Caves & Caving

Nowadays, Tourism has been advanced which could even offer to provide Space Tourism beside traveling to various places of throughout the world in any means either leisure or adventure. Caving or Spelunking includes one of the popular activities in tourism in these days. There would be varied to define the term "Cave" which could also be considered smaller spaces like sea or littoral caves, glacier caves, rock shelters and grottos. This post would not covered and intended for all about Cave and Spelunking but it is a sincere approach from a tour operator.


Basically, there are two different types of caves: adventure and show caves. Anyhow, Caves are surrounded with full of mystery and legends to discover in different ways (ie: archaeological research or scientific exploration etc.). Although major expeditions have been carried, many caves are still not fully explored in general.

In Malaysia, there, some caves are the biggest and longest caves in the world including archaeological sites and others are naturally beautiful with stalagmites and stalactites may be underground rivers. (There are also many different caves in Myanmar especially in Shan plateau, Kayah State and Kayin State, geographically where caving can be followed both adventure or leisure. Click Here to Study Cave Fauna of Myanmar)


The caves are home to a wide variety of cave fauna like bats, toads, snakes, invertebrates (ie: insects, spiders, beetles, cockroaches, centipedes and millipedes) and swiftlets with edible nests. Malaysia has many caves with exotic creatures such as blind catfish and the Trapdoor Spider. Caving is normally should be made in the dry season from march to October in Malaysia but anyhow need to be prepared for rain anytime as Malaysia is in tropical area.


List of Malaysia Caves

• Gua Kelam, Perlis
• Gua Tempurung, Kampar, Perak
  
• Gua Kundu, Gopeng, Perak
  
• Gua Harimau, Perak
• Batu Caves, Selangor
• Gua Ikan, Kuala Krai, Kelantan
• Taat Cave, Bewah Cave at Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
• Gua Daun Menari, Luas Cave, Gua Telinga at Taman Negara, Pahang
• Gomantong Cave, Sandakan Sabah
• Fairy Cabe, Wind Cave, Jambusan Cave, Bau, North Kuching, Sarawak
• Great Cave, Painted Cave, Niah National Park, Miri, Sarawak
• Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave , Moon Cave , Turtle Cave Mulu National Park, Sarawak
  
• Gua Madai, Lahad Datu, Sabah

Caving - Safety Tips

• Have the proper equipment along. The basic equipment page offers advice on helmets, light sources and clothing for safe and comfortable caving.

• Never cave alone. A group of 3 or 4 is small enough to move quickly, yet big enough to allow flexibility in emergencies. If someone is injured, at least one person should stay with them while others go for help.

• Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected to return. Allow some leeway on return times since trips often take longer than expected, but having someone ready to call for help if your group is overdue is a wise precaution.

• Move carefully in the cave. Uneven ground, low ceilings and pits make running and jumping dangerous. Climbs, crawls and rough terrain can make even a sprain a big problem for getting out of the cave.

• Be aware of the nature of the caves you are visiting. For example, caves with streams may be prone to flooding and a sharp eye may need to be kept on the weather. Other caves require climbing skills or vertical equipment that you or others in your party may not have.

• If you run out of light or become hopelessly lost get into a safe position and wait for help (you did tell someone where you were going didn't you?).

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Note: Amendments & Corrections are done on December 12, 2009 (Suggested and criticized by Liz Price)

Ref:-
- Wikipedia
- Caves & Limestone Hills of Malaysia by Liz Price (Courtesy of Liz Price)
- Tourism Malaysia
- Encyclopedia II - List of caves - Asia
- Caving Intro

Photos:-
- North Wales Caving Club UK
- Terry Alderman Photography
- Jim Johnston
- Endemic Guides