::CAVE ATTRACTIONS::
Malaysian caves are home to many exotic living creatures. The most notable are the blind catfish of Loagan's Cave and the Trapdoor Spider of Batu Caves, another attraction.

The skeleton of a big cat fossilized in the roof of Gua Harimau in Kinta Valley makes an intriguing sight. Perak is also famous for its cave temples. The most well known are Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong which contain many Buddha statues and religious cave murals.
The Hindu cave temple in Batu Caves has shrines to the Hindu deities and is the site for the colourful religious festival of Thaipusam.

The Gomantong Cave in Sandakan, Sabah, houses thousands of swifts which nest in the two large caverns, producing birds' nests, an exotic Chinese delicacy.

The Niah Caves in Sarawak have walls that portray unique prehistoric paintings that point to the existence of early Man. Its chambers have hundreds of fascinating formations. The Mulu Caves in Sarawak is one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Although 195 kilometers of cave passages have already been surveyed, this represents just 30% of the estimated total. An estimated four million bats live in this system of caves.

::GOING CAVING::
There are seasoned cavers who will be willing to act as guides. They may be contacted through the Malaysian Nature Society and through various nature adventure operators.Tour operators will arrange packages on request. Most caving expeditions are day trips though a visitor can choose to stay overnight. No overnight camping is allowed in most caves but budget hotels are available around most of the cave districts.

Caving is normally done in the dry season that runs from March to October. Permits may be required when exploring some of the caves. These are available from the respective state forestry departments and cost from RM10 to RM40.

::WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING::
For the recreational caver, all that is needed to explore adventure caves is a reliable guide, safety helmet for protection and a powerful torchlight. More experienced cavers may want to bring their carbide lamps as well as harnesses, ascending and descending equipment and carabanners if they plan to abseil. Tropical caves are not as damp as those in Europe and the Americas, but they are chilly at times especially during storms and heavy rain. A light jacket is also recommended.

As with all nature adventures, preservation and conservation of stalagmites, stalactites and aIl cave dwelling creatures are of utmost importance. In caves with known inhabitants, avoid flash photography as the light frightens the cave dwelling life forms.

PPRACTICAL CAVING TIPS Always go with a guide who can be hired from the National Parks or from caving clubs. Many of Malaysia's caves are unmapped and not even an experienced caver should go exploring alone. Groups of four are optimum. Although some operators offer cave diving, it is a highly specialized sport and should only be undertaken by professional divers and cavers. Always check equipment before venturing into a cave especially when abseiling. Experienced cavers recommand a maximum of eight hours in a cave at stretch but most caves take less than three hours to explore. Plan how much lighting you will need. One kilogram of carbide will give enough illumination for approximately six to eight hours. Cavers should always carry back-up torches and extra batteries. Heart patients and those suffering from claustrophobia should limit themselves to show caves where guides take in groups of 20-40 people. Cavers should be free from allergies related to limestone and bat guano. Pictures and Information courtesy of Tourism Malaysia. All information contained herein is correct at time of production. Tourism Malaysia and malaysiahotels.com.my cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracy, ommission or alteration that may occur.