-3 hours to do this hike!
6. Kluang Street Art (Bat Town)
Somewhere downtown is a surprisingly stunning Kluang attraction!
Of course, this is none other than the colorful mural street in Kluang!
About 24 different wall murals and 3D art adorn the back lanes and alleyways of Jalan Dato Teoh Siew Khor.
Some background on the murals:
The murals are the result of an event by the local council to engage local and international artists to help beautify Kluang!
The many creative murals showcase a variety of typical Malaysian scenes, coffee, local food and oddly enough, bats!
Why Bats? Because Kluang owes its name to the local fruit bats which are keluang in Malay.
You need at least an hour to fully appreciate all the time put in by the artists to bring the old street back to life!
And if you feel a need to quench your thirst, there are an abundance of quaint little cafes and stores to do just that!
Location: 25, Jalan Merdeka, Kampung Masjid Lama, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
7. Gunung Belumut
Here’s another Kluang attraction that will have you catching your breath!
This 15km (including return) strenuous hike to complete to the peak at 1,100m.
What to expect:
It takes a total of 7 hours – 4 hours up and 3 hours to go down.
You will have to climb on all fours at times!
Tree roots will be your best friends!
Watch your step! It can get pretty slippery after a dose of rain. There will be little streams to cross too!
The summit is nothing too spectacular, you will get to see some moss-covered branches and rocks along the way!
You will need a guide and permit to hike here! Check out Freewill Hikers.
If you want to break up the long journey, it is possible to stay on this mountain overnight at any of the three camping spots. At extra charge.
Prepare for this arduous trek by climbing lots of stairs!
Location: Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest
8. Kluang Mall
Of all the places to visit in Kluang, this is the one to satisfy your shopping needs!
The spacious and modern mall occasionally hosts exhibitions and events (so check their site for that) in their atriums.
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There are also a total of 5 floors, including the lower ground or basement. And get this, close to 348k sq ft with 160 specialty retail shops!
Which include:
H&M
Popular Bookstore
Uniqlo
Pacific Hypermarket & Department Store is the main anchor
Mika Premium Gift Shop (lower ground) – Pick up some locally-made Mika Charcoal & Milk Swiss Rolls! Beware that these spoil very easily in hot weather!
And while you are at the lower ground, go get some lunch at the mall’s reputable food court, Kluang Food Street.
Want to catch a movie? MBO Cinemas is your answer.
Or you can go bowling at Ampang Super Bowl on the third floor of the mall!
[…] the multicultural nature of Johor Bahru that the street epitomises. Visit the Johor Chinese Ancient Temple, Gurdwara Sikh Temple and the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple which are all located along […]
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[…] the multicultural nature of Johor Bahru that the street epitomises. Visit the Johor Chinese Ancient Temple, Gurdwara Sikh Temple and the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple which are all located along […]