Gua Kelam is situated in Kaki Bukit, Perlis Indera Kayangan- a state in the north of Malaysia. Aside from Gua Batu Caves, Gua Tempurung and Gua Mulu, it is probably one of the most popular caves in Malaysia.
It is less than 3-hour drive from Penang Internation Airport and just over 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. You can use Waze or Google Map to find the place.
As you arrive, you'll see a building which looks like the reception. Ignore it and proceed to the parking area. Supposedly they have train/tram service into the caves but on the day I visited, the building was deserted. Ticket counter is at the other end of car park (near the parking for motorcycles).
It was a public holiday when I visited and there were some motorcycle gangs hanging about. They didn't give any trouble though.
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| RM1 parking fee |
Ticket Price
Adult - RM 1
Children between 4-year old to 12-year old - 50 sen
Operating hours
Monday - Friday : 0800 - 1730
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday : 0800 (ish) - 1800
Campsite rental charge per person
Students - RM 1
Adults - RM 2
I *believe* that there's no different rate for foreign tourists.
The walkway is different that the one in Gua Tempurung. Gua Kelam's one scared me a bit because it was suspended and a bit shaky. Water runs under the walkway so try not to drop your camera when taking photos. The cave was well-lit but unfortunately, filled with graffiti. Many visitors can't resist the temptation to write their names on the cave walls like the cavemen.
I was pleasantly surprise to see many visitors. Until I realised that they don't care about the cave. They were there for the river! To 'mandi sungai'.
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| Vandalised cave wall behind this sign :( |
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| at the other end... |
From the cave, you will emerge at the "secret garden" where locals swim and have picnic (in and by the river). There is a trail going around the place. You can follow it and see the deer farm (looked deserted to me) and camping ground. Plenty of gazebos for families to use.
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| The park (?) is peppered with information like this one. If you're interested to learn. |
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| Camping ground |
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| Watch tower |
Is it worth a visit?
At least once.
But please don't vandalise the cave. or trees. or rocks. or whatever. You are not a caveman. We have papers and blogs for writing.
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| My favourite view |
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks ~John Muir
Thanks for sharing info on Gua Kelam. Interesting write-up. Am going there this weekend.
ReplyDeletehope you had a good time there :)
Deletethank for sharing, and love the words so much..
ReplyDelete[In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks ~John Muir]