Tempurung Cave Write Up by Fazlin Badri Alyeope

Gua Tempurung, Gopeng – (15^th April 2001)
 

Tempurung Cave "more photos"

I was never the outdoor type so I actually dreaded this trip but as a committee member of the Alumni Association I believe it is important to show support to its activities. I was not even half prepared as the day drew closer; the only clues I had about the trip were that we were going to get very wet and tired. As soon as we got there we were introduced to our guide, Michael and his two assistants (Meng & Shan Wee - cavers from Caving Association of Malaysia & Selangor Caving Club). Despite his sense of humor, he doesn’t take to tomfoolery kindly. He briefed us about the Cave and its route, but didn’t reveal too much as he had planned to narrate as we go along the journey.

As soon as we walked in, a scene that resembles something that comes out of National Geographic appeared before us and we paused on more than one occasion to marvel at one of God’s finest artwork. The whole cave was a maze. The hollow was enormous, which reminds me of a massive hall, and the different sizes of the cracks formed countless compartments and tunnels which may or may not lead to an exit. Michael went on to explain the pictures on the wall, but to my disappointment, most of them are pretty recent.

We proceeded to something that seemed like an endless staircase and at each resting point; I took the opportunity to gasp in as much air as possible. Michael did an absolutely wonderful job during the intervals by explaining about the rock formations particularly the Stalagmites, Stalactites, Rim Stone Pool, Flowstone, Pillars, Shower Head & Etc; the various species of bats and snakes; and the cave’s intricate structures.

Next, we reached the end of the paved paths (and civilization as I know it) and started on a more literally bumpy journey. Michael had provided each of us a safety helmet and I could hear clacking sounds made by the cap each time someone knocked the protruding spikes as we crawled under the stringent cave routes, followed by the "ouch"s, the "ahh"s and "ooh"s. At one point, Michael briefed us in total darkness for a few minutes and made us stimulate our senses by not making any sounds for a good 20 seconds as the sound of the running stream, the bats and the crickets intertwined with our imaginations. He told us that a cave is one of the most ideal places for meditation.

My turn for mishaps came when I failed to notice a huge spike hanging in front of me, while crawling under the very limited spaces and I hit it head on. My head spins momentarily but fortunately I quickly recovered. My mishap was not nearly as embarrassing as some of my fellow cavers. Joseph had his trousers caught on the sharp edges of the stalagmites and had it torn, perhaps revealing some skin. We had come across knee-deep water a few times, but I overheard the others saying that we would encounter deeper. We proceeded to more difficult routes, this time crawling under the very low ceilings in knee-deep water.

We walked for a good 15 minutes until we saw dim sunlight in the distance. An opening to one of the cave’s exits, we found a perfect spot to have our lunch. Some of us took the opportunity to wringe our socks and emptied water out of our soaked shoes. We were told not to drink from the stream, as the mineral content of the water is too high for our body.

After the lunch stop, we started to head back, but Michael had decided on a different route. It was the same tiring, wet, grueling journey all over again. Earlier, most of us had climbed a huge rock but I had avoided the task due to my fear of heights. To my horror, the only way back was to slide down an extensive wall. However, I was delighted to discover that my rough corduroy trousers helped to prevent me from sliding too fast. After that, we slipped into a hole big enough for one person only and exited to another chamber.

Finally, we came to a familiar route, but instead of taking it, Michael made us wade through the stream, which led to the entrance. Perhaps, to some people, it was a welcoming sight, but it meant the end of our venture to me. A thrilling 4 hours excursion ended there and the heavy rain greeted us. We were drenched and worn-out but most of us immersed ourselves in a quiet relief and a deep satisfaction.

I wish to thank Michael and his crew (Meng & Shan Wee) and Jimmy for organizing the memorable and educational and adventure caving trip. I’m certainly not discouraged by the lack of comfort and look forward for my next visit to Tempurung Cave. Perhaps I am the outdoor type after all….

Written by Ms Fazlin