Wednesday 26 September 2012

Gua Tempurung - The Ultimate Caving Excursion



Before you open your mouth and try to say something, you will be stunned, speechless and awed by the uniqueness of Gua Tempurung. First thing first is it has five gigantic domes with ceilings resembling tempurung (coconut shells) forming the cave, and giving its name Gua Tempurung.   The cave system stretches about 1.5km, and is believed to have sheltered prehistoric communities since 8000 BC. 



Second is, you can crawl, scrabble and even lower yourself into impossible looking crevices as you go deep down to uncover the secrets of the largest limestone cave in Peninsula Malaysia. 




Not only that, an underwater river called Sungai Gua Tempurung runs about 1.6 km through the cave which you can indulge in some undermine activities. An absolute delightful excursion for the adventurous and those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty as they venture on the thrill of caving.


Not to forget, choose from several guided tours to suit individual preferences and fitness level.  The short tours provide basic information of the cave and are suitable for those who don't want to get messy and have little time to spare. A walkway and platforms offer the visitors' convenience and safety. Here are some touring option that you can postulate.




Tour Choices:

  1. Golden Flowstone Tour:  An easy and exciting tour of about 40 minutes. A journey form the entrance to the golden Flowstone (Platform 2) and back. Entrance fee: adult-RM6.00 and children (below 12 yrs) RM2.50
  2. Top Of The World: A slightly strenuous journey for about 1 hour 45 minutes from the entrance to the Top of The World Cavern (platform 5) and back. Entrance fee: adult-RM9.00 and Children (below 12 yrs) RM4.50
  3. Top Of The World & Short River Adventure: A 2 hour and 30 minute tour to The Top Of The World (platform 5), and back through the underground river. Entrance fee: adult RM11.00, Children (below 12 yrs) RM 6.50
  4. Grand Tour:  A complete catwalk journey from the entrance with full-length underground river adventure. It is a very challenging and strenuous tour, and takes about 3 hours and 30 minute. Entrance fee: adult-RM22.00 and children-RM11.00

White Rafting @ Kampar River, Gopeng.



"Kampar River a.k.a Sungai Itek is a popular white water rafting destination in Gopeng, Perak. Located 20 minutes away from Gua Tempurung and a mere 26 km from Ipoh town, it offers the First grade to Third grade of rapids."


          For those who cannot swim, do not worry because, this river is suitable for all types of rafter especially the newbies (beginner) as long as you are following all the instruction given. Apart from rafting, visitors could also participate and have fun together in other activities such picnic and photo shooting.


          The water here is very white and clear. It has 4 rapids total in the 17 kilometers river. Some parts of the river are calm, shady and surreal. Despite the coolness and refreshing water, the river banks surrounded by a lush of rainforest around it. 

Royal Belum State Park


Have you guys been to any area of virgin jungle before? If you found that it is  difficult to find that kind of area, why not you tried the Royal Belum State Park situated about 300km from Kuala Lumpur, is to head overland via Kuala Kangsar (TR 1) and Grik (TR 76), and then onto the east-west highway (TR 4) to Banding Island (on Temenggor lake).



                It is lies between the north and northwest of Tasik Temenggor. Despite a perfect spot for tracking, this pristine rainforest is a fantabulous area for animal sighting and bird watching. On the other hand, Royal Belum State Park is also of great attention to conversationalists, ecologists,  and nature enthusiasts. Regardless of brooding an area of 134,167ha, several expeditions including one by Malaysian Nature Society in 1993, found that the place enclosed thousands of new and unknown species from flora and faunas.

Enggang of Royal State Belum

From the feedback of visitors and tourist who gain entry into this forest, most of them will agree that this is one of the best places natural destinations. One thing is important for those who were interested about coming to this Royal Belum State Park, before you guys enter this forest, permission has to be sought first as it still a secured and a reserved forest by the state government.