Estimated to be around 300 million years old, these limestone caves in Malaysia is more than just spectacular in nature’s mere existence–it is also a historic site with findings of prehistoric civilisation in the cave.
Caving In Kenyir Lake
There are two limestone caves to be explored in Kenyir Lake. Gua Bewah (extra note: Bewah is a Kelantan word for feast) and Gua Taat are remote limestone caves, located high above the sea level.
Upon reaching, it can be seen that these two caves carries a mysterious setting enveloped in mists and the cave entrance shrouded with thick trees and foliage.
Gua Bewah is a known historic site with the findings of a skeleton and remains of a civilisation. Whereas for Gua Taat, there are plenty of stalactites in various shapes and sizes that are often likened to a musuem of nature sculpture’s. Gua Taat would be inaccessible at times due to high tides so make sure to catch the right timing for a visit.
Entering Gua Bewah
The cave’s opening is pretty high so before you enter, brace yourself for a steep climb of almost 200-baby steps!
When you reach the top, there is an archeology gallery just outside the cave entrance with findings of prehistoric items at the area. Mostly made during the Stone Age, findings like pots, ax, kitchen wares around the caves lead acheologists to believe that prehistoric civilisation used to party at the cave! That explains the name Bewah.
The most interesting finding at Gua Bewah would be the skeletal remains of a prehistoric human found buried outside the cave entrance. Estimated to be about 16,000 years old, this skeleton named “Bewah Man” could be the oldest skeletal remains to be found in Malaysia!
However, you won’t see “Bewah Man” at the cave. This important finding is kept under high security for research purposes in the musuem. You may find the digging ground of this historic finding and a picture of it at the cave.
With a proper guide, you would be able to spot the magnificent features inside the limestone cave. During my trip, Mr Khairul Abu Bakar who is a national award-winning tour guide and archeologist pointed out many stalactite and hidden crystal findings in the cave!
One can also find elephant-shaped stalactite, crabs, tiger spider and bats in the limestone cave.
Topped with historical findings and natural limestone formation, exploring Gua Bewah could be the highlight of a trip at Kenyir Lake! To read more on Kenyir Lake, see our full experience here.
Good To Know
• Although the cave is pretty lit with generators, it is recommended to bring your own set of headlights just for precautions.
• Visitors are not allowed to touch any stones and formations in the cave! The walls of the limestone cave is still active after millions of years but the million-years formation could be affected upon seconds of a touch.
Text and photos by Jessy Wong
