Tucked away in the verdant realms of Perlis, Gua Kelam holds the title of one of Malaysia's hidden wonders, a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked by the bold and the curious. More enigmatically referred to as the Cave of Darkness, this captivating natural gallery is a sanctum of mystery and allure, comprising two smaller connected caverns – a duo of darkness and light named Gua Kelam 1 and Gua Kelam 2.

Your expedition kicks off at Kaki Bukit, a modest starting point that belies the marvels that lie ahead. As you inch closer, prepare to be whisked away on a journey that not only plumbs the depths of the earth but also unfolds a panoramic vista of natural beauty.

Navigating the shadowy labyrinth, a securely laid gangway ushers you through the heart of darkness, guiding your footsteps while you marvel at the wonders carved by time and nature. Amid this subterranean landscape, donned in your mandatory helmet, you'll manoeuvre through narrow passages, duck under low ceilings, and steer clear of the majestic stalactites that dangle like chandeliers from the cave's ancient canopy.

It's an adventure that demands a dash of daring and rewards with awe-inspiring sights, culminating in a dramatic emergence into a beautifully landscaped open park – a crescendo to your underground odyssey. This spellbinding transition from the clasp of the Cave of Darkness to the embrace of sunlight is not just a journey; it's a vivid chapter in your travel anthology, urging you to delve into the hidden pockets of the world, where wonders lie in wait, ready to narrate their tales to those willing to listen.

Read also: Exploring Gua Charas Temple Cave at Panching, Kuantan

Table of Content

1. History of Gua Kelam
2. Attractions & Highlights
3. Gua Kelam Map & Trails
4. Rock Climbing, Hiking & Flying Fox
5. Gua Kelam 3D Gallery
6. Camping
7. Gua Kelam Nature Run
8. Travel Tips for Visitors
9. How to Get to Gua Kelam, Perlis
10. Accommodation & Hotels
11. Entrance Fee
12. Contact Information

Gua Kelam Perlis, Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know

Gua Kelam Perlis, Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know

The walk through Gua Kelam is a breeze, and it is unlike many of the caving experiences I’ve had. It is absolutely suitable for those who are looking to learn more about the country’s mining history, but adventure seekers can choose a different option - which brings you through the same route but ends with an one-hour river wading experience.

For the usual route: You will not get wet and you will not require a head lamp. There is very minimal climbing involved, other than a few flights of stairs.

Read also: Exploring Gua Charas Temple Cave at Panching, Kuantan

Upon reaching the site, you will see the Perlis State Forestry Department office

Gua Kelam is located within the Banjaran Nakawan range of Thailand-Malaysia

There is more honestly more climbing involved outside of the cave than inside (heh)

History of Gua Kelam

Located 33 kilometres north of Kangar, this 370-metre long cavern was formed during the country’s olden tin-mining days. In 1935, the English used the water pathways as a channel to transport tin ores from the mine which they discovered within Kaki Bukit's underground cavern. According to history, the name Gua Kelam is given by the miners due to the darkness within the cave. The miners had to use carbide lamps to light up the cave in order to carry out their activities.

Today, there is a wooden walkway that has been built inside the cave for visitors to walk on. Almost everything inside the cave are left the way they were - including remnants from the tin mining activities.

The out-of-service trolley train rails that were used in the past to get into the the cave

A wooden walkway is built for visitors to walk on throughout the cave

Helmets are a must as the roofs are lower in certain parts of the cave

The guide stops to point out interesting features in the cave

Explanation by the guide is very detailed, making the tour an interesting one

Formations in the Gua Kelam

We were so lucky to come across a cave-dwelling frog!

More interesting formations (which names I unfortunately do not recall)

Another group of visitors ahead of us. 

If you look close enough, you can see writings in the cave that were left behind by the former cave dwellers - miners that were brought here to work from China by the British

Inside Gua Kelam, you will find writings on the walls with a similar theme: the miners' professing their love for women and their longing to return home.

Unique inscriptions found in Gua Kelam

'Graffiti’ on the walls of Gua Kelam

Writings on the walls left behind by the miners in Gua Kelam, believed to be written using charcoal.

A hoe left behind from the mining era

You will find "doors" within the caves marked with initials at the borders that separate different territories belonging to different leaders

The mesmerising interior of Gua Kelam

Interesting formations within Gua Kelam

Remnants from the tin mining operations can still be found intact in Gua Kelam

Beautiful interiors of Gua Kelam

The guide stops to show us the formations in Gua Kelam

One of the many interesting formations in the Kelam Cave

Interiors of Gua Kelam

Beautiful natural formations within the Gua Kelam cave

天 means sky. The Chinese offer their prayers to Tian (天) which is one of the oldest Chinese term for heaven. This small area is found within Gua Kelam that shows the miners' praying rituals.

Attractions & Highlights

Almost halfway into the eye-opening caving experience, the guide stopped and told us that he has a surprise in store for us.

In front of us was a steep pile of rubble and crushed rocks. He told us that if we make the climb, we will discover Gua Kelam’s most precious secret.

I thought to myself, “Finally, some real action!” I was so excited. I cannot possibly be anymore ready.

The climb is steep but very short. To our surprise, on top of the rubble is another sizable cave - but this one is different: it holds a few shocking remnants from the past.

The steep climb to a secret location within Gua Kelam

We were stunned to find what is in this cave.

There isn't any information about these findings online. This is a secret treasure that you will only discover during your visit to Gua Kelam.

Within this mini cave are several cairns - or man-made piles of stones that according to history, are typically erected as burial monuments, for defense or for ceremonial purposes. The local authorities are against the idea of knocking down these historical structures, so no one is able to tell what is hidden beneath these cairns with certainty.

These hidden cairns within Gua Kelam is the cave's best kept secrets.

I only took archaeology for one semester in university, but I am convinced that these cairns are burial sites for the miners who died during their time in Gua Kelam. In Chinese customs, alcohol (typically rice wine) is placed on the altar before being offered in libation by pouring it in front of the tombstone horizontally from right to left with both hands in honor of the deceased.

I am still in awe with what I saw.

Think you have the answers for Gua Kelam's greatest mystery? Go on a guided tour into this hidden part of the cave and make your own observations.

Gua Kelam Map & Trails

Although there is a map and wooden path to guide you through the cave, hiring a tour guide is a must as the cave is huge.

The map of Gua Kelam

Information on Gua Kelam

Upon exiting Gua Kelam, you will be greeted by this beautiful lake and a manicured park.

Rock Climbing, Hiking & Flying Fox

There are many activities available at Gua Kelam, such as flying fox and rock-climbing.

Craving for some actions? Gua Kelam has a series of activities lined up for visitors, such as flying fox.

Gua Kelam 3D Gallery

The Gua Kelam 3D Gallery opened in December 2019, and it is the first of its kind gallery in Perlis. It showcases five different concepts, which are flora and fauna, tropical rainforest, mining, cave and the Malaysian jungle. Many of its walls are painted by local artists which make great backgrounds for photographs.

Preserved snakes found in Gua Kelam

Remnants left behind by the Chinese miners in Gua Kelam

Display of preserved butterflies that can be found in the Perlis State Park

Camping

There is an allocated camping ground at Gua Kelam, called the Hujan-Hujan Camp Site. Gazebos, an activity hall and other facilities are available. Campsite rental charges are priced at RM2 per adult and RM1 for students.

Please inquire before your visit if you are planning to camp here.

Gua Kelam Nature Run

The Gua Kelam Nature Run or #GEKRUN is an annual marathon that brings participants through narrow town trails along former mining sites, state parks, rubber farms, limestone caves and oil palm plantation. The event starts and ends at the entrance to Gua Kelam located at Kaki Bukit, Perlis.

Travel Tips for Visitors

There are certain parts in the tunnels which are narrow with low ceilings. Although you will be given a protective helmet, always be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid grazing the roofs as you could be breaking the calcite crystal straws which take decades to form!

Most importantly, do not vandalise! Walking through the last part of the cave was a heart-breaking experience 

Vandalism found near the exit of the cave by irresponsible visitors when the cave was open to public a few years ago.

How to Get to Gua Kelam, Perlis

You can reach Gua Kelam either by car or public transport. If you are going by bus, hop onto a bus that heads to Kaki Bukit from the Kangar’s main bus station, and walk for 10 minutes to get to the ticket office.

If you are going by car, exit from the North-South Highway (PLUS) via Changlun and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar and drive toward Padang Besar. Look out for signboards with Kaki Bukit.

Accommodation & Hotels

There are several guest houses and budget hotels located close to Gua Kelam available for less than RM100 per night. For a more comfortable stay, you can opt for hotels in the city that are located approximately 20 kilometres away.

Entrance Fee

Here is the list of ticket prices for the activities and services in Gua Kelam:

(Mykad / Non-Mykad)

Gua Kelam 1 Entrance Fees

Adult RM3 / RM5

Child RM1 / RM3

Gua Kelam 3D Gallery

Adult RM3 / RM5

Child RM2 / RM3

Gua Kelam 2 Guided Tour

RM80 per group (max 10 pax)

Contact Information

Address: KM 2, Jalan Kaki Bukit, 01000 Kangar, Perlis

Phone Number: +604-938 4466 (Perlis Forestry Office), +6012-455 2121

Email: forestry@perlisforestry.gov.my

Opening hours: 9.00am-6.00pm

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