Licensed Tourist Guide (TG6630)
(Penang & Kuala Lumpur)

Gua Tempurung

Exploring Gua Tempurung: A Natural Wonder and Historical Treasure in Perak

Gua Tempurung, located 25km south of Ipoh near Gopeng, is one of the largest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia, offering something for everyone, from casual visitors to seasoned caving enthusiasts. This massive cave was formed over 250 million years ago through natural processes like sea uplift and erosion, resulting in stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and galleries.

The cave also holds historical significance, having served as a hideout for communist guerrillas during the Malayan Emergency. Evidence of this period can still be seen through graffiti left behind by these insurgents.

Today, Gua Tempurung is a popular tourist destination with walkways, staircases, and platforms for visitors to explore safely. Various tours are available to accommodate different levels of adventure. The dry tours, such as the "Golden Flowstone" and "Top of the World," provide easy access to breathtaking limestone formations. The wet tours like the "Top of the World & Short River Adventure" and "Grand Tour" offer more challenging experiences involving river crossings and a chance to explore deeper.

The cave's total length is 4.5 kilometres, with 1.9 kilometres accessible to the public. An underground river runs 1.6 kilometres through the cave, and the surrounding karst hill, known as Gunung Tempurung, rises 500 meters above. The cave also houses colonies of bats, whose droppings have created unique cave ceilings.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of tours based on their fitness level and desire for adventure. Guided wet tours offer more excitement, while the dry ones are suitable for a more relaxed experience. Regardless of the chosen tour, the awe-inspiring natural formations and rich history of Gua Tempurung make it a must-visit destination in Perak.

Gua Tempurung, located 25km south of Ipoh near Gopeng, is probably the largest cave in Peninsula Malaysia and has plenty to attract caving enthusiasts, adventure seekers or casual visitors.

History of the Cave

During the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), communist guerrillas used the cave as a hideout and some of their graffiti is still visible on the walls.

In 1995 work began to turn the cave into a tourist attraction. Steel and concrete staircases were put in place, viewing platforms and railings were added for safety and spotlights were placed to illuminate the cave's most attractive features.

Facts About Gua Tempurung

The total length of the cave is 4.5km although the part accessible to the public is about 1.9km.

The cave contains an underground river of 1.6km in length.

Some of these domes are said to resemble coconut shells. Tempurung is the Bahasa word for coconut shell.

The karst hill above the cave is sometimes called Gunung Tempurung and is about 500m high. Its spectacular size and shape make it visible from the North-South Expressway.

The cave is home to bats, especially during the mating season from March to May. Their droppings have created bat guano artworks on some of the dome ceilings.

4 Tour Packages Are Available

Tour 1 - Golden Flowstone - Dry Tour

Duration: 40 minutes (recommended to old folks).

Distance Covered: 300 meters

Timings: From 9 am to 4 pm (the last tour starts at 4 pm).

Cost: Foreign adult RM$20, child RM$10 (age 4 -12), seniors RM$10

No guide is required.

Tour 2 - Top of the World - Dry Tour (RECOMMENDED TO MOST OF MY VISITORS)

Duration: 1 hr 45 mins.

Distance Covered: 600 meters

Timings: From 9 am (the last tour starts at 3 pm).

Cost: Foreign adult RM$30, child & seniors RM$15