Looking to Do Something Outdoorsy? Why Not Explore These 6 Caves in Malaysia?

Let’s check out some of the most beautiful caves in Malaysia and plan your next outdoor adventure.

1. Batu Caves

Perhaps one of the most well-known caves in the country, Batu Caves is iconic for its 272 colourful steps leading to the entrance of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple.

Located in Gombak, Selangor, this site comprises over 20 caves, with the largest—dedicated to Lord Murugan—known as the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave.

Other notable caves include the Dark Cave, Ramayana Cave, and Cave Villa, each offering unique experiences. One even boasts a rare variety of plant species. Since some of these caves are sacred, visitors are expected to dress modestly.

While entrance to the main temple (Temple/Cathedral Cave) is free, Cave Villa charges RM7 for Malaysians and RM15 for non-Malaysians. Ramayana Cave has a flat fee of RM5.

Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor Entrance Fees:

• Temple Cave: Free
• Cave Villa: RM7 (Malaysians), RM15 (Non-Malaysians)
• Ramayana Cave: RM5

2. Gua Tempurung

Tucked in the Kinta Valley Geopark, Gua Tempurung is one of the longest limestone caves in Malaysia, stretching over 4 km. It’s also one of the most famous in Peninsular Malaysia.

The cave features five distinct domes filled with stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and a 1.6 km underground river.

Tour packages vary by difficulty. Dry tours range from RM8 to RM12 for Malaysian adults, while wet tours cost between RM15 and RM30. (Prices as of January 2024—check for updates before visiting.)Address: Jalan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak Entrance Fee: Varies by tour package

3. Perak Tong Cave Temple

Not into extreme adventures? Perak Tong Cave Temple might be perfect for you. This pilgrimage site features a majestic 40-foot Buddha statue—but first, you’ll need to climb 358 steps to reach it.

Inside, you’ll find murals depicting Chinese mythology and Buddhist scriptures. As it’s a religious site, modest attire is required. Bonus: entry is free!

Feeling energetic? Climb another 450 steps to reach a double-storey gazebo with panoramic views of Ipoh.

Address: Jln Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Perak Entrance Fee: Free

4. Gua Kelam

Once a tin mine during the British era in 1935, Gua Kelam is now a historical and natural attraction. Its name—meaning “dark cave”—was coined by miners.

The site has two sections: Gua Kelam 1 and Gua Kelam 2.

Gua Kelam 1 features an 8-foot-wide wooden suspension bridge. Watch for bats and old mining trolleys. Entry is RM2 for adults and RM1 for children.

Gua Kelam 2 offers a more rugged experience with dry and wet trails. You’ll explore former mining areas and see wall drawings. Be ready to crawl through tight spaces on the wet trail. Entry starts at RM150 (dry) and RM300 (wet), plus a RM5 permit.

Address: Jalan Kaki Bukit, 02200 Kaki Bukit, Perlis Entrance Fees:

• Gua Kelam 1: RM2 (Adults), RM1 (Children)
• Gua Kelam 2: RM150 + RM5 permit (Dry), RM300 + RM5 permit (Wet)

5. Gunung Mulu National Park

Located in Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park is home to numerous caves, with one of them being the Sarawak Chamber. Measuring 600 metres long, 80 meters high, and 415 meters wide, it's no wonder that this chamber is recognised in the Guinness World Records as the largest single cave chamber in the world by surface area.

In case you're wondering how big that is, the Sarawak Chamber can easily accommodate about eight 747 jumbo jets in a row. Another fun fact of this national park is that it is one of the four UNESCO Heritage Sites of Malaysia.

To explore it, you must stay overnight at Camp 1 and be able to swim. The tour costs RM312 per person.

Other caves in the park include Clearwater Cave, Deer Cave, and more. Check the official site for tour packages.

Address: No 11, Mulu National Park, Pekan Mulu, 98070 Miri, Sarawak Entrance Fee: Varies by tour package

6. Niah National Park Caves

Another UNESCO-listed site, Niah Cave is famous for housing some of Southeast Asia’s oldest human remains. Explore four caves: Trader’s Cave, Great Cave, Moon Cave, and Painted Cave.

In the Great Cave, you might spot bird nest collectors scaling poles to harvest nests from the ceiling.