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A huge cave complex near Gopeng, Perak, is an interesting place to explore but you have to be mindful of the many dangers involved. Story and pictures by Casey Ng.
“ARE we there yet?” asks someone who is obviously too overwhelmed by the journey to the cave in the forested hill. The thing about Gua Kandu is, “there” can mean everywhere.
Flow stones, stalagmites, weird wall textures and many jaw-dropping formations are yours to marvel at if you point your torchlight along the tunnel’s twists and turns.
Whether you identify the cave rocks as karst, limestone or even calcium carbonate, they are a natural wonder. The cave actually harbours an ancient cemetery of sea life.
Gua Kandu Entrance
Why go
Located in Gopeng, some 20km from Ipoh, Perak, the cave and rocks are for those who have a passion or interest in natural history. During the Palaeozoic era 570 million years ago — long before dinosaurs roamed Earth — Bukit Kandu was nothing but a warm sea of corals and single-celled organisms.
These complex life forms took lime from the sea to make their shells. When these creatures died, their shells made up thick masses of lime mud and all in time crystallised into limestone rocks. History first took notice of Bukit Kandu during the 1942-1945 Japanese Occupation.
Breathtaking View
Villagers at nearby Kampung Jahang still spin tales about their forefathers digging tunnels for the Japanese in return for a daily cup of rice.
When the Japanese surrendered, communist guerrillas occupied the cavern in the tumultuous pre-Merdeka years. Graffiti and poems glorifying Mao Zedong can still be seen on some walls.
Where to stay
If Bukit Kandu’s rustic surroundings impress you and you want to stay longer, try roughing it out at Adeline’s Place located five minutes’ walk from Bukit Kandu.
Although equipped only with basic amenities, the eco-lodge appeals to guests with its unique Orang Asli bamboo and wood structure. Yes, your bed would be the bamboo flooring. So, for a little comfort, bring along a sleeping bag and don’t forget the mosquito repellent.
Where to eat
Since Bukit Kandu is still embraced by raw wilderness, you’ll have to load up on food and water. By the way, do Mother Nature a favour — don’t leave any food wrappers or thrash behind. You can also go to nearby Kampung Jahang — five minutes’ drive away — where a quaint warung perched by Sungai Kampar is there to offer you hearty and simple kampung meals to go with steamy glasses of teh tarik.
How much to budget
Nomad Adventure Sdn Bhd charges RM60 per head (for a minimum of 10 people) for a guided trip into Gua Kandu. The fee includes helmets and safety gear. Prepare to fork out another RM150 if you decide to spend the night at Adeline’s Place.
The rate includes three meals. If your trip coincides with the durian season, you can definitely have a feast. The durians are sold by the heaps and you can expect good bargains.
Tips
While a good adventure never fails to get the adrenaline pumping, exploring caves can sometimes result in some hairy moments.
These tips can help you to stay on course and come back in one piece.
1. Avoid going there during the rainy season as the jungle trail leading to Gua Kandu can be rather slushy with knee-deep murky water.
2. Wear your waist harness properly. Harnesses fastened the wrong way can restrict blood circulation in the groin area. You need harnesses and other safety gear and equipment. So, come well prepared.
Magnificent Stalactite
3. In pitch-dark conditions, it’s easy to lose sight and take the wrong turn. Make sure your torchlight is loaded with new batteries. Tie the torchlight to your waist belt. Dropping or losing your torchlight is a definite no-no.
4. Bring a whistle. If you are lost, whistling will help the search party locate you. You can also clap your hands to attract the attention of the search party. Sound travels far in tunnels that string the grotto together. Even bats use sonar squeaks that bounce off the cave’s wall to navigate.
5. The cave is the place where you should keep to the well-beaten track. Instil the “buddy system” to keep a head count. Those familiar with the cave should serve as head and tail of the party.
Tough Trek
6. Sometimes, you need to crawl in the cave. Be careful. Bumping one’s head at tight spots in the dark and slipping off wet steep places are common. Wear shoes with a good grip and have your safety helmet on all the time.
7. Nature will not disappoint those who love her. Don’t leave trash and don’t damage anything in the cave. Bring a rubbish bag along and help take out any garbage you find along the trek and in the cave.
How to get there
If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur via the PLUS highway, you’ll see the Bukit Kandu outcrop as tall as a 40-storey building on the right side of the highway. It’s about 500 metres before the Gopeng interchange.
The trek to Gua Kandu takes four to five hours. For a guided expedition to the cave, call Nomad Adventure Sdn Bhd at 03-8024 5152 or log on to www.nomadadventure.com.
Source: http://travel.nst.com.my/
Location, Map and Driving Direction to Gua Kandu:
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