The entrance |
Gua Tempurung (Tempurung Cave) has existed
since early 8000 B.C. and it is one of the larger cave systems found
in the scenic limestone hills of Perak. Gua Tempurung is the largest
limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia stretches for 1.9 kilometres
and is made up of five huge domes. Each dome has different formations
of stalagmites and stalactites as well as differing temperatures,
water levels, content of limestone and marble. The cave measures 1.9
km in length and 120 metres in height. The cave follows a direct
course through a mountain range called Gunung Gajah-Tempurung,
located south of Ipoh towards Gopeng and Kampar.
Inside the cave |
Walkways have
been built within some parts of the caves making it easy for visitors
to have a leisurely stroll while taking in the
sights of
the beautiful underground waterfalls and the pendant stalactites
hanging from the
roof stalagmites.
The walkways |
Each cave
carries its own legends, and Gua Tempurung is no exception. Many
believe the cave was used as a hideout for terrorists during World
War II and the Emergency. It is said that Lee Meng, the notorious
communist courier, once used the cave as a hideout. The fact that
his name appears on one of the walls deep inside the cave certainly
seems to support this story. Another story speaks of the cave being
used by the Japanese as a prison during their occupation of Malaya.
This is made more evident by the existence of a gate-like structure
made of horizontal steel bars.
The
cave window
It
is a cavern inside Gunung Tempurung (Tempurung Mountain) standing 497
metres high and is about 250 million years old. Gua Tempurung is
visible from the North-South Expressway near Gopeng. Inside the cave
also has the small river. The river, Sungai Gua Tempurung runs about
1.6 km. It originates from the north and south outlets of a small
catchment derived from the granite upland area to the east.
Sungai Gua Tempurung |
Gua
Tempurung is an interesting place to visit because it is an
impressive cave with beautiful lime stone formations like
stalagmites, stalactites, rim stone pools, curtains, straws, calcite
crystals and pillars. There are also majestic columns of marble
inside its huge cavern honeycombed with smaller caves of different
dimensions. The cave holds mystery and intrigue that leave one
curious about its deep, dark secrets dating back to 400 million years
ago. For those who are interested in caving and adventurous
activities, Gua Tempurung is one of the places that you should
visit!!
Interesting stone formation |
The
cave is divided into several sections, with the lower cave passage
called the Molesworth Allen Tunnel, named in honour of the botanists,
Betty Molesworth Allen. At the end of this tunnel, the cave opens up
to Alam Cavern, the largest of the three major caverns, this is more
than 130 metres in width and towers 72 metres high.
Golden Flowstone |
The
Gergasi Cavern is the last of the cave sections. It is named Gergasi
because it holds a huge column, which is some 15 metres in height and
17 metres in length. The column stands sentinel- like at the end of
the chamber, like a giant genie guarding its treasure.
Stalagmite
at the giant cavern
There are several
packages designed to suit different interests and level of fitness of
the visitors. For safety reasons, all our packages are guided tours
which are both exciting and informative.
1) Tour 1: Golden Flowstone
Duration: 40 min
Adults: RM6
Children: RM 2.50
2) Tour 2: Top of
the World
Duration: 2 hours
Adults: RM9
Children: RM4.50
3) Tour 3: Top of the
World & Short River Adventure
Duration: 2.5 hours
Adults: RM11
Children: RM6
4) Tour 4: Grand Tour
Duration: 3.5 hours
Adults: RM22
Children: RM11
How
To Get There??
Gua
Tempurung is located in Lembah Tempurung near Gopeng, Perak,
Malaysia. It is 25 km to the south of Ipoh, the capital of the state
of Perak. The easiest way to reach there is by using the North-South
PLUS Highway and exit at the Gopeng Toll Plaza. Gua Tempurung is
located about 7km from the Gopeng Toll Plaza. From the plaza, turn
left (southwards) towards Kampar. Drive for about 5 km before turning
left and driving a further 2 km to reach Gua Tempurung. There are
signboards to help you find the way along the federal road.
Direction to Gua Tempurung |
Facilities
provided:
-Ample
parking space near cave entrance
-Food stalls
-Convenience
store
-Handicraft
and souvenir stall
-Toilets
-Changing
rooms
-Surau
(prayer rooms for Muslims)
-Reception
and ticket counter
-Rest
area.
Contact
APT
CONSORTIUM SDN BHD
No
9A Medan Gopeng 4
Jalan
Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah
31350
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tel:
605-318 8555
Fax:
605-318 8557
Email:
enquiries@guatempurung.com
Website:
www.guatempurung.com
For
enquiries and booking to visit Gua Tempurung, contact:
En.Shahril
: 012-5549830
Cik.Zuliana
: 017-5271926
Operational
Hours: 9am to 5pm