IPOH: An environmental group will hold three public activities in September to raise awareness of Ipoh’s unique limestone landscape.
The events are in conjunction with the International Day of Caves and Karst 2026, which is being officially observed by Unesco for the first time on Sept 13.
Limestone hill conservation group Kinta Valley Watch spokesman Ching Boon Tat said the programmes, scheduled for Sept 6, 13 and 20, aim to promote a better understanding of the importance of caves and karst landscapes.
"Many people think karst only refers to limestone hills, but karst features can also be found in rivers, lakes and caves.
"We want people to appreciate that these landscapes are an important part of Ipoh’s natural heritage," he said on Wednesday (July 8).
Ching said the Sept 6 programme will take participants on a guided exploration of Gua Anak Tempurung near Kampar, where they will learn about the cave’s geological features and significance.
Participants in the Sept 13 event will wade in the shallow waters of Sg Jahang in Jeram, on the Kampar-Gopeng border.
"Wearing lifejackets and helmets, participants will observe limestone formations along the riverbed and learn how rivers also form part of karst landscapes," he said.
He said the final programme on Sept 20 will take place at the limestone pinnacles of Malim Nawar, and is an exploration of the former tin mining lake by kayak or stand-up paddleboard while viewing limestone formations rising from the water.
He said the activity would be conducted in four sessions, with each session limited to 10 participants.
Ching said the programmes are intended to highlight the significance of Ipoh’s extensive limestone landscape, one of the largest karst regions in Peninsular Malaysia.
"If people in Ipoh do not celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst, who will?
"We hope these activities will encourage more people to understand and appreciate our unique karst environment," he said.
He added that while Kinta Valley Watch has organised cave and karst awareness programmes over the years, this is the first time the activities are being held in conjunction with Unesco’s official observation.
A minimal registration fee will be charged to cover safety equipment, guide fees and future conservation activities.
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