Tempurung
Cave Write Up by Fazlin Badri Alyeope
Gua
Tempurung, Gopeng – (15th
April 2001)
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Tempurung Cave
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I was never the outdoor type so I
actually dreaded this trip but as a committee member of the Alumni
Association I believe it is important to show support to its
activities. I was not even half prepared as the day drew closer; the
only clues I had about the trip were that we were going to get very
wet and tired.
As soon as we got there we were
introduced to our guide, Michael and his two assistants (Meng &
Shan Wee - cavers from Caving Association of Malaysia & Selangor
Caving Club). Despite his sense of humor, he doesn’t take to tomfoolery
kindly. He briefed us about the Cave and its route, but didn’t
reveal too much as he had planned to narrate as we go along the
journey.
As soon as we walked in, a scene that
resembles something that comes out of National Geographic appeared
before us and we paused on more than one occasion to marvel at one of
God’s finest artwork. The whole cave was a maze. The hollow was
enormous, which reminds me of a massive hall, and the different sizes
of the cracks formed countless compartments and tunnels which may or
may not lead to an exit. Michael went on to explain the pictures on
the wall, but to my disappointment, most of them are pretty recent.
We proceeded to something that seemed
like an endless staircase and at each resting point; I took the
opportunity to gasp in as much air as possible. Michael did an
absolutely wonderful job during the intervals by explaining about the
rock formations particularly the Stalagmites, Stalactites, Rim Stone
Pool, Flowstone, Pillars, Shower Head & Etc; the various species of bats and
snakes; and the cave’s intricate structures.
Next, we reached the end of the paved
paths (and civilization as I know it) and started on a more literally
bumpy journey. Michael had provided each of us a safety helmet and I
could hear clacking sounds made by the cap each time someone knocked
the protruding spikes as we crawled under the stringent cave routes,
followed by the "ouch"s, the "ahh"s and "ooh"s.
At one point, Michael briefed us in total darkness for a few minutes
and made us stimulate our senses by not making any sounds for a good
20 seconds as the sound of the running stream, the bats and the
crickets intertwined with our imaginations. He told us that a cave is
one of the most ideal places for meditation.
My turn for mishaps came when I failed
to notice a huge spike hanging in front of me, while crawling under
the very limited spaces and I hit it head on. My head spins
momentarily but fortunately I quickly recovered. My mishap was not
nearly as embarrassing as some of my fellow cavers. Joseph had his
trousers caught on the sharp edges of the stalagmites and had it torn,
perhaps revealing some skin. We had come across knee-deep water a few
times, but I overheard the others saying that we would encounter
deeper. We proceeded to more difficult routes, this time crawling
under the very low ceilings in knee-deep water.
We walked for a good 15 minutes until
we saw dim sunlight in the distance. An opening to one of the cave’s
exits, we found a perfect spot to have our lunch. Some of us took the
opportunity to wringe our socks and emptied water out of our soaked
shoes. We were told not to drink from the stream, as the mineral
content of the water is too high for our body.
After the lunch stop, we started to
head back, but Michael had decided on a different route. It was the
same tiring, wet, grueling journey all over again. Earlier, most of us
had climbed a huge rock but I had avoided the task due to my fear of
heights. To my horror, the only way back was to slide down an
extensive wall. However, I was delighted to discover that my rough
corduroy trousers helped to prevent me from sliding too fast. After
that, we slipped into a hole big enough for one person only and exited
to another chamber.
Finally, we came to a familiar route,
but instead of taking it, Michael made us wade through the stream,
which led to the entrance. Perhaps, to some people, it was a welcoming
sight, but it meant the end of our venture to me. A thrilling 4 hours
excursion ended there and the heavy rain greeted us. We were drenched
and worn-out but most of us immersed ourselves in a quiet relief and a
deep satisfaction.
I wish to thank Michael and his crew
(Meng
& Shan Wee) and Jimmy for organizing the memorable and educational
and adventure caving trip. I’m certainly not discouraged by the lack of comfort and look
forward for my next visit to . Perhaps I am the outdoor type after all….
Written
by Miss Fazlin
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