One of the spectacular caves at Mulu National Park that draws visitors from all over the world. — Filepic
GENUINE nature lovers generally prefer to explore cave formations in their pristine, untouched states, say tour guides specialising in such activities.
They add that there are already enough laws in place to prohibit activities that can harm the cave ecosystem, such as operating an eatery within its confines or interacting with the flora and fauna.
Sarawak Tourist Guides Association honorary chairman Edwin Lim said true cave explorers had a deep respect for the natural environment and its unique inhabitants.
Amir asks why wait for a tragedy before enforcing laws.“These are serious cave explorers who appreciate and respect nature and the endemic creatures that inhabit the caves.
“In any case, the Sarawak authorities strictly prohibit any form of encroachment within caves.
“Tourists are barred from interacting with wildlife, touching vegetation or even rocks once inside,” he said.
Lim added that tour guides had the authority to either terminate tours if such cases occurred or expel individuals found harming the caves.
He was commenting on StarMetro’s report on March 11, “Food court in Gombak cave stirs up concerns”, which had highlighted issues surrounding an eatery operating inside a 400-million-year-old cave in Selangor.
Gua Lepak is the name given by the food court’s proprietor for his business, but the cave’s actual name is Swamp Cave, and it is part of the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark.
StarMetro’s article on March 11, 2024.
While acknowledging that certain safety-related modifications were sometimes necessary, such as in Mulu National Park, Lim recounted an incident where a glass installation was removed following public backlash.
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When asked about cave dining, Lim said it was subjective but one would not find it in Sarawak because of the state’s strict laws.
For the record, Mulu National Park is protected under Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site.
Lim says Sarawak authorities prohibit encroachment in caves.Sabah Bumiputera Tour Drivers Association chairman Abdul Latif Abd Majif said the state also had notable caves that attracted tourists and researchers because of their natural beauty and historical significance.
“Sabah’s caves such as Gomantong Caves are famous for their large population of bats and swiftlet nests, while the Agop Batu Tulug Caves is an archaeological site consisting of several caves within steep limestone cliffs.
He added that Madai Caves were also famous and served as a cultural and historical landmark that provided a window into the past practices and ecosystems of Sabah.
“So, if you are looking for a cave dining experience, Sabah is not where you’ll find it,” Abdul Latif said.
Perak Geotourism Association secretary Amir Othman argued against having activities like restaurants operating within caves, saying that safety should be a priority.
“We have this reactive culture of enforcing laws only after incidents occur.
“Why wait for a tragedy to happen and then start enforcing the laws? Do it now, the rules and regulations are already in place and the authorities just have to enforce it.
“Have people forgotten about the Gunung Cheroh tragedy?”
In 1973, 40 villagers lost their lives during a rockslide that occurred at the foothill of a limestone hill in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh.
Ahmad Lokman, a tour guide operating in Selangor, shared his observations on the phenomenon of cave dining, noting that the trend seemed largely driven by social media.
“I have seen it with Gua Lepak, it’s about the likes and hits that people get, and no one really cares about the cave itself,” he said, highlighting a disconnect between the allure of unique experiences and genuine environmental appreciation.
The food court proprietor has since ceased operations inside the limestone cave in Gombak but is licensed to operate outside it.
