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.
One of the wishes in my bucket list is to one day climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia.
Hence, I would grab any opportunity to climb other smaller mountains as part of my training regime towards my main goal.
Gunung Lambak which is located in Kluang, Johor is one of the nearest mountains from Singapore.
The peak of the mountain stands at a height of 510 meters (approx. 1673 ft).
It was a really great experience for me and you should try it too!
Here, I would share all that you need to know about climbing Gunung Lambak.
What You Need To Know About Climbing Gunung Lambak
Here are some pointers that will guide you through before your climb at Gunung Lambak:
Gunung Lambak has been developed as a recreational park
Gunung Lambak has two peaks (the lower peak stands at 470 meters whereas the highest peak is at 510 meters)
No admission fee nor permit is required to climb Gunung Lambak.
Gunung Lambak level of difficulty – Moderate (if you have climbed hills like Broga and Pulai, then this would be a good step up)
First part of the trail before you hit the jungle treks is fairly easy as it is paved with concrete road and is not very steep.
Second part of the trail is the start of the jungle trek and it consists of a clear pathway of steps and railings to guide you upwards until you reach to the mid-section.
The last part of the hike from the mid-section will definitely challenge your fitness level as the path is steep with soil and tree roots as your stepping ground.
There are trails leading to the lower peak, highest peak, telecom satellite tower and the Big Tree
Starting Point: From Gunung Lambak Water Park at the foot of the mountain and from the rear hill which leads to the Telecom Towers
Gunung Lambak Hike Time: The whole process of ascending and descending the climb to the summit would take approximately 4-5 hours
Carpark is located at the foot of the mountain.
Toilets are available at the foot of the mountain for hikers to clean up or change after descending.
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Gunung Lambak Day Trip Itinerary
This is an example of a Day Trip Itinerary from Singapore to Gunung Lambak.
6:30 am – Depart (location of your choice if you are taking a private taxi). Breakfast at Kluang.
10:00 am – Arrive at Gunung Lambak (Introduction and Safety Briefing by Gunung Lambak Guide)
10:15 am – Start Hiking
12:45 pm – Reach Peak of Gunung Lambak. Have your snacks/lunch, relax and take photos.
2:00 pm – Start Descending
4:30 pm – Arrived at foot of mountain. Clean up and change.
4:45 pm – Depart to a mall in Kluang for shopping and dinner
7:45 pm – Depart to Singapore
10:45 pm – Arrive in Singapore
Note: Time and duration given are just an estimation (highly depending on traffic condition as well as total hiking time needed)
Gunung Lambak Map
To have an idea where is Gunung Lambak, check out the map below:
Where To Stay Near Gunung Lambak
1. Kluang TOHO Home Stay
For a cosy, clean and comfortable feel type of accommodation, Kluang TOHO Home Stay is the right choice for you.
It consists of two units of 2-storey buildings with spacious living halls and garden.
Distance From Gunung Lambak: 6km (approx. 10 minutes drive)
Hotel Highlight:
Landed Residential Building
Many Bedrooms (but mostly shared bathrooms)
Spacious Living Hall
Well Maintained and Spacious Garden
Free Car Park
Good To Know:
They also cater to group activities (eg: Team Building)
Kluang TOHO Home Stay Location: 58 & 60, Jalan Sri Jaya, Taman Sri Jaya, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6012-757 3088 Email:[email protected] Facebook
2. Hana House
Hana House is located in a nice residential area with four en suite rooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Distance From Gunung Lambak: 5km (approx. 8 minutes drive)
Price Starting From: SGD124/ RM380 per night
Hotel Highlight:
Nearby restaurants and shops
All En Suite Rooms
Flat screen TV
A fully equipped kitchenette with refrigerator
Washing Machine
WiFi
Good To Know:
Suitable for family
Returnable security deposit of RM100 will be charged.
Host is friendly and ready to answer any of your enquiries
A returnable security deposit of RM150 will be charged.
Common park with playground
Ichihome Homestay Location: 62, Jln Kluang Indah 2/4, Taman Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +6019-765 4055 Facebook
Where To Eat Near Gunung Lambak
1. Golden Bowl Kopitiam Kluang (绿园凤城美食阁)
This is a great place to have your morning breakfast with that good coffee kick before you start your hiking expedition or even to explore Kluang itself.
Golden Bowl Kopitiam Kluang Highlights:
Opens as early as 6:00am!
Serves good coffee
Variety of food (eg. Soft boiled eggs with toasts, roti canai, pre-packed Nasi Lemak, soup noodles, wan tan mee, etc)
Location: 8, Jalan Indah 1/1, Taman Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia. Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Restoran Chua Seng (绿园泉成咖啡店)
Another great place to grab your breakfast and lunch is at Restoran Chua Seng which hosts many variety of delicious Kluang food.
Restoran Chua Seng Highlights:
Special toast using crispy brown skin buns spread with fragrant brown sugar kaya and butter.
Hakka Yong Tau Fu
Chicken Curry Noodle
Chee Cheong Fun
Location: 4, Jalan Indah 1/2, Taman Kluang, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Closed On: Monday Note: There is another branch of Restoran Chua Seng located at Jalan Tembikai, Kluang and they open daily from 6:00am – 11:00pm, closed on Monday
3. Melody Cake & Café
You can grab the pastries and baked goods here for your breakfast or tea breaks.
1. Are there any facilities for me to wash up after my hike?
There are very basic toilets located at the foot of the mountain for you to have a quick clean up and shower (no proper hot showers installed).
2. What to pack for Gunung Lambak?
It is good to bring along the following items with you:-
Backpack
Water (at least 1 litre bottle)
Wear good hiking/sports shoes
Wear light and quick dry t-shirt with preferably long pants
Snacks or light packed food (especially if you will be up there during lunch hours)
Raincoat
A small towel to wipe the sweat
3. What is the difficulty level of climbing Gunung Lambak? I have no experience and afraid that I can’t keep up with my group?
The level of difficulty is MODERATE. Anyone with an average fitness level would be able to climb Gunung Lambak.
You do not need to have any experience to climb Gunung Lambak and the best thing about climbing in a group is that you will get the support that you need.
Just remember that you are there to enjoy yourself and do not be scared to get dirty by using your hands or knees during the climb.
If you have any experience in shorter or easier hikes, this would be a good climb for you (enough to push you to the next level).
4. What do I do if it rains along the hike?
Be prepared with the following items (in case of rain):
Wear a good hiking/trekking shoes (grip is stronger on steep and muddy terrains)
Wear a light fast dry t-shirt
Bring along a raincoat
Bring along a waterproof backpack or a plastic sheet to cover up your backpack
Slow down the pace of your hike especially at steep slopes
5. Who can climb Gunung Lambak?
ANYONE! From children to elderly.
To be more accurate, it is for anyone with a moderate level of fitness (the elderly that climbs this mountain are mostly regulars with good fitness level)
If you have any health issues, do consult your doctor before this climb.
6. Will it be too hot if I climb during the afternoon?
No. The rainforest shades you from the sun most of the way and hence it doesn’t feel hot.
7. Are there any resting areas along the climb?
There are shelters at mid-way and at the summit (it takes about less than an hour to reach the shelter at mid-way point)
8. Do I need to bring along a mosquito or insect repellent?
There is no such need as there are rarely any cases of insect bites. If you want, you can always wear a long sleeve top with long trek pants.
The only animal I would be wary about is the cheeky little monkeys that might take their chances to grab your food.
Truly epic in every sense of the word, Universal Studios has shared the first glimpses of the upcoming Universal Epic Universe as part of the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, US. The fourth theme park of the resort will have astounding never-seen-before attractions, rides, dining and shopping destinations, and luxury hotels. So, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the gates swing open in 2025.
Universal Epic Universe spans 750 acres (over 3 square km). It will have five stunning worlds — Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Within them, lie over 50 unprecedented and unforgettable experiences.
Universal Studios released an announcement video on January 30, 2024, which details the 500-room lavish hotel next to the park.
This colossal project has been underway since 2019 and was expected to be ready by 2023 but was delayed because of the pandemic. The Universal Epic Universe joins the line of other magnificent parks — Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.
More about the five themed worlds, their offerings and other details
Celestial Park
“Celestial Park is the cosmic heart of Universal Epic Universe, where wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains. Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together,” states Universal Studios.
This is your first destination in the new Universal theme park that connects all the other worlds. The magnum opus is aptly described as a “world in and of itself” by Brian Robinson, Chief Creative Officer, of Universal Creative.
Setting the stage for what’s in store, the entry itself is quite a spectacle. Dotted with gardens, beautiful waterways and several shopping destinations, the Celestial Park is the key to the portal.
Among many things, the new racing coaster called Starfall Racers and the lively Constellation Carousel are the highlights. Enjoy the beautiful pathways, gorgeous architecture and animated fountains and waterfalls.
Another major attraction is the Astronomica. “An interactive wet-play attraction designed as a compass rose that points to the portals and attractions around Epic,” it lights up at night for an extravagant view, states a Universal Studios blog.
This is a haven for shoppers. Visit the Nintendo Super Store for official toys, merchandise, apparel and souvenirs. For those looking to satiate their taste buds, details of two themed restaurants have been revealed — Atlantic and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant.
The Atlantic will be surrounded by shimmering waters of Neptune’s pool and feature floor-to-ceiling Victorian glass walls. It will offer fresh seafood and surf and turf options.
Image credit: Universal Studios
Meanwhile, The Blue Dragon lives up to its name with neon dragons and a pan-Asian menu with delicacies from China and Japan. Visitors get to dine under lanterns and glowing constellations. They can also grab a drink at the Tiger Bar.
The Helios Grand Hotel is also located next to the Celestial Park and is within walking distance from the Epic. It “offers a fantastical world where the heavens and earth unite to elevate your stay at Universal Epic Universe,” states Universal Studios. The full-service hotel has celestial decor and a Mediterranean theme about it.
The Stella Nova and Terra Luna hotels also offer a resplendent staying option. Although they feature the same galactic and constellation theme, both have different offerings.
Both hotels will have 750 guest rooms each, resort-style amenities and several food and drink options. While Stella Nova opens on January 21, 2025, Terra Luna opens on February 25, 2025. Visitors can book their rooms now.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The Fantastic Beasts franchise is the muse for this themed world. Guests can step into Paris of the 1920s and traverse to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s. “Explore international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™,” states Universal Studios.
This comes as Universal Studios’ third Harry Potter-themed park after Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Super Nintendo World
Next in the Epic Universe is this adventurous world where you can relive the Nintendo experience in person. From a Mario Kart race to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™, there is a lot to look forward to here.
This themed world comes in line with other Universal Studios’ Super Nintendo parks in California and Japan.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Want to unleash your inner warrior? Visitors can head to the Isle of Berk in this themed world to reach the skies with dragons. Revive the How To Train Your Dragon film franchise experience through the Viking village at the centre of Berk, participate in boat battles and dine like Viking lords.
Dark Universe
Image credit: Universal Orlando Resort
Taking cues from the Universal Monsters, it carries visitors back to the dens of Dracula and Frankenstein. The official description states, “From the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam, Dark Universe is a world of myth and mystery.”
-Which Universal Park has the dragon?
Universal Studios Florida has a dragon in the Diagon Alley-themed world.
-What happened to the dragon ride at Universal?
In 2011, after incidents of serious injuries were reported, Universal Studios decided to stop the Dragon Challenge ride trains to duel at the Universal Studios Florida park. The removal of this signature element caused the hype to fizzle. In 2017, the ride was finally removed.
-Why was the Dragon Challenge removed?
Universal Studios Florida removed the Dragon Challenge ride after incidents of serious injuries by flying objects were reported.
-What replaced Dragon Challenge?
The Dragon Challenge ride was replaced by the Wizarding World roller coaster in 2019, which was later renamed Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
[…] 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 […]