INTERESTING PLACES IN MY COUNTRY

1. Gua Kelam, Perlis

Gua Kelam, or namely ‘The Cave of Darkness’ in the English language lies at the foothills of Perlis in a town called Kaki Bukit and is a popular attraction spot for tourists. At 370 metres long, a suspension bridge is built to allow tourist to explore deep into this limestone cave. This 8-foot wide wooden bridge connects Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga valley which makes the trip more interesting and intriguing for first-time visitors.

Gua Kelam is also unique for its profound stream that flows in the mineral range in close proximity to Kaki Bukit for a quarter of a mile in extent. A brightly-lit wooden bridge allows visitors to have a relaxed walk through this cave safely. However, you are advised to wear proper attires as well as shoes to prevent any unwanted accidents from occurring. For those enthusiastic travelers who thirst for a good challenge, Gua Kelam offers 30 set-up routes and 6 climbing sites for you to take on based on your intensity level preferences.

While walking through the cave, you would also be able to hear the soft sounds from the flowing streams and, perhaps the squeaking sounds of the bats that reside there. Not only will you be able to experience what it is like to be in a cave, you may also see the beautiful naturally sculptured aged stalactites and stalagmites. If you are lucky, you could witness the sight of bats that are hanging from above the cave.

If you are travelling from Kangar with the intention to visit this cave, you should continue towards Padang Besar and follow the signboard that states Kaki Bukit. Another fair option would be to take the bus from Kangar’s main bus station and from there, a few minutes worth of walk to reach to Gua Kelam. In other words, Gua Kelam is easily accessible through various means of transportation.

2. Padas River, Sabah

Ever imagined of riding the oldest train in Borneo which passes through the once renowned headhunters' tribe – The Murut? Well, guess what, we have the best river guides amongst the tribe to guide you down the raging water of Padas River, claimed to have the best rapids in South East Asia!

This exciting adrenalin' rushing tour will take you down to wave that goes as high as six feet and thrilling rapids up to grade IV. Whilst rushing down this wild and untamed part of the Padas River you will experience totally untouched nature. Padas River is situated in the interior of southwestern part of Kota Kinabalu that is only accessible by train (used since the late 19th century in Borneo). Basically, this trip will give you two experiences advantages - 1) Excursion of Class III-IV river, 2) A uniquely ride in an antique train. The adrenaline rush excursion covers a distance of 9km of this rather muddy 200 km river that holds 7 

exciting and tough rapids!

These rapid carries amusing names such as Merry-Go-Round Rapid, Break Point Rapid, Scooby Doo Rapid, Cobra Rapid, Curve Rapid, Lambada Rapid and Head Hunter Rapid. Each rapid will give you the feel of the motion as what the name means. The journey will first take 1-½ hours overland through the countryside to Beaufort town. From thereupon, adventure begins with 1-½ hours train rides tracks along the Padas River that gives glimpses of the thrills and excitement to come. Upon arriving at the starting point, participant will be given safety briefing before going down the river. The ultimate challenge will speak for itself as one shoots through and experiences the nerve tingling excitement which crescendos rapid after rapid while getting a closer look at the Borneo's amazing flora and fauna. After rafting, enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch by the river. Wind down with a sunset view of the return journey to Kota Kinabalu, along with presentation of certification of achievement.

3. Gunung Tahan, Pahang

If you thought that hiking up Mount Kinabalu is the most difficult trip up a mountain that you would find in Malaysia, then think again! Although Mount Kinabalu is indeed the highest peak in South East Asia, it does not prove to be the most challenging hike in Malaysia. This accolade goes to Mount Tahan, or better known as Gunung Tahan in Malay. Acknowledged as the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan is located within the popular Taman Negara national forest (a rainforest that is more than 130 million years old) within the state of Pahang, and is a famous spot for climbers to attempt. Nevertheless it must be highlighted here that it takes plenty of physical prowess and stamina to hike up Gunung Tahan as it actually takes time to even get to the foot of the mountain which is not accessible to vehicles.

To get there, you would need to hike approximately 54 km from Kampung Kuala Tahan, or alternatively 42km from Kampung Sungai Relau. The best time to climb this challenging mountain would be during the months of April, May, June and July. The mountain is usually closed to climbers from the end of November till mid-January every year. Of course you would need to be equipped with appropriate hiking and climbing gear before you attempt to hike the mountain. You would first need to reach the forestry office in Kuala Tahan, you can reach this place either by taking a boat from Kuala Tembilang, or alternatively if you are already in Taman Negara you could also hike to this place. After you reach the forestry office, you would need to register here, and obtain a guide from the office that would help you climb and conquer Gunung Tahan.

You must know that the expedition to hike Gunung Tahan will take approximately seven days, which means that you would need to hire your guide for a full seven days. Each guide will take a maximum of twelve climbers with him, so plan well in advance or you might need more than one guide. You can also negotiate for porters to carry your things for you. Remember that you would need to carry your own tents as there would be no place to sleep for you during the whole expedition. And remember to bring enough food for seven to eight days.

You can bring water as well, but you only get to replenish your water bottles at specific campsites that you would need to reach them consistently every day. And it must be noted here that the water supply that you would be getting is river water, thus remember to boil your water before you drink it. And bring plenty of change of clothes, but not too much as well. The hike up Gunung Tahan is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure that you are fully-prepared before you attempt it! Getting to this place is pretty simple. You could either drive to Taman Negara in Pahang, or alternatively you can take a bus to Jerantut before getting a cab to Kuala Tembilang. From Kuala Tembilang you would need to take a boat as mentioned above. The Kula Tahan trail is the classic trail that provides you with many different views of Taman Negara as you hike. Alternatively you could also opt for the Merapoh (Sungai Relau) path or else there is also the option of the newer Kelantan trail. The hike up Gunung Tahan is definitely one that you must attempt if you love adventures. But remember, this one could get sticky so brace yourself !