From cave to major tourist draw


Breathtaking: Gua Tempurung is a beautiful limestone cave located just outside of Gopeng, Perak. Popular among local and international caving enthusiasts, it is the largest cave in all of Peninsular Malaysia. — RONNIE CHIN / The Star

IPOH: The Gua Tempurung ­ecotourism site will undergo a major transformation to turn it into a world-class attraction.

Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said Majuperak Holdings Bhd, the commercial and property development arm of PKNPk, has been tasked with transforming the 32.2ha site in three phases over six years.

He said new facilities for glamping, extreme sports and outdoor activities would be added while the cave’s geological aspect would be maintained and preserved.

“Gua Tempurung has great potential in ecotourism and adventure, making it one of the best tourism destinations in the country.

“Apart from improving safety features in the cave, we will also have rock climbing, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track, extreme sports and glamping facilities.

“The development is in line with our plan for high-value ­experience from our iconic destinations. Our target is to receive between 10,000 and 25,000 ­visitors monthly,” Redza Rafiq said after the signing of a 21-year concession agreement to develop and operate the Gua Tempurung ecotourism site.

The agreement was inked by Majuperak chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij Muhammad Yasin and Kampar district council president Ahmad Suqairi Alias here yesterday.

Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Muhammad Yazurin said the first phase would involve conducting a survey on the safety aspect of the cave and generating activities outside the cave.

“We will form a committee with the district council to develop the area. The second phase will involve more physical development and third, to turn the place into a world-class attraction,” he said, adding that development plans would start immediately.

Ahmad Suqairi said Majuperak would develop and operate the site for 21 years.

“We want to give Majuperak sufficient time to plan and develop the area,” he said, adding that Gua Tempurung welcomes about 100,000 visitors annually.

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