CAPTURE 3 : CAVE OF DARKNESS AND WAN TANGGA VALLEY

A lake along the way to Gua Kelam

A quite stretch on the way to Kaki Bukit


Entrance to the cave

Hanging Bridge

History
Sir John Campbell, an Englishman who was also a miner, discovered the Kelam Cave in 1935. He realized that the cave is rich in tin. So, he made use the available natural resource, the stream that flows through the cave, to transport tin ore in a much effective and productive manner. Story goes that he hired the skill of a Chinese tin miner, Loh Ah Tong to build the hanging bridge to the tin miners. Gradually, as time went by, the mining operation ceased and the cave was used by Communist guerillas who were waging an undeclared war against the then Malaya, and during the later part by smugglers to smuggle things in and out of Thailand.


My Trip
Last Sunday, 5 Oct. 2008, I had a chance to visit the tranquil atmosphere of a cave in the northernmost part of Malaysia. Gua Kelam or Cave of Darkness is located at Kaki Bukit (Foothill), 33km to the North of Kangar, the capital of Perlis (one of the smallest states in Malaysia). The cave is not dark anymore as the name implies, as spotlights have been fixed along the way from the entrance to the valley which is located on the opposite end of the cave. If one expect any mysteries and strange occurring , you can forget it, as the shine has already killed whatever mysteries one can expect in a cave.



Mother Nature's artwork
Stream at Wan Tangga Valley








At Wan Tangga Valley


This 370 meter long limestone cave is accessible by way of a suspension bridge. It was a thrilling experience to walk across the suspension bridge. I admired work of nature sculptured on the walls of the cave, the stalactites and stalagmites as well. The underground stream that flows out from the limestone range provides a cool dipping place for children and adults. The sound of water flowing under the suspended bridge provides a soothing music for the ears. If one is observant, one can see the water dripping from stalactites and stalagmites. The constant erosion and effects of water running through the cave thousands of years ago have left indelible impact on the surface of the walls. Beautiful formations of rocks and designs can be seen along the way.

The lushes green valley at the opposite end of the cave gives one an experience of paradise with its wonderful trees and cooling breeze.

On the way back

Sunset bidding farewell to me


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