The Cave Group  

Caving is an enjoyable and adventurous activity for practically anybody who is relatively fit. All you need to get started is to contact a cave group like those found at MNS Selangor Branch, Perak Branch, Penang Branch or Kedah Branch. Always go caving with people who are experienced and knowledgeable. That is the only way to make sure you learn something and most importantly, you return safely home to tell your tale.

Established in 1997, the MNS Kedah Branch Cave Group was formed to explore the caves found at the Nakawan Range along the borders of Perlis with the Thai Province of Satun. There are also other extensive limestone areas like the Chuping Hills in Perlis and Northern Kedah, Baling in Kedah and the Northern Perak areas. In addition, there are also many caves to explore in Southern Thailand. At the rate we are going, we will not finish exploring all the caves in the area!

The objectives of the group are:

• to promote responsible caving;
• to promote better understanding of caves and karst processes;
• to promote the study of flora, fauna and geology of limestone areas found in the northern region;
• to promote the protection of important cave and karst areas;
• to work closely with other groups or individuals in the promotion of these objectives.

Past activities

• Exploration and survey of the caves of the Chuping Hills in Perlis in co-operation with WWF Malaysia.
• Exploration of the caves of Langkawi.
• Organised trips to caves for schools and members of the MNS to Gua Wang Burma in Perlis, Gunong Keriang near Alor Setar and Gua Sami in Perlis.
• Held several Single Rope Technique training session in Kedah and Perlis.
• Resurvey Gua Kelam II/Gua Kambing in Perlis, Peninsular Malaysia’s longest cave.
• Exploration and survey of Gua Lo Po Sang in Perlis, Peninsular Malaysia’s deepest cave.
• Exploration and survey of Gua Baba in Perlis.

Future Activity

• Exploration and survey of the other caves connected to the Wang Mu Streamway with the aim of connecting all these caves (0n going project)
• Exploration and survey of 2 caves in Langkawi. One at Pulau Dayang Bunting and another on the main Langkawi Island.
• Cave tour of Gua Wang Burma in Perlis for the MNS Penang Branch members on 14 June 1998
• Exploration of the caves near Lenggong in Northern Perak on 4/5 July. Trip open to any MNS members. Numbers limited.
• Understanding the geology of the Setul Formation Limestone and the link to the formation of the area’s cave.

How to Start Caving

If you are interested to go caving contact the MNS Kedah Cave Group Coordinator at the contact numbers below. The Cave Group would be happy to help you organise a beginners trip to one of the more popular caves in the area. Members are not charged however, non members will be charged a nominal fee. Hope to hear from you!