Post by L Roebuck on Aug 14, 2006 8:21:10 GMT -5
Perak Caves A Lure For Caving Sport Enthusiasts
By Kristy Inus
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Imagine being in total darkness deep inside a cave with hardly any noise except for the trickling of water.
But why would anyone want to be in a cave in the first place?
The answer probably lies in cave exploration or caving, which is fast gaining popularity as a recreational sport.
It's not an extreme sport limited to adrenalin junkies, but it's good enough for anyone who doesn't mind getting his or her hands dirty for a whole new experience.
Recently, a group of media members and travel agency representatives joined a programme to explore some of the caves in Perak.
The caving event was part of the Perak Eco Exploration programme organised by the Perak Tourism Board.
The group's verdict was, "caving needs good stamina and a penchant for adventure".
CAVES IN PERAK
Malaysia is blessed with a number of limestone caves, with some being home to nature's fascinating sculptures.
For those interested to experience caving, they should try the caves in Perak.
The two notable ones are Gua Tempurung and Gua Kundu, both with unique features.
GUA TEMPURUNG
Gua Tempurung is located in Gopeng, Perak, and can be accessed from the North-South Expressway by exiting through the Gopeng interchange (about 25km south of Ipoh).
Believed to have existed since 8000 BC, Gua Tempurung is probably the largest natural limestone structure in Peninsular Malaysia.
The cave ceiling resembles five huge halved coconut shells, and each has different calcium and marble formations.
The cave provides a spectacular view of the stalagmites, stalactites and other amazing rock formations.
A guide from APT Consortium (one of the cave tour operators there) pointed out that from different angles, one could guess what the different rock formations resemble and some could even look funny.
Those who wish to see the cave formations without getting themselves dirty can opt for the Catwalk Tour where they can walk on dry platforms.
The more adventurous ones can try the "River Adventure", which is the wet tour but visitors must come fully prepared with torchlights and additional clothing.
This is because they will have to negotiate narrow wet crevasses to reach the other side of the cave, therefore having a more challenging option in caving.
Kundu Cave
Unlike Gua Tempurung, Gua Kundu is more challenging and not meant for the novice. No platforms for walking are provided and one has to do a bit of jungle trekking to reach the place.
Also located in Gopeng, this cave may be ideal for those looking for a more natural and exciting challenge with its rugged slopes that require climbing and crawling.
It is also different as it is drier and dustier than the former, probably why the tour was conducted at night for the programme.
While one has to crawl in wet channels inside Gua Tempurung, visitors to Gua Kundu will have a different level of adventure where they are required to slide down a slope to go deeper into the cave, and also use ladders and ropes to get down or go up inside the cave.
Besides these two well-known caves, Perak boasts other exciting ones like Gua Tambun located along Jalan Tambun leading to Tanjung Rambutan, that has 2,000-year-old Neolithic paintings on its walls.
The cave of Gunung Tasik in Ipoh also houses the Perak Tong, a temple with more than 40 Buddha statues with the centrepiece being 12.8 metres high, and another popular temple in a cave known as Kek Long Tong (also in Ipoh) has a beautiful park and impressive rock formations.
TIPS FOR THOSE KEEN ON CAVING
While caving may be a healthy activity that can be undertaken by most people, safety precautions and necessary preparation must be taken.
For example, you can decide on the suitable outfit based on the condition of the cave, whether it's a wet or dry one.
More tips for caving can be found on websites of caving clubs, and for newcomers some basic tips are as listed below:
(a) Recreational caving is for those who wish to explore caves and they basically need a reliable guide, safety helmet for protection, a powerful torchlight and suitable shoes.
(b) Many of Malaysia's caves are unmapped and not even an experienced person should go exploring alone, so you should at least go in groups of four.
(c) Although some caving programme operators offer cave diving, it is a highly demanding sport and should only be undertaken by professionals.
(d) Always check your gear before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling.
(e) Those experienced recommend a maximum of eight hours in a cave at a stretch but most caves take less than three hours to explore.
(f) Plan how much lighting you will need and you should always carry back- up torches and extra batteries.
(g) Heart patients and those suffering from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed or confined places) should limit themselves to show caves, where guides take in groups of 20 to 40 people.
(h) One should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano.
Article: www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=213760
By Kristy Inus
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Imagine being in total darkness deep inside a cave with hardly any noise except for the trickling of water.
But why would anyone want to be in a cave in the first place?
The answer probably lies in cave exploration or caving, which is fast gaining popularity as a recreational sport.
It's not an extreme sport limited to adrenalin junkies, but it's good enough for anyone who doesn't mind getting his or her hands dirty for a whole new experience.
Recently, a group of media members and travel agency representatives joined a programme to explore some of the caves in Perak.
The caving event was part of the Perak Eco Exploration programme organised by the Perak Tourism Board.
The group's verdict was, "caving needs good stamina and a penchant for adventure".
CAVES IN PERAK
Malaysia is blessed with a number of limestone caves, with some being home to nature's fascinating sculptures.
For those interested to experience caving, they should try the caves in Perak.
The two notable ones are Gua Tempurung and Gua Kundu, both with unique features.
GUA TEMPURUNG
Gua Tempurung is located in Gopeng, Perak, and can be accessed from the North-South Expressway by exiting through the Gopeng interchange (about 25km south of Ipoh).
Believed to have existed since 8000 BC, Gua Tempurung is probably the largest natural limestone structure in Peninsular Malaysia.
The cave ceiling resembles five huge halved coconut shells, and each has different calcium and marble formations.
The cave provides a spectacular view of the stalagmites, stalactites and other amazing rock formations.
A guide from APT Consortium (one of the cave tour operators there) pointed out that from different angles, one could guess what the different rock formations resemble and some could even look funny.
Those who wish to see the cave formations without getting themselves dirty can opt for the Catwalk Tour where they can walk on dry platforms.
The more adventurous ones can try the "River Adventure", which is the wet tour but visitors must come fully prepared with torchlights and additional clothing.
This is because they will have to negotiate narrow wet crevasses to reach the other side of the cave, therefore having a more challenging option in caving.
Kundu Cave
Unlike Gua Tempurung, Gua Kundu is more challenging and not meant for the novice. No platforms for walking are provided and one has to do a bit of jungle trekking to reach the place.
Also located in Gopeng, this cave may be ideal for those looking for a more natural and exciting challenge with its rugged slopes that require climbing and crawling.
It is also different as it is drier and dustier than the former, probably why the tour was conducted at night for the programme.
While one has to crawl in wet channels inside Gua Tempurung, visitors to Gua Kundu will have a different level of adventure where they are required to slide down a slope to go deeper into the cave, and also use ladders and ropes to get down or go up inside the cave.
Besides these two well-known caves, Perak boasts other exciting ones like Gua Tambun located along Jalan Tambun leading to Tanjung Rambutan, that has 2,000-year-old Neolithic paintings on its walls.
The cave of Gunung Tasik in Ipoh also houses the Perak Tong, a temple with more than 40 Buddha statues with the centrepiece being 12.8 metres high, and another popular temple in a cave known as Kek Long Tong (also in Ipoh) has a beautiful park and impressive rock formations.
TIPS FOR THOSE KEEN ON CAVING
While caving may be a healthy activity that can be undertaken by most people, safety precautions and necessary preparation must be taken.
For example, you can decide on the suitable outfit based on the condition of the cave, whether it's a wet or dry one.
More tips for caving can be found on websites of caving clubs, and for newcomers some basic tips are as listed below:
(a) Recreational caving is for those who wish to explore caves and they basically need a reliable guide, safety helmet for protection, a powerful torchlight and suitable shoes.
(b) Many of Malaysia's caves are unmapped and not even an experienced person should go exploring alone, so you should at least go in groups of four.
(c) Although some caving programme operators offer cave diving, it is a highly demanding sport and should only be undertaken by professionals.
(d) Always check your gear before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling.
(e) Those experienced recommend a maximum of eight hours in a cave at a stretch but most caves take less than three hours to explore.
(f) Plan how much lighting you will need and you should always carry back- up torches and extra batteries.
(g) Heart patients and those suffering from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed or confined places) should limit themselves to show caves, where guides take in groups of 20 to 40 people.
(h) One should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano.
Article: www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=213760