Write up:
If you have not done caving before, this will certainly be a great experience for you; from trekking through the forests surrounding the caves and crawling through the crevices. And for those who want to take it light, you can sit by your tent enjoying the moonlight that is shining in through the mouth of the cave hall.
A trip in disclosing the Mystery and Beauty of Kota Gelanggi Caves, Pahang.
Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, and the third largest in Malaysia. Geographically, two third of this state is covered by dense rainforest and is home to the highest of the G7 summits of Malaysia; Gunung Tahan. Having developed into a maritime trading state in the 3rd century, Pahang has a deep historical background as much as natural richness.
One such place that I like, which is also a very significant one in terms of its maturity and history, is the Kota Gelanggi caves. It is said to be a million-year-old limestone cave complex.
We first visited the Kota Gelanggi Caves in Dec 2019, after finishing a sunrise climb up a nearby hill. In that first visit itself we were impressed with the place and the team that was managing it.
What’s special about this place?
Firstly, the team admitted that they are still in the phase of discovering more about the caves, its past history, and that there are more than what meets the eyes in the cave’s exploration. That humbleness is necessary for an explorer.
Secondly, the team is determined to keep the forest and caves as natural as possible – way more sustainable than the SDG (sustainable development goals). A nature path was formed by natural movement by the team, without usage of any additional planks, wood, concrete or metal… no foreign objects in the forest and caves. Fallen trees are part of nature, so no trees were chopped to clear the path, and instead they just navigate around it to reach the cave’s entrance. During my walk to and fro the cave, I only saw one metal ladder to go up one of the rocks. But even that metal ladder was a standalone one, placed with just one side of it hooked to the upper part of the rock to hold it.
Thirdly, people that come to this place are educated on how to take care of the place, by not leaving traces of trash, and they themselves being an example.
Lastly, the history that is known so far, and the folklore surrounding this place is really interesting and keeps the quest going.
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Gunung Yong Belar
Difficulty Level
Location
Pahang, Malaysia
Duration
2 Days
Activity type
Caving / Camping
So, what is the plan?
Day 1
- 6.00am Depart from Singapore
- 2.00pm Estimated arrival at Gua Kota Gelanggi
- 2.30pm Setup campsite
- 3.00pm Caving activity 1 (via forest trail)
- 5.00pm Rest, relax, clean up
- 6.00pm Dinner by the cave
- 7.30pm Caving activity 2 (Night walk to the moon cave)
- 9.30pm Campsite chitchat / wind down for the day
Day 2
- 5.00am Get ready for sunrise hike @ nearby hill
- 5.45am Estimated arrival at hill base / start hike
- 6.45am Estimated arrival at Sunrise viewing point
- 7.20am Continue to Summit – Rainforest viewpoint
- Breakfast
- 9.00am Estimated arrival at base / Depart back to cave Rest / walk around enjoying nature
- 12.00pm Lunch by the cave
- 1.15pm Depart to SG
- 8.30pm Estimated arrival at Singapore
What is included:
What is not included:
What to bring?
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- Water to drink during the hike and trek - at least 1.5litres / based on our consumption
- Comfortable clothes to trek at tropical terrain, sufficient cloths for the trip
- Headlamp (must have) & gloves (good to have)
- Sleeping bag for use on the camping day
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Buff, cap, suitable headwear (good to have)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, etc
- Hiking stick (not compulsory)
- City clothes to return to Singapore
- Sandals, night cloths for overnight stay
- Towel, toiletries, etc
- Poncho / raincoat
- Waterproof bag pack
- Personal medication (if needed)
- Malaysian Ringgit
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Important:
Travel insurance: always good to have when on travels out of the country. It is the responsibility of the agency to remind participants on the travel insurance, but it is the responsibility of the participants to purchase the insurance.
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- Full payment must be made before the trip date once a trip is confirmed, failing which the booking will be cancelled. Please refer to the specific Event's Itinerary and trip note on the deadline for trip confirmation, payment dates, cancellations and refund policies.
- Kindly take note of all details on the Trip Itinerary, in case of any specific restrictions or requirements that must be complied.
- Participants are fully responsible for ensuring their passports have the required minimum 6months validity at the time of travel. Some countries may require Visa or Vaccination requirements, the information will be provided in the Itinerary and Participants are required to ensure strict compliance.
Travel Insurance
- It is advised that all Participants purchase suitable travel insurance for self or family as necessary.
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- While all necessary care will be taken by the Organizer, AdPeak will not be held responsible for any incidents arising due to:
- Negligence on the part of the Participant
- Natural incidents such as flood, landslides and storm
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