Gua tempurung a treat for nature enthusiasts
Published on: Saturday, May 23, 2015
Kuala Lumpur: If nature and extreme activities tickle your fancy, then make it a point of visiting Gua Tempurung in Perak. The cave is located in the limestone hill of Gunung Tempurung, that rises 497 metres above sea level and can be seen along the North-South Expressway when approaching Gopeng. The caves, accessible through the old Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur trunk road, is estimated to be about 400 million years old. Walking into the caves, one would come across five chambers, resembling the space underneath a coconut shell known as 'tempurung' in Malay, hence the name Gua Tempurung. ADVERTISEMENT However, it is the natural formations within that wows visitors. Besides the calcium formations and marble, Gua Tempurung also has a natural wind tunnel which makes it more unique than any other caves found in Malaysia. In a recent opportunity given by Tourism Perak and Gaya Travel, this writer had a chance to explore the wonders of one of Malaysia's largest limestone caves under the Discover Perak 2015 programme. After a 40 minute walk and covering 450-metre distance up and down, visitors arrive at platform four that is literally a 30-metre wind tunnel, 90 metres above sea level. The cool breeze that came in from both ends of the tunnel provided a respite after the tiring walk. ADVERTISEMENT The guide Mohd Syakir Ahmad, a cave ranger, said the wind speed in the tunnel is influenced by the weather outside. If it's raining, the wind here is stronger and cooler. The same goes if it is hot outside. "This is a popular resting place for visitors to the cave," he explained.
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Mohd Syakir also pointed out when the cold air in the cave meets the hot air from outside and water vapour occurs and this phenomena is associated with the dragon's breath myth. The more one explores Gua Tempurung, the more unique things can be seen including the stalactites and stalagmites that take after world famous figures such as Monalisa, Osama bin Laden and Casper, a popular animated film character in 1995. There are even some rock formations shaped like dolphins, seahorse, human body parts such as the head, hands and even vehicles. This writer was amazed at the sight of a large stalagmite that appeared like a long-haired pregnant woman who was standing holding her protruding stomach. According to Mohd Syakir, limestone and marble dissolved by water from the underground stream had formed such amazing stalactites and stalagmites. "Meanwhile, bat droppings have created abstract artworks on the ceiling and walls of the cave," he said. The sights inside the cave is really a feast for the eyes and visitors will be mesmerised further by the crystal covered walls that sparkle and shines from the light of the torchlight. Inside the cave the group also saw old mining equipment, a reminder that mining activities have taken place there. Mohd Syakir said Gua Tempurung, which has 10 platforms, is the main cave in the Gunung Tempurung range where 1.9 kilometre tunnel spans from the east to west underneath. He said these unique attractions of Gua Tempurung were capable of luring more visitors to Perak, as well as reach the 5.5 million tourists target to the state this year. "I believe this target is achievable as Perak is rich in tourist attractions in terms of history, heritage and culture, which also includes Gua Tempurung," he said. Visitors to Gua Tempurung have a selection of packages which are Golden Flowstone, Top of the World, Top of the World & Short River Adventure and Grand Tour, with a cave ranger included in each package. The Golden Flowstone package (Price: RM8.00 for adults, RM4.00 for children and senior citizens) offers a short 40 minute trip to plaform three and back using steps and trail provided. In the Top of the World package (Price: RM12 for adults, RM6.00 for children and senior citizens), participants will be taken up to platform five and will return the same route. The Top of the World & Short River Adventure package (Price: RM15 for adults, RM7.50 children and senior citizens) offers group outdoor activities in a 2 hour 30 minutes slot and participants will walk 1.2 kilometres from the main entrance to platform five before returning by the river route. The Grand Tour package (Price: RM30 for adults, RM15 for children and senior citizens) also involves group activities in 3 hours and 30 minutes, including a 1.9 kilometre walk from the entrance to platform 10 and back. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Participants will be challenged by obstacles and the river route. Managed by APT Consortium Sdn Bhd, Gua Tempurung is equipped with basic facilities such as food stalls, toilets and showers, parking lot and tour guide services. – Bernama