10 Best Caves in Malaysia for Spelunking
Malaysia is considered by many as a premier spelunking spot thanks to its variety of fantastic cave structures and networks. Some of these caves feature breathtaking rock formations and best of all, explorable caverns–and that’s where we come in!
In this blog, we’re going to list some of our top picks for the best caves in Malaysia. Whether you’re into underground rivers, hidden temples and more, there’s one cavern in this list that will surely pique your interest–let’s get started!
Batu Caves
Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6189 6284
Operating hours: Opens daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Main Temple: Free
- Cave Villa: RM7 for Malaysians and RM15 for non-Malaysians
- Ramayana Cave: RM5 regardless of nationality
The Batu Caves doesn’t need an introduction, as it’s one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the country. It’s a must-visit for any cave enthusiast because of its massive caverns and the beautiful limestone formations and temples they hold inside.
Aside from the amazing caves themselves, this attraction is also known for the gigantic golden Lord Murugan Statue outside. Furthermore, you’ll also find a 272-step staircase, which by the way, you have to climb to get to the caves–make sure to bring a bottle of water with you!
If you want a more detailed look at Batu Caves, check out our in-depth guide here.
Pro tips:
- Clutch onto your belongings as you’re climbing the stairs and exploring the caves as the monkeys here are notorious for snatching things.
- Arrive early if you want to avoid the crowd. Personally, we think the sweet spot is around 7:00 AM, as this is also when you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the sunrise.
Gua Tempurung
Address: Jln Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 14-220 4142
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: RM4 to RM50 (depending on the guest’s age and their chosen tour)
Gua Tempurung is one of the most massive caves you can visit in Malaysia, as it spans 4.5 kilometres long and features 5 chambers. This being said it’s one of the more challenging cave systems you can explore–but that’s part of the fun, right?
If you’re wondering why it’s named this way, all you have to do is look up! The ceilings of these caves resemble coconut shells which translates to “tempurung”.
What’s great about this cave is that the tours are categorized into different difficulty levels, more specifically beginner to experienced. If you’re an experienced cave diver, you’ll get a kick out of these tours, as some of them consist of narrow pathways and even an underground river!
Pro tips:
- If you’re not a big fan of tight spaces, we recommend sticking with the beginner tours. These won’t require you to squeeze through narrow gaps and instead treat you to beautiful sights of natural limestone formations through viewing platforms.
- Try to save the wet tours for last so that you only have to change clothes once.
- If you forgot to bring snacks, bottled water and other necessities, don’t worry! There are food stalls and a convenience store located just outside the cave.
Fairy Cave
Address: 94000 Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 13-803 5516
Operating hours: Opens daily except for Mondays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entrance fee: RM1
Fairy Cave definitely lives up to its name, as the overall experience of exploring can be described simply as magical. It starts mysteriously, as there are little to no sources of light, but as you go on, you’ll start to see natural sunlight flooding the main cavern–pretty cool, right?
Also, it’s fair to say that Fairy Cave is beginner-friendly as it features concrete and metal pathways and staircases. Speaking of stairs, you must first climb a 4-storey staircase to enter this cave so make sure to work on your cardio before your visit!
Pro tip:
- Make sure to take your time climbing the concrete staircase in the cave to preserve your energy! Furthermore, the steps can be slippery at times so it would be best not to take it too fast.
Kek Lok Tong
Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Tmn Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-312 8112
Operating hours: Opens daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entrance fee: Free
As you may have discovered by now, caves and temples go hand in hand here in Malaysia. One of the most perfect examples of this is Kek Lok Tong, a beautiful limestone cave in Perak, Ipoh that houses an equally majestic temple.
It’s also one of those rare examples where the outside of the cave is just as magnificent as the inside. This is because it’s outside the cave where you’ll find the amazing temple as well as a peaceful garden that’s dotted with Buddha statues.
Pro tips:
- If you want to relieve stress, this is the perfect cave to visit! It features a reflexology path that you can walk onto to poke different pressure points found on the bottom of your feet.
- Although the entrance is indeed free, we recommend leaving a tip at the donation booth to help with all the costs required to maintain the cave.
Niah Caves
Address: 98200 Niah, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 85-737 450
Operating hours: Opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Adult (aged 18 years old and above): RM20
- Person with disability: RM10
- Child (aged 6 to 17 years old): RM7
If you’re looking for a cave to explore that features more than just a pretty look, we recommend checking out Niah Caves. Located in Niah National Park, this cave bears strong historical significance, as it acted as a human settlement over 40,000 years ago.
Unfortunately, the remnants of those days such as remains, coffins and paintings have been moved to the Sarawak Museum, but don’t worry! Your eyes will still be treated to numerous sights including rock formations and cool flora and fauna.
Pro tip:
- Although there is a stall just outside the cave that offers water, we still recommend bringing as many fluids as you need, as you can’t expect it to be open all the time.
Gua Charas
Address: Jln Gua Charas, 26090 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 13-938 7541
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: RM2
Gua Charas may be one of the oldest caves in Malaysia that you can explore today. It’s believed to have been formed millions of millions of years ago, and you can see this based on its naturally formed limestones.
Its age isn’t just its most impressive feat, however, as its sheer size is worth highlighting as well, standing at 355 meters in height. This massive space allows it to house several symbols and statues of worship, with one of the main ones being an idol of the Sleeping Buddha.
Pro tip:
- If you want to witness something cool, visit this cave from around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During this hour, a ray of sun will shine directly onto one of the statue’s heads.
Sarawak Wind Cave
Address: 94000 Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 82-765 490
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Adult: RM3
- Child: RM1
If your main goal in spelunking is seeking beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, then Sarawak Wind Cave should be right up your alley! Its caverns are filled with these mesmerizing formations, and you can thank the centuries of rain and water movement for these.
However, be sure to bring a flashlight with you, as three of its chambers are pitch black. This being said, make sure to stick with your group at all times and stay within the path to avoid getting lost!
Pro tips:
- If you’re bringing a car with you on your spelunking trip to these caves, we recommend parking at the entrance.
- These caves are also near the Fairy Caves so you can hit two birds with one stone!
Perak Cave Temple
Address: Jln. Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 11-2358 4126
Operating hours: Opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: None but visitors are expected to donate RM3 to gain access to the staircase (only applicable if you’re planning to climb the cave’s hillside).
It’s rare to see a temple outshining the cave itself, but Perak Cave Temple definitely is the perfect example, or in our opinion, at least. Here, you’ll equally be in awe of the man-made architecture showcased in the temple as well as the massive cavern.
Arguably the biggest attraction in this cave, however, is the 40-foot-tall golden Buddha statue built into the cave itself. Aside from that, you’ll also spot other attractions including four guardian deities and colourful wall murals depicting characters from Chinese folklore.
Pro tip:
- Be sure to work on your cardio before visiting this cave, as the main altar can only be accessed by climbing a 358-step staircase. From there, another 400 steps await to reach the double-storey pavilion where you can admire picturesque views.
- If you’re planning to climb the hilltop pavilion, we recommend doing so early in the morning. This is because the heat can be a bit overwhelming once the sun rises.
Gua Kelawar
Address: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Gua Kelawar is mostly known as the “bat cave” in Malaysia, and it’s not because a crime-fighting superhero resides there. Quite simply, Gua Kelawar is home to several Malaysian fruit bats, but don’t worry, as they’re harmless, just as long as you don’t disturb them.
The only way to enter it is to ride a boat, so we advise you to book a tour if you want to visit this cave. It’s well worth the additional hassle though, as you’ll get to admire the peaceful sleeping bats hanging upside down from the ceilings along with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Pro tip:
- Although you’ll be provided with flashlights before entering, only use them to help yourself navigate the way. Avoid shining them towards the bats to avoid disturbing them!
Gua Kelam
Address: Jalan, Kaki Bukit, 02200 Kaki Bukit, Perlis, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 19-541 1105
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entrance fee: RM2
Gua Kelam is one of the smallest caves that only requires a short amount of time to be fully explored. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that you’ll be in for a disappointing ride–in fact, it’s quite the opposite!
Also known as “Cave of Darkness”, this dimly lit cavern is a short but sweet ride, accessible only through a wooden suspension bridge. While strolling through this relatively narrow walkway, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful limestone, some of which you can even reach!
Pro tips:
- Visit this cave if you’re looking to do activities other than spelunking. For instance, there’s a nearby stream where you can cool down and splash around with your loved ones.