One of the most distinctive caves in Malaysia is a 370-metre
long limestone cave near the small town of Kaki Bukit (literally 'foot hill')
called Gua Kelam (Cave of Darkness). Located about 33km north of Kangar, the
state capital, Gua Kelam Recreational Park is popular for its enchanting 'cave
walk' where you can enter from one end of the cave and come out at a different
location.
The only path to the cave is via an eight-foot wide wooden
suspension bridge. This bridge links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley, a
valley on the opposite end of Gua Kelam. 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, locals and tourists make their way through the cave via
a brightly lit wooden walkway inside the cave. You can still find remnants of
the tin mine operation within the cave. As you make your way through the cave,
the whispers of a swirling dark subterranean stream, together with the
squeaking bats and dripping water from the stalactites, form a concerto of
natural sounds. It sounds a bit spooky, but adds to the mystery of a cave that
was was once the home of Stone Age men.
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