Caving Rules

ATTENTION!! some rule we have to follow on Caving.
1. Never enter a cave alone!
2. Always get permission before entering a cave – Every cave has and owner, respect land owners and their property.
3. Cave in groups of at least 4, and have and experienced caver in the group.
4. Know your group – make sure they understand and practice cave conservation
and safe caving techniques.
5. Let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to return.
6. Always have at least 3 reliable sources of light.
7. Know the cave and check weather conditions before entering.
8. Always wear a helmet & have proper equipment in good working order.
9. Always have twice as many spare batteries/carbide than you think you’ll need to
complete the trip.
10. Know your limits, and have proper training and safety equipment before
attempting advanced techniques such as vertical caving.
11. Know and abide by the state and federal cave protection laws.
12. It is illegal to: break or remove broken formations; disturb harm or remove cave
creatures; disturb or remove historic artifacts or bones; deface the cave by leaving
litter or marking on the cave walls.
13. Don’t leave anything in the cave – Pack it in, pack it out! Dispose of all trash
properly.
14. Never use ropes, ladders, etc. that have been left in a cave.
15. Never run in a cave, and never jump when you can climb.
16. Always stay clear of people above and below when climbing.
17. If you dislodge anything while climbing, scream “ROCK!”
18. If someone screams “ROCK!”, don’t look up!
19. Always stay with your group – don’t wander off. If you get lost, STAY PUT…
someone will find you.
20. Never drink cave water – it may look clean, but can be polluted.
21. If anyone on the trip becomes injured or is excessively tired, that person should be
escorted from the cave ASAP by other experienced trip members.
22. Don’t give cave locations to just anyone! They may damage the cave, or trespass,
or get hurt or lost. Rescue operations can have a lasting impact on caves.
23. Please report cave vandals to the cave owner and the police. The actions of a few
bad apples can ruin caves and cause caves to be closed to everyone.
24. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but carefully placed footprints, kill
nothing but time.

FAQ

FAQ of Caving

What is caving?

Caving is the exploration of caves. In the US, it is generally called spelunking based on the word “speleology”, which means the scientific study of caves and the cave environment. The activity may include walking, crawling, rappelling and climbing. Caving usually involves being part of a group of cavers who get as much adventure and fun out of being together in the cave. It is also a time of sharing the wondrous beauty of a cave, tackling many obstacles together during a trip or simply having a good outing.

Caves have been explored out of necessity (for shelter from the elements or from enemies), out of curiosity or for mystical reasons for thousands of years. However, only in the last century or two has the activity developed into a sophisticated, athletic pastime. In recent decades, caving has changed considerably due to the availability of modern protective wear and equipment.

It has recently come to be known as an "extreme sport" by some (though not commonly considered as such by its practitioners, who may dislike the term for its perceived connotation of disregard for safety).

Many of the skills involved in caving can also be put to use in mine exploration and urban exploration

Is caving dangerous?

Like any activity, if you are not careful, it can be dangerous. That is why at Gua Tempurung, all tours are guided. Only trained and knowledgeable people lead the trips. It is advisable not to go caving alone. Join groups or caving trips which are held regularly as people enjoy a safe and fun time together. Joining others facilitate giving assistance to each other. If an injury occurs, at least one caver can stay with the injured person while the others can go out for help. It is important that before you enter a cave, you notify people outside of your intended return time. If you don’t return within a reasonable time frame, the outside people will organise a search party usually made up by cavers trained in cave rescues. Underground accidents are however relatively infrequent occurrences. Apply common sense as it can go a long way. Avoid caving during extreme weather condition, like heavy rain. Rainwater funnelled underground can flood a cave very quickly, trapping people in cut-off passages and may drown them. At Gua Tempurung, you are not allowed to enter the wet passage during rainy day.

The risks are minimize by a number of techniques:

·         Checking that there is no danger of flooding during the expedition. Rainwater funneled underground can flood a cave very quickly, trapping people in cut-off passages and drowing them. After falling, this is the most likely fatal accident in caving.

·         Using teams of several, preferably at least of four cavers. If an injury occurs, one caver stays with the injured person while the other two go out for help, providing assistance to each other on their way out.

·         Notifying people outside the cave as to the intended return time. After an appropriate delay without a return, these will then organize a search party (usually made up by other cavers trained in cave rescues, as even professional emergency personnel are unlikely to have the skills to effect a rescue in difficult conditions).

·         Use of helmet-mounted lights (hands-free) with extra batteries. American cavers recommend a minimum of three independent sources of light per person, but two lights is common practice amongst European cavers.

·         Sturdy clothing and footwear, as well as a helmet, are necessary to reduce the impact of abrasions, falls, and falling objects. Synthetic fibers and woolens, which dry quickly, shed water, and are warm when wet, are vastly preferred to cotton materials, which retain water and increase the risk of hypothermia. It is also helpful to have several layers of clothing, which can be shed (and stored in the pack) or added as needed. In watery cave passages, polypropylene thermal underwear or wetsuits may be required to avoid hypothermia.

·         Cave passages look different from different directions. In long or complex caves, even experienced cavers can become lost. To reduce the risk of becoming lost, it is necessary to memorize the appearance of key navigational points in the cave as they are passed by the exploring party. Each member of a cave party shares responsibility for being able to remember the route out of the cave. In some caves it may be acceptable to mark a small number of key junctions with small stacks or "cairns" of rocks, or to leave a non-permanent mark such as high-visibility flagging tape tied to a projection.

·         Vertical caving using ladders or SRT (Single Rope Technique) to avoid the need for climbing passages that are too difficult. SRT however is a complex skill and requires proper training before use underground and needs well-maintained equipment. Some drops that are abseiled down may be as deep as several hundred meters

Should you get proper training?

If you are serious about caving, it is a good idea to get training as there are many aspects of caving that you should know. Training also involves learning to conserve and treat the cave environment properly. You can get pointers from experienced cavers, caving clubs and nature societies.

Do you need any special equipment?

Serious cavers may want to get the basics, such as an oversuit (made of tough material like PVC) and an undersuit for warmth. Hiking boots, a caving helmet, lighting system and belt are essentials. You may also get pads to protect your knees and elbows. In wet caves, wear a wetsuit that protects against cold water effectively. Items such as ropes and tools can be used to tackle particular obstacles within certain caves.

What else can you do besides visiting a cave?

You can develop specialities in caving, such as:

• Cave Photography : Immortalise the natural architecture of caves and the beauty of the world of caving in pictures.
• Cave Art : Dabble in cave art – draw and paint pictures of caves you have visited.
• Cave Exploration : Discover new caves, open up the passages and carry out research.
• Cave Conservation : Help to conserve caves as their environments are very fragile. Many speleothems including stalactites and stalagmites can be damaged by even the slightest touch.
• Cave Ascend and Descend : Use Single Rope Technique for ascending and descending pitches in caves.
• Cave Dive : Diving is a method for passing sections of cave that are full to the roof with water. You can free dive at short flooded sections by holding your breath for a few seconds and ducking through. But for long submerged passage, you need full diving equipment Cave diving is regarded as the most extreme aspect of caving and is only done by a very small number of cavers.

Why do people go caving?

Caving can mean different things to different people. For some it can be escapism from the daily grind, to others a fun way of getting some exercise. Tremendous friendships can develop between cavers whilst underground. There are also many aspects within caving that attract people such as the exploration of new caves, SRT, climbing, diving, photography, even sketching and painting! It comes down to the individual, but caving is certainly regarded as a very worthwhile pastime to all those who participate in the sport.

Should I get proper training?

This is a good idea as there are many aspects to caving that you are unlikely to have come across. Training also involves learning to treat the cave environment properly, with respect to conservation. Training can be obtained through caving with experienced cavers, caving clubs or through commercial centres.

What specialities are there in caving?

SRT (Single Rope Technique) is a method for ascending and descending pitches in caves. This is a skill that most cavers use. The use of electron (wire) ladders is also employed but most people regard SRT as the favourite choice.
 
Climbing is often a way to find new cave passages and can involve placing bolts and safety lines to protect the climber.

Digging is a method of finding new cave passages and can involve regular digging trips for weeks, months or even years, in efforts to breakthrough. Various tools and methods are employed in digging and it can involve camping underground if the dig is a long way into the cave.
 
Cave Diving is a method for passing sections of cave that are full to the roof with water. These sections can be a few feet long or several kilometres. Free diving very short flooded sections (sumps) is practised by some cavers. This involves holding your breath for a few seconds and ducking through. Full diving equipment is used by a handful of highly trained cavers to pass longer sumps. Cave diving is regarded as the most extreme aspect of caving and is only practised by a small percentage of cavers.

Cave photography is a very popular caving speciality with many people enjoying good results. There are also some exceptionally fine cave photographers who bring the world of caving to the public through their work appearing in magazines and books.

Isn't it dark in there?

Absolutely. In fact, in the interior of caves it is so dark that if you were to drop your light or run out of batteries, you would not be able to see your own hand in front of your face. You certainly would not be likely to find your way out without injury -- most people can't even navigate their own living rooms in the dark without banging their knees! Imagine the added difficulty if your ceiling and floor periodically dropped or rose several feet and was littered with large and small rocks.

Within a few hours of total darkness you would find yourself experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations as your mind attempted to compensate for the lack of sensory input. Cavers who have spent days in caves while surveying report that they soon find themselves in a sort of quasi-hibernation where they sleep for 12 hours and then work for 12 hours. Upon returning to the surface, these speleologists report they experience heightened sensitivity to light, sound and temperature for several days.

How do you keep from getting lost?

Although it is easy to become disoriented in caves due to their three-dimensional nature, those who cave frequently eventually develop skills and habits that enable them to travel most caves safely, even those with which they are unfamiliar. Stopping at junctions to look around, paying attention to geologic features, becoming familiar with top maps and learning how to navigate using a compass are some of the ways you can decrease your chances of becoming lost. Also, cavers who are members of the National Speleological Society frequently have access to cave maps and survey data that are not available to the general public. As a result, they can better plan their trip and get more enjoyment from the experience.

Experienced cavers never use flagging tape, string, wire cable, spray paint, chalk, rope, etc., to mark their route into and out of a cave. Using these things harms the cave environment, disrupts the experience for others, and could pose a safety hazard by tripping explorers' feet.

Are there a lot of snakes/bears/bats in caves?

It is unusual to see snakes in caves here in the U.S. If you do see one, it will normally be along a ledge, in the bottom of a pit, or near an entrance. The interiors of most North American caves are too cold for snakes. However, caves in the southwestern U.S., Mexico and Central America are much warmer and could harbor snakes.
Bats, common denizens of most caves, are generally harmless, especially if left undisturbed. Most bats in the U.S. are insectivores and perform valuable work each night by feeding on thousands of insects that would otherwise damage crops or bite humans and livestock. However, large deposits of their dung, or guano, have been linked to certain respiratory disorders, and they sometimes carry diseases such as rabies. Avoid caving in areas where there are large concentrations of guano and do not touch any bats that you see, both for their safety and for your own. In the western hemisphere, vampire bats are found only in Mexico or Central and South America.

In addition to bats, most caves contain cave crickets and salamanders and some western caves may contain cave scorpions or centipedes. Small mammals and rodents such as pack rats and raccoons frequently put their nests in caves if organic debris is plentiful and there are handy routes to the surface. In caves where the water is relatively clean and clear, you will also find crawfish and small fish. These aquatic cave creatures are often solid white and eyeless, because neither color nor sight is needed in the absolute blackness of the cave environment.

What will I see in a cave?

Every cave is different, so every cave is a different adventure. In general, you can characterize a cave by the substance in which it is formed, for example, ice, lava, or limestone; however, this still will not describe all of the characteristics of the cave. Factors such as the location and quantity of water sources, the structure and composition of rock layers, and the proximity of fractures and fault zones all work together to produce many variations in how a cave is formed. Each cave is unique.
In general, you can expect to see lots of rock and mud or sand, depending on whether the cave is dry or wet. Many caves have beautiful, multicolored rock or mineral formations or exhibit sculpting caused by the movement of underground streams over time. Others may contain items of historical significance: prehistoric petroglyphs, Indian artifacts or the remnants of saltpeter vats, moonshine stills, and waterworks. These items should be left as found to preserve them for others to enjoy. You can learn more about low-impact enjoyment of caves at our web page on Cave Conservation.

Equipment Needed for Caving

Basic Things to Bring on Caving:

1. Headlamp

2. Climbing Gear (This should be the first thing that you double check before you leave for your trip)

3. Water or Water treatment (Be sure that you make sure beforehand if the water is drinkable or if you need to bring water treatment)

4. Food and Stove (You need to bring food that will nourish your body candy and chips won’t cut it)

5.  Warm clothes (Check the weather and always prepare for the worst, keep in mind layering)

6.  First Aid Kit (You never know when you are going to need this baby, it should never leave your pack)

7.  Topos / Guidebooks (Should go without saying but be sure to be approriate guidebooks or topos of the climbing area)

8. Shoes (Sport shoes)

9.  A change of clean clothes for the ride home

10.  Backup batteries for touchlight

11. Touch Light

Activity In Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung separate 4 different Tour Package for visitor / caver.

Tour 1     :Golden Flowstone Cavern

Duration : 40 minutes  ( From entrance to Golden Flowstone and return )

Time        : Tours are conducted from 9am to 4pm (last entry at 4pm).

Fees         : Adult = RM6.00

                  Child aged 6 to 12 years = RM2.50

                  Senior Citizen aged 60 years and above = RM3.00

Describes:
As you enter through the walkway on stilts over the cave river, you will see layers of white marble stone slabs and walls with different hues. And then, walking deeper to the dimmed showcase gallery, you will be struck by the beauty of the Golden Flowstone. Standing at a height of 90 metres, Golden Flowstone describes the sloping and wavering floor and wall of the cave which has a golden hue when water flows over it and illuminated by gentle light. Stalagmites and stalactites on walls and ceilings take various astounding sizes and shapes. Your eyes seem to play tricks on you when images of dolphin, jellyfish, tiger, lion, cow's head, seahorse, old man, Lord of Buddha and Zorro's eye come into view.

Tour 2     : Top of the World

Duration:  1 hour 45 minutes (from entrance to Top of the World at platform 5 and return).

Time       :  Tours are conducted from 9am to 3pm (last entry at 3pm)

Fees        :  Adult = RM9.00

                  Child aged 6 to 12 years = RM4.50

                  Senior Citizen aged 60 years and above = RM3.00

                  Minimum No. of Persons: 5 Adults

Describes:

After get to enjoy all the sights in Tour 1 and lots more when you climb higher to platform 5, standing 120 metres high. By then, you would have climbed 640 steps! Take a breather at the Wind Tunnel and feel the cool breeze before you proceed to the Gergasi (Giant) Cavern, which holds a huge column that looks like a space ship. Next, you will reach the Tin Mine Cavern where you will have a peek into tin mining activities that took place in the old days. Then Alam (Universe) Cavern comes into view. There, you will see a slender stalactite called Tongkat (Walking Stick or Cane) before coming across the Fallen Warrior and Battlefield Cavern with an amazing formation that looks like a warrior falling down in a battlefield. At the end of the journey, you will be rewarded with a rainbow of colours from sunshine reflected off the cave walls.

              *(For a short tour, choose either Tour 1 or Tour 2 under the Dry Catwalk Tour)

Tour 3       : Top of the World & Short River Adventure

Duration  : 2 ½ hours (A journey of about 2.4km from the entrance to Golden Flowstone, Top of the World and return through the underground river).

Time         : Tours are conducted from 9am to 4 pm (last entry at 4pm).

Fees          : Adult = RM11.00

                   Child aged 6 to 12 years = RM6.00

                   Senior Citizen aged 60 years and above = RM6.00

Minimum No. of Persons : 8 Adults

Describes:

Not only will you see the Golden Flowstone and climb to the Top of the World, but also go down 230 steps and get wet in the underground river! You will have lots of fun crawling through holes and sliding down slippery stones before getting out to be greeted by the beautiful sight of the greenery outside.

Tour 4       : Grand Tour

Duration  : 3 ½ hours (A complete journey of about 3.8km from the entrance to Golden Flowstone, Top of the World and to the end of the cave (East) and return through the underground river).

Time         : Tours are conducted from 9am to 11am (last entry at 11am).

Fees          :  Adult = RM22.00

                    Child aged 6 to 12 years = RM11.00

                    Senior Citizen aged 60 years and above = RM6.00

Minimum No. of Persons: 8 Adults

                                              *(NO Tour on Friday)

Describes:

Expect thrilling moments as you have the adrenalin-pumping spelunking adventure of your life time. You will wade through the underground river that reaches chest level at certain stretches, duck-walk and crawl through holes, climb almost vertical walls and slide down slippery stones. The physical challenges will be worth it. You get to see lots of fascinating rock formations - stalactites, stalagmites, multi-tier ponds, volcano-like rocks, glittering crystal-covered walls and lots more. Of course, the Golden Flowstone and the Top of the World Caverns are included in this tour that also takes you to the eastern side of the cave facing the North-South Expressway. Your return journey will take you entirely through the underground river.

Accomodation

There are few hotels we recommend when you visit to Gua Tempurung.


1. Impiana Casurina Hotel Ipoh
Address: 18 Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin Shah (Jalan Gopeng), Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Contact: 1-800-814652 (Malaysia Toll Free) +1-817-524-0058 (From oversea)
Lowest Price: RM 287++
Website: http://ipohhotels.impiana.com/
Distance: 21.7km

Hotel Lobby

Deluxe Room

Executive Room

2. Heritage Ipoh Hotel

Address: Jalan Raja Dihilir, 30500 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.

Contact: 605-242 8888     Fax: 605-241 5299; 605-242 4959 (Sales)

Lowest Price: RM 260++

Website: http://www.heritage.com.my/English/Pages/default.aspx

Distance: 21.9km

3.  Ritz Garden Hotel Perak

Address: No.86 & 88, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.

Contact: 605-242 7777     Fax: 605-242 5845

Lowest Price: RM280++

Website: http://www.ritzgardenhotel.com/

Distance: 22.2km

The outlook of Apartment

 Apartment

Premier Room

The Way to Gua tempurung

How getting to Gua Tempurung? 

By Car

• Gua Tempurung located in Gopeng, Perak, can be reached from the North-South Highway by exiting through the Gopeng Interchange (about 25 km south of Ipoh).
 
• Take the Federal Route 1 and proceed south about 2 km until Kampung Gunung Mesah ( Gunung Mesah Village).
 
• Turn left and drive through the kampung road for about 4 km.
 
• This kampung road can support heavy vehicles including buses. As you drive through this kampung, enjoy and feel the tranquility of kampung life.
 
• After you pass the kampung, you will drive through former mining land.
 
• There are enough signboards (Gua Tempurung) as soon as you clear the Gopeng Interchange.
 
• We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to Gua Tempurung.

If using GPS to yours destination can search :
Coordinate : 4°36′00″N 101°4′00″E
Search by google map : Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung)
Address : Gua Tempurung 31900 Kampar, Perak, Perak, 31900

History of Gua Tempurung

...HISTORY...

      The cave was first identified in 1887 in the Map of Perak-Malay Peninsula, which indicated a mountain spelt as “Gunong Tempoo Rong”. The Department of Minerals and Geosciences estimated the age of the rock formations in the area of Gua Tempurung to be between 250 and 400 million years. The cave was also known locally as Gua Perah. Perah is a type of fruit similar to rubber seed. In the old days, there were many Perah trees near the cave. Before 1935, tin mining activities on small scale took place in the cave. During the World War 11 (1939 – 1945), the cave became a refuge for locals from the invading Japanese. The Malayan Emergency period (1948-1960) saw the cave being used by the communists as their hideout. The cave walls have hand drawn pictures and words by the communists. There are also inscription of hate slogans and song lyrics against the Japanese army.       

   

    After the Emergency period, mining activities in the area resumed. In 1975, the Perak State Government appointed a cave researcher and enthusiast, J. Crowter of the German Society of Caving to carry out research on Gua Tempurung and to help turn it to become a recreation area and a tourist attraction. Circa 1994, the State Government carried out a feasibility study and in 1995, work to develop Gua Tempurung as a destination began in stages. The cave was open to the public in November 1997 and entrance fees were introduced and collected by a joint-venture company formed by Yayasan Perak and a private company, which managed and maintained the place as one of the state’s tourist attractions.

   

    In 2004, the State Government appointed APT Consortium Sdn Bhd to take over the management and maintenance of Gua Tempurung and the appointment remained valid till today. The cave continues to attract both locals and foreign tourists, with many coming from Europe, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Singapore and other countries in the Asian region. The number of tourists has been increasingly steadily from more than 50,000 in 2005 to over 70,000 the following year.