The largest natural limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia, Tempurung Cave, located in the vicinity of Gopeng, 24 kilometres south of Ipoh, was first identified in 1887 in a Map of Perak-Malay Peninsula, which indicated a mountain spelt as "Gunong Tempoo Rong". The Department of Minerals and Geosciences estimate the age of the rock formations in the area of Gua Tempurung to be between 250 and 400 million years. The cave was also known locally as Gua Perah.
During the nation's infancy, the Communist Party of Malaya used Tempurung Cave as a hideout and a base of operations to strike against the local defense force. Now, visitors can still view the battle plans drawn on the walls and ceilings of the cave. Some of the passages lead right through the complex to a beautiful and scenic view of the Perak Jungle.
Its five huge domes with ceilings that resemble coconut shells of stalagmites and stalactites, rim stone pools, curtains, straws, calcite crystals and pillars. All these form the natural limestone cave architecture.
The domes also differ from one another in temperature, water level, content of limestone and marble.
More than 3 km long, it is one of the longest caves in Peninsula Malaysia. Today, part of it has been developed as a show cave with lighted walkways. Tours are also available.
