This cave complex, located about 25km from Jerantut town, Pahang, has over 100 limestone caverns and is gazetted as a National Heritage Site.
Covering some 147.3ha, the Kota Gelanggi cave complex is a natural heritage site close to 150 million years old. (Bernama pic)
JERANTUT: The Kota Gelanggi cave complex, located about 25km from Jerantut town in Pahang, is more than just an ordinary limestone formation – it is a natural heritage site that is close to 150 million years old.
Rich in biodiversity, and with great geological and archaeological significance, the area is also steeped in local myths.
Covering 147.3ha, the cave complex houses over 100 limestone caves, although only a few are accessible to the public. These include Gua Balai, Gua Terang Bulan, Gua Penyu, Gua Angin, Gua Kepala Gajah, Gua Gajah, Gua Sanding, Gua Potret, and Gua Tongkat.
Managed by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) since 1998, Kota Gelanggi has been gazetted as a National Heritage Site and is now one of Pahang’s key geotourism assets.
According to Azmi Baharudin, recreation manager at Felda Residence Tekam, visitors who wish to explore the caves must go through a 3.5km off-track trail through the jungle and narrow passages, and undertake a physically demanding climb.
“The trail has been left in its natural state, with fallen trees, tangled roots, muddy ground and slippery areas – elements that enhance the experience for those seeking a true tropical rainforest adventure,” he said.
One stop along the trail is a wild-boar den that serves as a habitat for the animals and is crucial to the forest ecosystem. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the importance of biodiversity balance.
Folklore surrounding the caves has long been passed down orally among members of local communities. (Bernama pic)
“Wild boars play an important role as natural tillers of the soil, dispersing seeds and contributing to the land’s natural fertility, which helps maintain the earth’s pH balance,” Azmi said.
He added that the geological structures within the Kota Gelanggi complex attract both researchers and tourists. The caves, meanwhile, are linked to folklore passed down orally among members of local communities.
“These old stories add value to the natural beauty of the caves. According to folklore, some formations are said to be the result of ancient curses, while certain caves were believed to have served as hiding spots for Malay warrior Mat Kilau during colonial times,” Azmi highlighted.
Among the caves associated with legend is Gua Sanding, which features rock formations resembling a bridal couple, a reclining woman, a bearded man, a child with the face covered and a frog. It is believed to be connected to a tale of a curse from the ancient Kalang Kio kingdom.
There are also formations resembling a double-curved keris and a sword, symbolising Malay warrior spirit and reflecting traditional Malay customs and identity.
Explorers and researchers are drawn to these limestone caves for their natural beauty, as well as archeological and mythical significance. (Bernama pic)
Then there’s Gua Tongkat, which can be accessed by vehicle and is often used as a rest stop. According to Azmi, archaeologists made significant discoveries in 1998, including those of a human skeleton and artefacts such as pottery, cooking tools, wooden and glass beads, on top of soot marks on the cave walls.
“These findings support the theory that Kota Gelanggi was once inhabited by prehistoric humans and served as one of the earliest settlements in the region,” he said, adding that the artefacts have since been sent to the Pekan Museum for research and documentation.
To further strengthen the site’s position as an educational and heritage-based tourism product, several initiatives are being planned, including providing facilities for ATV routes, paintball activities, abseiling, night walks and bird watching.
“We also plan to add two more campsites and are evaluating the potential for developing a mountain bike trail around the outer cave areas,” Azmi said.
He added that the initiatives will be carried out in phases, with priority given to ecosystem conservation and involving the local community as guides and service providers.
