Taman Warisan Gua Kota Gelanggi, Pahang

“Life is never easy. There is work to be done and obligations to be met – obligations to truth, to justice, and to liberty...” - John F. Kennedy

(An archway through Gua Tongkat)

GPS: 3.88689,102.476917
03°53′19.30″N 102°28′36.90″E

If you're a cave enthusiast, Gua Kota Gelanggi should be one of the places you should visit. There are a total of 11 caves located at the area and open for public.

Without a torch light or a headlamp, and equipped only with trekking shoes, today we were prepared to explore the easier part of Gua Kota Gelanggi.

(Another interesting attraction)

(A cave complex within the limestone hills)

(A good road into the cave complex)

Taman Warisan Gua Gelanggi is a 15-minutes’ drive from Kampung Pulau Tawar. Mat Kilau is said to have gone to meditate and sharpen his skills in martial arts and mysticism in Gua Kota Gelanggi which is located not far from his village.

(A ranger guarding the ticket counter)

(Paying a small entrance fee)

(The caves unravel various mysteries)

Taman Warisan Gua Gelanggi is an interesting place to visit. There are many caves, among them are Gua Tongkat, Gua Terang Bulan, Gua Angin, Gua Batu Sanding, Gua Kota Balai, Gua Penyu dan Gua Kelawar. The origin of the name Gelanggi comes from the Siamese word Klang Kio or Gelang Gio. The legend tells that this area was ruled by Raja Gelanggi who had a beautiful princess.  

(The first cave on the trail)

(A unique archway leading to other caves) 

(One for the album)

(The benches look like graves. Eery...) 

(Stores a variety of weird and mysterious stories)

(Various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites)

(Myth associated with supernatural beings)

(A natural entrance and exit)

(Exiting to the other side of the cave)

The entrance fee is RM5 per person. We were fortunate to be allowed to drive on the 2 km tarmacked road. We visited three of the main caves as they are easily accessible. There are washrooms and gazebos around the area where the road ends near Gua Kota Balai.

(Another cave to visit)

(Parking by the gazebo)

(A steep climb to the top)

(Half-way up the steps)

(Bring a strong torch-light if you decide to explore)

The caves complex is mentioned in the Buku Sejarah Melayu as Kota Kelangkio. It is said that the princess Onangkio from Siam stopped here on the way to Pahang. There is a tributary near this area called Sungai Siam. There are allegations that this cave can be connected to the East Coast states of Terengganu or Kelantan or Siam to strengthen the story on how the legendary Mat Kilau managed to escape from the British to Siam.

(Gua Kota Balai at the end of the path)

(Plenty of resting places)

(A gentle climb at first)

(A steep climb to the top)

(A few more steps to the entrance)

(I am too tired to climb up)

(Taking a rest before we exit the cave complex)

(Simple amenities for public use)