The Cave Of Darkness Is Calling

PADANG BESAR (Perlis), Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Anyone who visits Gua Kelam (cave of darkness) in the Wang Mu Forest Reserve will be mesmerised by its unique atmosphere. It sits within the Perlis State Park which is part of the Nakawan Range of limestone hills that stretches for 38km from Kuala Perlis to Wang Kelian. It is located about 35km from Kangar, not very far from the Thai border and within a stone’s throw of Pekan Kaki Bukit. As you walk deeper into the cave along a 370m footbridge, the darkness heightens the senses, and the river sound beneath begins to have a meditative effect. Once you come out the other end to a forested valley, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different dimension. This lasting impression is what the state government, Perlis Forestry Department, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Bureau hope to create to draw more tourists here for Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VM2020). In the 1900s, tin was discovered and mined near here at Gunung Perlis and Gua Wang Burma, with Gua Kelam giving access through the hill to some of the richest ore deposits. Many miners from China came to Perlis to capitalise on the tin boom following Europe’s industrialisation. At the time, sepikul (60kg) of high-quality tin could be sold for RM20 and panners were paid between RM2 and RM4 per month by the various tin mine tauke (owner). Perlis Forestry Department director, Ag. Shaffie Ag. Ahmadni, said Gua Kelam has been visited by over 100,000 people already. The entry fee for adults is RM2, while children under 18 merely pay RM1. There is also an artefact gallery which conveys key information. “Visitors can experience beautiful Gua Kelam 1 and Gua Kelam 2 where there are details on activities,” he said. At the Gua Kelam Recreational Park, camping requires consent, a favourite activity is river bathing and visitors can give the new flying fox ride a try. -- BERNAMA