Cave complex steeped in folklore

Gua Balai is the last cave that is accessible from the main path.

THE district of Jerantut in Pahang is famous for Taman Negara, but it is also home to another nature preserve known for its folklore and legends.

Off Jalan Jerantut-Benta, about 20km from Jerantut town is Gua Kota Gelanggi, a limestone cave complex said to be hundreds of millions of years old.

Legend has it that the site is the remains of an ancient kingdom known as Gelang Kiu, which in Thai means the “Treasure House of Jewels”.

The descent into the darkness of Gua Terang Bulan.

A local tale surrounding the complex is that of a war or curse that befell Gelang Kiu, which brought an end to the city.

There are several versions to the story, ranging from the fantastical to logical but the theme is the same – two members of royalty who fought over a princess.

One of it tells the story of Raja Gelanggi, who had his beautiful princess betrothed to Raja Usul.

Holes left in the ground of Gua Balai, apparently from a 1981 archaeological excavation.

Raja Mambang wanted to marry the princess too and a war ensued. The mythical figure Sang Kelembai then appeared, chastising the two for fighting over a woman.

A curse was cast and turned everything into stone, wiping the kingdom off the map.

Felda Tekam Residence general assistant Muhammad Farid Kapali said there were more than 100 caves in the complex but only 12 could be visited.

Gua Balai is the last cave that is accessible from the main path.

Three of them are accessible from the main path but a guide is recommended for the other caves as it requires some trekking through the forest, he said.

Muhammad Farid said the complex was also linked to the famous warrior Mat Kilau, who was said to have taken shelter and meditated in one of the caves.

From the entrance to the complex, visitors will first come across Gua Tongkat that forms a majestic arch over the main path.

The entrance to the Gua Kota Gelanggi cave complex is further down the road after turning off Jalan Jerantut - Benta.

A bit further down is Gua Terang Bulan, a tunnel-like cave that is completely shrouded in darkness. Visitors are advised to bring their own torchlight and watch their step as the floor is rather slippery.

At the end of the path is Gua Balai, a large chamber that may have been home to prehistoric humans.

There are several holes dug into the ground, apparently the work of an archaeological team that investigated the cave in 1981.

There are many other caves such as Gua Ular, Gua Kepala Gajah, Gua Angin and Gua Penyu, which are all hidden in the forest, off the path and unmarked.

Fascinating rock formations can be seen all around the cave complex.

Muhammad Farid said there used to be other activities available such as abseiling and flying fox but these were discontinued due to the lack of visitors.

On the lack of signboards at the entrance, he said a herd of elephants passed through the area and knocked them down.

Entrance fee is RM5 for adults and RM3 for children. The complex is managed by Felda Tekam Residence and is open from 9am to 6pm daily.