Gua Kelam Cave, Perlis (Malaysia) - Cave of Darkness

Gua Kelam , Perlis Overview

Located 33 km north from Perlis in Kangar, Gua Kelam Caves is one of the most unique limestone caves in Malaysia. Also known as the Cave of Darkness, adorned by stalagmites and stalactites, is maintained by the Perlis Forestry Department. The prime highlight of Kelam Caves is the 8-foot wide wooden suspension bridge leading through the illuminated limestone path, carved inside the cavern by an Englishman in the 1930s, for transporting tin from the nearby mine.

The Gua Kelam Gallery has artefacts and collectables from the past tin-ore mining operations, giving you a glimpse of the glorious past. The enticing Gua Kelam Mini-Train ride from the visitor’s centre into the man-made tunnel inside the cave, exploring the upper levels of the cave is a worthwhile experience. Also, one can rest in the resting hut, indoor hall, cafeteria, or explore the campsite in Gua Kelam.

Gua Kelam Mini Train Ride Experience

The Gua Kelam Mini Train Ride, accommodating 20 people at a time in its 10 coaches, is an elaborative ride through the nooks and corners of the 400 meters in 30 minutes. Moving forward from the Visitor’s Centre and Mining Museum Display to the man-made tunnel, one can explore the upper levels of the cave, along with the stationed runway-trolleys from the past.

The voluminous upper levels exhibit proof of the old mining livelihood like wooden joists, walkways, anchor points, and metal wires. Also, the existing graffiti, writing, and drawings on the cave walls by the miners, especially in the Chinese language, tell stories of the untold. Spiders, snakes, and bats hovering around the cave region, will also accompany you in the journey.

Gua Kelam Lower Level River Cave Adventure

An adventurous steep decline to the Gua Kelam river passage opens a new sight of the primitive cave. Moving through the 7 M long vertical pitch and a vertical ladder to reach the walkway is intriguing for travelers. Subjected to the uneven cave floor, old pipes, wooden joist, care should be taken while you excavate the lower level river cave. Due to heavy flood in the monsoon, the travelers cannot visit theGua Kelam Lower Level River Cave Adventure in the monsoon time, owing to risks.

How to Reach Kelam Caves

From Kuala Lumpur, you can avail the train services to Kaki Bukit at an affordable price in 7 hours. From there, a 10 minutes walk will help you reach your destination. Bus services from the state capital Kangar are available up to Kaki Bukit. Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Gua Kelam via Kaki Bukit, the nearest town to Gua Kelam, will take 6 hours approximately.

History of Gua Kelam Caves

During World War I, this Dark Cave, as the name suggests, was the prime location for tin mining by the Chinese miners. It was in 1935, that an Englishman saw possibilities in transporting the tin ore mines from the stream entrance to Kaki Bukit, the nearest town to Gua Kelam, through an underground cavern. From there on, Gua Kelam earned rapid prominence. Also, the name of the cave was given by the workers due to the extreme inherent darkness the cave possessed. In those days, carbide lamps were used to light up the caves. However, now the well-lit cave still possesses few remnants of the past operations and cave-wall graffiti by the miners of the past.