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.
Read on to discover all about Tanjung Piai, that’s close to Singapore and also mainland Asia’s southernmost tip, and why by the end of this, you’ll want to make a visit to experience it for yourself.
Tanjung Piai
Tanjung Piai is the answer, at the cape of Pontian, Johor and is a must place to visit due to its many unique features, and offers visitors a great alternative to city destination holidays.
The park is in fact Peninsula Malaysia’s and mainland Asia’s southernmost tip. Getting here to enjoy nature and all its beauty is made even special by the fact that you’re at the southern tip of the continent.
Tanjung Piai National Park is characterized by deep twisting mangroves of 526 hectares and inter-tidal mudflat lands, another area of 400 hectares, which provide much of the support to the eco system in the park, surrounding forestry as well as protection to some of the animals and insect in this habitat.
1. How To Go To Tanjung Piai National Park From Singapore
You can reach Tanjung Piai National Park from Senai International Airport in just 72 minutes by car, and it takes just 75 minutes to from Singapore Tuas Checkpoint. Besides that, it’s about 13 minute drive from Kukup. Perhaps you can take a visit here while you’re having a holiday in Kukup. Transport to Tanjung Piai as describe in below:
1.1 Bus To Tanjung Piai National Park From Singapore
Currently, there are no direct coaches or public bus to Tanjung Piai National Park from Singapore or other bus terminals in Malaysia too. Thus, the most convenient and time efficient way to travel here is by private car.
2. Tanjung Piai National Park Attractions
There is plenty to see and do at the park, and we’re sure you’ll find more than one activity for every member of the family to enjoy.
Coming in from an elevated walkway you can’t miss this section from the main entrance. Here, visitors purchase entrance tickets to the park with these located here too:
Multipurpose hall
Souvenir shop
Prayer room
Park’s office
2.2 Tanjung Piai National Park Landmark Monument
The landmark of Tanjung Piai Pontian Johor is a monument made from eco-friendly concrete that reaches a height of 20 meters and only 10 centimeters wide.
The monument is grey in color and reflects the muddy flatlands and twist mangroves that stem from the forest floor.
On the face monument, visitors can clearly see two ferns of an indigenous fern which Tanjung Piai gets its name, the Paku Piai Raya fern, which is native to Tanjung Piai’s forests.
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2.3 Boardwalk
Elevated wood boardwalk connects the different parts of the park and takes visitors directly to the center of the mangrove forest without having to step in the grey sticky mud.
The boardwalk totals 1200 meters provides visitors with a nature experience plus light exercise.
2.4 Observation Tower
The panoramic views and spectacular sights of the forest is breath taking from the two observation towers and numerous viewing platforms.
Here visitors are surrounded by nature and can view levels of the forest from the mangrove mud floors till the canopy, home to many species of birds.
2.5 Campsite
Visitors to Tanjung Piai National Park can opt to stay in camps at the campsite of the park for a truly unique experience.
The campsite has a total of 30 elevated tents and is divided into sections for male and female and can accommodate at any one time up to 120 guests.
2.6 Jetty & The Southern Most Tip
Coming off your boardwalk, you’ll walk directly to the jetty area and the southernmost point that’s marked by a plaque and also a globe monument to mark the significance of Tanjung Piai.
Also off the boardwalk is the jetty area, another popular spot among visitors to witness boats and tankers pulling out towards the sea.
With so much to discover, visitors will be spoilt for choice as to what activity to partake in, but whether your choice is more leisurely one or a full on activity, you’ll certainly find a match for your pace below:
Sunset Viewing and Observation of passing ships on the Straits of Malacca
Firefly Trail
Nightwalk
Obstacle Course and Southern Race
Fishing
4. Facilities At Tanjung Piai National Park
For the comfort of visitors to the park these are facilities provided within the park:
Washroom
Prayer Room
AV Room
Souvenir Shop
Information gallery
Fishing platform
Campsite
5. Tanjung Piai National Park Visitor Tips
For visitors a quick list on useful information and tips before you head out to Tanjung Piai National Park:
Wear comfortable neutral colored clothes along with sturdy, comfortable walking closed toe shoes.
Protect yourself with insect repellents, sunglasses and a hat.
Bring extra clothes, water. Stationary (book, pen) and personal equipment (binoculars, camera).
Monkeys do approach visitors. Do not feed them or wear shiny items such as jewelry as this attracts them.
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Tanjung Piai National Park GPS Coordinates: 1.2681° N, 103.5087° E Contact: +607-696 9712 Email:[email protected] Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m
Closed on: Monday
6. Tanjung Piai National Park Entrance Fees
6.1 Entrance Fee For Malaysian
Adult: RM5
Student (below 18 years old): RM3
Senior Citizen (50 years old and above): RM3
Child (6 years old and below): Free entry
6.2 Entrance Fee For International Traveler:
Adult: RM20
Student (below 18 years old): RM10
Senior Citizen (50 years old and above): RM10
Child (6 years old and below): Free entry
7. Tanjung Piai Resort Pontian Johor
A 20 minute walk away from the park there’s also Tanjung Piai Resort so that guests don’t need to travel far and be close to the park. It makes sense for visitors to choose to stay closest to the park as possible to maximize their visit.
A range of outdoor activities are arranged by the resort to challenge the adventurer in you, view the complete list of activities below:
Kayak
Jetty Jump
Paintball
ATV
Camp Fire
Cycling
River Obstacle
Archery
Fishing
Camping Site
Coconut Climbing
Target Range [Paintball]
Telematch
Tanjung Piai Resort Pontian Johor Location: J48, Tanjung Piai, 82030 Kukup, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +607-696 0011 Facebook
Pulau Sibu (also known as Sibu Island) is an archipelago with collections of pristine islands offering dazzling blue water and golden beaches.
With peacefulness and tranquillity as main attractions, the island itself offers endless freedom and solitude that makes you linger long after you leave.
Despite taking pleasure in exciting water sports, angling activities and jungle trekking, guests get to experience rural livings and learn their culture in close hand.
Pulau Sibu awaits you to its nature beauty and it guarantees a carefree yet appealing travel experience.
Why Stay In Pulau Sibu?
Most of people living in city couldn’t remember how nature looks like. So, our government are struggling hard to build a green city but what could be better if you truly live in a nature paradise? Pulau Sibu can be your first taste of living in a pristine nature.
In 1993, Pulau Sibu is nominated as Marine Park as there are numerous colourful and attractive coral reefs offshore. Snorkelling is available to have close moments with sea creatures and the coral reefs. Besides, plenty of water sports activities are available to make your stay fun and interesting.
Photo credits: sibuislandresort.com.my
The island offers no roads and transports. Walk or get a boat if you wish to travel around. Restaurants and shops are nowhere to be found. The island has retained its originality to fullest.
Corporate events can be held on the island along the shore. Private beaches are available for team bonding activities with colleagues. Resorts can arrange these activities for guests.
Pulau Sibu is perfect for wedding and honeymoon too! They have been received many couples coming here for an anniversary trip. Lots of seafront chalets are romantically designed for couples. Better than that, the island offers unlimited secluded areas to give total privacy to the couples.
Plan a visit to nearby kelong. At the kelong, you can:
Gain insight into rural daily life
See how the villagers rear and catch prawns and anchovies
Photo credits: saripacifica.com
Leisurely stroll along the beach is a must on the island. The white fine sands on beach can comforts your feet while you walk. In the evening, watch the stunning sunset over the horizon. Enjoy sunbathing on the beach but you should apply suntan lotion to protect your skin.
Where To Stay In Pulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu offers many exceptional resorts which are maintained to highest standard to welcome guests every year.
Attentive and well-trained staffs are offered to make your stay unforgettable.
Meals are often included in the accommodations fee.
The resort does not open all year round due to monsoon season so kindly check for availability before booking. Resorts on the island include:
1. Rimba Resort
Photo credits: amitravel.my
Appointed as “Travellers’ Choice 2012” and “Certificate of Excellence” by TripAdvisor
Offers 21 well-equipped elegant seafront chalets
Offers over 24 dive sites, training courses for beginner are available
Spa at Bamboo Bliss offers perfect rejuvenation of body and mind
Restaurant and Bar are offered
Opens from annual Chinese New Year to 1st of December
Sibu Island has seasonal charm as it is influenced by monsoon season which is from October to March. Thus, avoid visiting Pulau Sibu during monsoon season as the island is susceptible to dangerous high tide. Besides, most of the resorts closed their doors within this period of times.
June to August would be the best times for visit. The weather is excellent and the coast is clear. There are less rainfalls thus water activities are available at most of the times. Overall, the environment is perfect for a summer vacation and you get to enjoy amazing moments on islands to fullest.
Visit Pulau Sibu in July and you get to see group of sea turtles crawling to shore to lay their eggs. However, any actions that disturb the sea turtles or stealing their eggs are strictly prohibited.
Bookings can be made early even during monsoon season.
[…] 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 […]