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.
Are you looking for a break away from all the monotony of everyday life?
Perhaps you want to have a little adventure in the process?
It’s time to grab your hiking boots and head straight to Johor.
Johor region, which is located on the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, is home to one of the most treacherous mountains in the whole of Malaysia and is in close proximity to Singapore.
It is a mountainous region and as such has a series of mountains which are different in every aspect except that they are all found in Johor.
In this article, you will discover the 7 most captivating mountains or ‘Gunung’ as they are called in the local Malaysian language.
We will also give you directions on how to get to each one of them.
The 654m high mountain covers about 80 square kilometers of forest reserve and it is the closest area between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Gunung Pulai also is known as Mount Pulai is one the most popular hiking spots in Johor. The flora and fauna found in Mount Pulai attract a lot of hikers in this part of the world.
Many Singaporeans and other visitors are attracted to Gunung Pulai because they believe that there is a historic connection between Mt Pulai and Singapore. The forest reserve is a water catchment area that feeds the Johor River which in turn supplies water to many Singaporeans.
Gunung Pulai is also an exciting feature to many Singaporeans because it stands out in terms of coverage and height as compared to Singapore’s highest hill which stands at 164m above sea level.
The diversity in wildlife here is also appealing to most hikers. There is also a wide array of tantalizing local food which is purely irresistible to most visitors.
Contacts: +60 14-988 1988
How To Get To Gunung Pulai, Johor
After clearing with customs head directly to NS Highway and look out for exit 252, that is Kulaijaya /Kota Tinggi. After clearing Kulaiijaya toll look out for Hutan Liput Gunung Pulai sign on your right. Then drive along Jalan Sawahto JIn TM Gn Pulai, you will see lots of sand quarries and oil plantation along the way. After 11 km about 10 minutes of driving, you will come to the entrance of Kg Sri Gunung Pulai on your left.
2. Gunung Panti in Kota Tinggi, Johor
Gunung Panti is a Malay word which means Mount Panti. It is a treacherous but beautiful mountain which can be seen from as far as Kota Tinggi Waterfalls.
Its imposing outlines stand out as it challenges any adventure seeker to try it out.
Travelling along the road, one immediately notices that its left edge has an almost vertical face that stares menacingly at every passerby or motorist as if giving out an open challenge.
It is 485 meters high and its peak appears as if it is capped with a huge bolder which gives it an unmistakable identity. This is the perfect set up for any hiker who wishes to take up the daunting task of reaching its peak and discover what is in store.
Once at the peak, the mountain offers you a full circle view of the surrounding area not to mention beautiful scenery that awaits you at the top in form of flora and fauna. It will take any hiker about 2.5hrs to ascend and 2hrs to descend and climbing this mountain is not very taxing. Make sure you are dressed for the occasion as sometimes it can really get wet and you don’t want to be caught in the mess.
How To Get To Gunung Panti In Kota Tinggi
To reach its foothills, drive from Kota Tinggi town towards Air Terjun passing Kampong Batu Ampat, Air Terjun or Kota Rainforest Resort is about 8km from Kampong Batu Ampat. The road you should look out for should be on your right and about 50 meters before reaching Kota Rainforest Resort. Take the dirt road and you will find yourself at the foot of Mount Panti in no time.
3. Gunung Lambak in Kluang, Johor
Gunung Lambak is a twin peaked mountain with a higher peak reaching about 510 meters. Lambak, which is translated as Flea Mountain, is a little bit steeper than Gunung Panti and needs a lot of effort to hike.
The trail that leads to Lamback Mountain is ever rising and rough. Most parts of the trail have ropes which have been set up to help in the climbing.
On the outskirts of Kluang town, there is the Gunung Lambak Eco Resort where the trail starts. The steep trail is well known by hikers who have climbed the mountain before.
Photo credits: travelledpaths.com
It can offer a very good challenge to any hiker who wishes to conquer the Gunung Lambak. It takes about 2-3 hours to scale the mountain and back. Climbing the mountain is free as there are no permits or admission charges.
As a visitor, you can choose where to stay depending on your budget. You can choose the Eco Resort or Rail Hotel. The Eco Resort is a bit expensive because it has the necessary resources like camping facilities, swimming pool, kids playing ground and others. Food is also cheaper at the Green Home Wealthy Vegetarian Cafe and the Kluang coffee rail which has very odd operating hours.
How To Get To Gunung Lambak In Kluang
If you want to reach Gunung Lambak in Kluang and you are using the North-South Expressway, you should take the Air Hitam exit (interchange 244) and then take Highway 50 to Kluang town. When you are near Kluang you will see signposts for Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest which is on the southeast edge of the town.
4. Gunung Belumut, Johor
Gunung Belumut is about 1010 meters high and is located about 18km east of Kluang. This mountain is higher and steeper as compared to Lambak and Panti Mountains and takes an individual the whole day to trek up and down.
For a small group, it will take about 2days and one night to make the entire trek. There is a resort at the base of the mountain which offers some semblance of security to verify the trekker’s identities and permission.
There are charges for mountain climbing and using of the chalet for an overnight stay.
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Photo credits: meetup.com
The trekking route has three campsites along the way to the summit. The first campsite is located just a small distance from the base of the mountain. The second one is found on your way to the summit while the last one is found is just about 30 meters further up the second one.
The best campsite is the one at the base of the mountain with a flowing stream nearby. Both sides of the bank can be used as campsites with a capacity of about 20 people. The second campsite, a 30-minute walk from the summit, is relatively small with a holding capacity of about 12.
It is sheltered by trees and has an inadequate water supply. The last campsite is further up the mountain and much bigger with space for about 20 people. It is exposed and may pose lighting strikes danger. A sleeping bag must be carried as it is quite cold up here. It is also good to have some mosquito coil, salt and vinegar just in case of anything.
How To Get To Gunung Belumut, Johor
Take a bus from Singapore to Larkin terminal in Johor Bahru where you take another express bus to Kluang. The journey will last slightly over one and a half hours at an estimated cost of about RM 6.40 per person. Take a Taxi from Kluang Bus Interchange to Grunung Belumut Park at a cost of RM 30 for a one-way ticket or RM 60 for a two-way ticket. It may take 30 minutes to reach Belumut Park. Alternatively, you can arrange with the resort manager to bring you from either the train station or the bus station to the resort.
5. Gunung Arong in Mersing, Johor
Gunung Arong Recreational Forest is a forest reserve located in the Mersing District in Johor.
A stream runs through the entire length and breadth of the forest.
The stream offers maximum enjoyment to many hikers and adventure seekers, whose cooling and refreshing effects are an unforgettable experience.
Photo credits: gaiaadventurers.com
The Gunung Arong peak rewards hikers and trekkers alike with a panoramic view of the South China Sea and its neighbouring islands. In good weather, you can also be able to see the magnificent splendor of Pulau Tioman unfolding before your eyes. To reach the peak, which is about 255 meters high, one has to trek for about 2 hours.
After the trek, one can always relax at the Tanjung Resang Beach. This is a popular destination for many hikers. Its rough waves and wind creates the perfect situation to be in harmony with the wild nature.
How To Get To Gunung Arong In Mersing
Little is known if there is any public transportation to the area. Getting here is best done by personal vehicle or by private taxi. The area is in between Mersing and Endau. You will see a single small shop selling snacks serving as a registration counter.
6. Gunung Ledang, Johor
This is perhaps one of the most trekked mountains in Peninsular Malaysia. Gunung Ledang, which is also commonly known as Mount Ophir, can be accessed via two routes.
The Sagil Path is the most commonly used path and is much longer than the Asahan route. The Asahan route is less known because it is less accessible as compared Sagil. A few trekkers have used the route up the Ophir Mountain.
Photo credits: iwannatravel.com.sg
The start of the trek from Asahan is easily accessible by vehicles where you will see a signboard notice that warns trekkers to only use the Asahan route for both the descend and the ascend.
Transport arrangements should therefore be made to pick you up after descending from the mountain. The Asahan trail is also relatively cleaner than the Sagil one and there is no entrance charge or climbing permit. This path is wilder than Sagil and leads you to a campsite located about 1.5 hours away from the summit.
The campsite is large enough and can hold up to 10 tents in different locations. There is also a stream nearby which brings a lot of relief to any trekker.
How To Get To Gunung Ledang, Johor
Take a bus 170 from Singapore to Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru. From there, take an Express bus from Larkin to Segamat at a cost of about RM 10 per person and takes about 3hours 15 minutes. From the Segamat Interchange to Asahan, you can take a Taxi at about RM 80 per cab. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Asahan from here.
7. Gunung Muntahak, Johor
Gunung Muntahak is a 634m hill that is the main water source for the Kota Tinggi Waterfall. It is a largely undisturbed rainforest with little or no human intrusion.
The hill is hidden by other hills and it is hard to see from the main road leading to Kota Tinggi Waterfall.
Photo credits: timeoff2outdoors.com
It has the perfect condition for the growth of beautiful palm which is widespread in this rainforest. The trail to the summit is gentle and narrow, and has many obstructions as one makes his way towards the summit.
The ascent becomes more steeper and tiring as one gets close to the summit which does not offer any rewarding view as the area has thick and tall vegetation that obstruct any meaningful view.
How To Get To Gunung Muntahak, Johor
Take SBS bus 170 from Singapore to Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru. Then take G.P. Express bus at Platform 33 from Johor Bahru Bus Interchange to Kota Tinggi Bus Interchange at a cost of RM 3.50 per person. At Kota Tinggi take a Causeway Link Bus no.66 to Gunung Muntahak at a cost of about RM 2.00. The ride will last about 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a Taxi from Kota Tinggi Interchange to Wet World resort entrance (The trek starting point) at a cost of RM 10-12.
[…] 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 […]