Gua Tempurung is a popular limestone cave located in Tambun, Perak, Malaysia. It is known for its unique geological formations and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are some things you can do there:
- Cave Exploration: You can take a guided tour of the cave and explore its various chambers and passages. The cave has several levels, each with different formations and features.
- Adventure Activities: For the more adventurous, there are various activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, and river trekking available. These activities are led by trained guides and are suitable for individuals and groups.
- Photography: Gua Tempurung is a great place to take photographs, especially if you’re interested in nature and landscapes. The cave’s unique features make for stunning pictures.
- Learn about the local history: The cave has been used by the local community for centuries, and there are plenty of stories and legends associated with it. You can learn more about the local history and culture by talking to the guides or by visiting the nearby museums and exhibitions.
- Relax and enjoy nature: The cave is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a great place to relax and unwind. You can take a picnic or a walk around the surrounding area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Gua Tempurung is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, adventure, or local history.
Cave Exploration
For those who are enthusiastic about caving, it can be frustrating to visit the beautiful cave temples in Ipoh only to find that the intriguing nooks and tunnels are off-limits to visitors. However, there is a solution for those who are interested in exploring caves, regardless of their level of adventure: they should visit Tempurung Cave.
Admission Prices
Gua Tempurung is situated about 45 minutes south of Ipoh’s city centre, and if you have access to a car, you’ll find ample free parking at the cave’s parking lot. Unfortunately, there are no buses that travel to Tempurung Cave. While some blog posts mention the existence of bus 66 from Ipoh to Gua Tempurung, this route appeared to have been discontinued as of the end of 2020, when we were planning our trip. Even when the bus was still in operation, it was inconvenient to use, requiring travelers to reach Medan Kidd bus station, which is located far from any decent hotels in ipoh, and then endure a 5-kilometer journey from the drop-off point to Tempurung Cave itself.
Dependence on ride-hailing services like Grab is not advisable for transportation to Gua Tempurung. The cave is situated in a remote area, and it’s unlikely that any savvy Grab driver would be willing to travel such a long distance for a single fare. If you don’t have access to a car, the only viable alternative is to hire a driver. While this may not be the most budget-friendly option for those looking to save money, it does come with certain benefits, including stress-free travel with door-to-door service, the convenience of leaving heavy backpacks in the car, and the provision of bottled water in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
When To Visit Gua Tempurung
The usual tactic of visiting Gua Tempurung on a weekday to avoid crowds may not always work out as intended. In fact, if the cave is too quiet and you happen to be the only tourist present, Tour 2 may not be available, and you’ll have to settle for Tour 1 instead. However, Gua Tempurung only requires a minimum of 5 guests to operate Tour 2, so this is rarely an issue. During our visit on a Monday at 10 am, which is arguably the quietest time of the week, we encountered no problems. Even during a pandemic, Gua Tempurung had enough visitors to meet the minimum 5-person requirement. To experience fewer crowds, consider visiting in the afternoon as Tours 3 and 4 cease operation after 12 pm. By 2 pm, all visitors from these tours would have cleared out of the dry portions of the cave, leaving only Tour 1 and 2 visitors to contend with.
Amenities at Gua Tempurung
On the premises, there is a convenience store that offers food and beverages, perfect for refueling before embarking on your cave exploration or satisfying your cravings for snacks afterward. In case memories alone are not enough, you can also purchase a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Near the parking lot, a couple of hawker tents are set up. On the day we visited, one vendor sold deep-fried food, while the other offered drinks and fruit.
Opposite the ticket booth, there is a toilet consisting of two separate rooms, each with a toilet and sink for men and women. Regrettably, there were no hooks or shelves in the room, forcing me to place my rucksack on the filthy floor. Although the toilet was a sitting type, no toilet paper was provided. Additionally, there was no soap or means to dry my hands at the sink. Most frustratingly, there were no lights in the room. When I closed the door, it was too dark to see anything, so I had to use my phone flashlight and rest it on my backpack for illumination. Clearly, the facilities were not the most comfortable, but since there are no toilets inside the cave, this is the only chance to use one.
Gua Tempurung Dry Tour Overview
Tour 2 does not require any special gear and is entirely self-guided. There is no need for a ranger guide, which allows you to explore the cave system at your own pace and take as much time as you like. The tour covers all five platforms, as well as the entrance platform. Remarkably, Tour 2’s estimated time of 1 hour and 45 minutes is quite precise. Even with frequent stops and long photo breaks, we completed the tour in roughly the same amount of time. However, this duration is not a hard and fast rule, as you can take as much time as you like and there is no rush to leave the cave.
On the dry tours of Gua Tempurung, the grandiosity of the cave will never make you feel claustrophobic. Massive caverns with dripping stalactites loom high overhead, some of which have begun to join with stalagmites they have created. The passageway stretches unbroken, climbing up and disappearing deep into the mountain. While on Tour 2, remember to periodically look back to see how high you have climbed.
Tour 2 of Gua Tempurung is a dry tour, so there is no chance of getting dirty or wet. However, appropriate walking shoes are recommended as it is an hour and 45-minute walk with a lot of stairs along the way. The tour is mild to moderate exercise, depending on your fitness level, with 640 steps up and 640 steps down. Although it sounds grueling, the journey is broken up with flat stretches and viewing platforms where you can rest and take in the amazing views.
During the tour, you can marvel at the cave system at your own pace as there is no ranger guide. Tour 2 takes you to all five platforms, plus the entrance platform. The duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes is surprisingly accurate, but it is not a rule, just an average. You can take as much time as you want in the cave without being rushed.
Gua Tempurung Cave
Address: Jalan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (last admission at 4pm for Tours 1 & 2, 12pm for Tour 3, and 11am for Tour 4)
Parking: Free