Discover the story behind the mystery and enchanting limestone caves in Malaysia. You’ll learn that these cave sites are the earliest evidence to suggest inhabitants in the country. Most of the enthralling caves have been explored by Royal Geographical Society in London and the British Caving Research Association. Tropical climate all year round in Malaysia encouraged formation and changes of stalagmite and stalactite in the caves.

Perhaps, it is best to visit the caves with a guided tour to find out the folklore and origins of caves from Tempurung, Harimau and Kundu Cave in Perak to Kelam Cave in Perlis, the sacred Batu Caves for Hindus, Gomantong Cave in Sabah and a series of caves in Sarawak including Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave and Turtle Cave.

There are two types of caves in Malaysia – adventure and show caves. Drunken Forest Cave and Logan’s Cave are examples of adventure caves. Meanwhile, Deer, Lang and Clear Water Caves in Mulu National Park (mentioned earlier) are show caves available for the public and suitable for first-time cave explorer as the paths are clearly marked to convenient the visitors.

While visiting the fascinating limestone caves, you’ll soon learn that it is also home to variety of exotic living creatures and species. The famous blind catfish can be found in Logan’s Cave and the Trapdoor Spider of Batu Caves. Listed as one of the most famous tourists’ attractions in Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is located approximately 13 kilometres north of the capital.

Visitors are required to ascend a total of 272 steps to reach the top of the religious cave. The colourful celebration of Thaipusam festival is held annually in Batu Caves. During Thaipusam, more than 800,000 devotees flock into the caves to celebrate the meaningful festival for Hindus.

When you reach Kinta Valley, you’ll spot Gua Harimau from afar as the skeleton of a gigantic cat fossilized is atop on the roof. For Buddhist devotees, do not miss out the chance to visit Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong as it houses various Buddha statues and religious cave murals.

The healthy and expensive Chinese delicacy of birds nest is available in Gomantong Caves while Niah Caves is the home to distinctive prehistoric paintings that draws the timeline of men’s existence decades ago. Remember to include one of the world’s longest caves at 195 kilometres, Mulu Caves in your trip itinerary.

First-time cave explorers can get in touch with local tour operators as they will arrange your trip and packages based on your request. Since most trips last only for a day, visitors can choose to stay in one of the inexpensive budget hotels located around the cave districts. Visitors are advised to travel to Malaysia between March and October for caving activities since cave exploration is best done during dry season. As long as you are fit enough to climb and explore the mystery caves, all you need is a reliable guide (not compulsory), safety helmet and torchlight. The caves in Malaysia are not as damp as those in America and European countries. But the caves are cold most of the time, hence visitors are encouraged to bring along a jacket.

Read on for more practical tips to begin your cave exploration – prepare back-up torches and bring more batteries for the trip. It is recommended to hire a guide from authorized agencies to venture into the limestone caves. You may have planned to take photographs in some of the well-known caves, but if it is possible, try to avoid flash photography as the sudden lighting might scare the inhabitants in the caves.