The Caves of Darkness (Gua Kelam)

Hi there readers.  Gua Kelam is another tourist attraction which worthy visiting.  It is located about 33km from Kangar, the state capital and near Kaki Bukit town. You can see the map to Gua Kelam here.  Gua Kelam is popular for its enchanting cave walk.  You can enter the cave in one end of the cave and come out at a different location.  The only path to the limestone cave is through an eight foot wide wooden bridge.  The bridge is about 370m long.  Under the bridge, you can see a stream of river running from the other side of the cave to the place that you just entered.

Starting our journey into the darkness.

Some pictures from inside the cave:

  This place is actually a former tin mine.  Back in 1935, an Englishman saw the water pathway as a brilliant method to transport tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern to Kaki Bukit.  Now, you can still find the remnants of the tin mine operation in the cave.  While walking inside the cave, you can clearly hear the smooth sound of the flowing stream underneath you, together with the squeaking bats and dripping water from the stalactites.  The mixture of all the natural sound can soothe your soul but, sometimes it can be a little bit spooky.

Okay, I admit. It's quiet tiring.

One of the best fat burner paths I've ever encounter.

Another fat burning stairs lead to the hills.

The cave also once a home for the Stone Age men.  At the other side of the cave, you can find campsite, a few small hut,  barbecue places, and many types of beautiful flowers.  Furthermore, there are also a small stream which full of many kinds of small fishes in it.  Visitors also allowed to swim in the steam.  Beside that, there are some jungle trekking track for those who seek the more adventurous trip.  Train service also offered to those whos too lazy too walk.  The view that you can see along the train ride its quite magnificent actually.

Finally, succeed in conquering half of the hill.

I really wanna climb up there, but does't have enough gears and guts.

Useful signboard in case if you have no idea where to go.

Welcome to 'Secret Garden'.

My poor attempted to catch fish with bare hands.

In weekdays, the cave open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for weekends and public holidays, the cave open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.    The fee entrance is quite cheap, RM1 per adult and RM0.50 for children over seven years old.  The caves are managed by the Perlis Forestry Department (Jabatan Perhutanan Perlis).  Their website does not mention the caves being closed so if you are planning a visit I suggest you contact them first to check whether there are opened or not.  You can contact them by calling 04-9776626, 04-9767901 or you just send your email at this address: forestry@perlisforestry.gov.my.  That's all for this entry.  Until next time.  Stay raw and ready for more Fantastic+Merapu Adventures :D