GUA CERITA

Located on a sandy beach in the far northeast corner of the main island of Langkawi, Gua Cerita is the most well-known cave throughout the Langkawi islands. It is so named because its walls still evoke tales and legends that have been passed from generation to generation.Easily accessible by boat from Tanjung Rhu, the cave can be reached by climbing a wooden ladder.  Legend has it that Gua Cerita  is linked to the mystical battle of the giant birds. It was here apparently that the Princess of China was abducted and held captive. Faintly legible on the walls of the cave are some ancient inscriptions, said to be verses from the Koran.

GUA DANGLI

Pulau Dangli is a small island about half an hour by boat west of Tanjung Rhu. There are actually two caves on the island although sharing one name.The caves are not interconnected and are structurally distinctive. The first cave can be entered from the sea at low tide. Within is a fabulous array of stalactites. Giant limestone curtains, umbrellas and mushrooms spring out of the sculptured walls. The chamber tunnels up to a small hole, exiting into a bamboo forest where a second cave is located about 30 metres up a slope. The mouth of the second cave is small and has a sheer drop of about 20 metres to a subterranean world of limestone caverns that stir the imagination.

GUA BUAYA

The name of this cave may either entice or scare off visitors, depending on their attitude to the crocodiles that still exist in the area, although not in so large a number as in the old days. This cave is unique because the Kilim River actually flows right through it, and is navigable by a small boat at low tide. Inside the cave there is an ascending chamber flanked by walls of white limestone with minimal stalactites and stalagmites. Small colonies of bats roost on the lower ceiling. As part of a tour package, a boat journey culminating in a visit to the cave will provide excitement and adventure.

GUA PINANG

Located off a tributary at Kuala Kubang Badak, this cave is situated in an area which was under the sea thousands of years ago, as indicated by the abundance of ancient seashells embedded in the cave walls. The cave can be accessed by boat from Tanjung Rhu or by land from Kuah, followed by a short boat ride up Sungai Kubang Badak. You will have to climb a hill overgrown with thorny vegetation for another twenty minutes or so. Also known as Gua Badak, the cave has a small entrance on the side of a huge limestone outcrop, which leads down into the tunnelling chambers.

GUA LANGSIAR

On the western coast of Pulau Dayang Bunting, this "Cave of the Banshee" is recommended only to serious cavers with rock climbing experience, as the cave entrance is high up a cliff face. The huge chambers are permeated with lurking shadows, giving 'life' to the superstition that the cave is haunted. It takes about 45 minutes by boat from Kuah to reach the area. Seen from the sea, the cave looks tame enough to 'capture', but in reality you'll have to make a risky landing at the bay near the cave and wade in waist-deep water, which may be quite treacherous. It is the the soft wailing of the wind from the opening at the topmost chamber that prompted the islanders to name it the banshee's cave.

GUA SIAM

This cave should not be confused with another cave of the same name - Gua Sungai Siam, which is in another area. Located at Sungai Batu Gajah in the heart of a mangrove swamp, the cave is located within a limestone hill. Skeletal remains of humans, animals and primitive tools have been discovered here, although the age of the bones have yet to be determined. From Tanjung Rhu it takes about 15 minutes by boat to enter the mouth of the river. The journey up river is pleasant and visually-rewarding. Enchanting views of hills rising majestically greets your sight at every bend in the river. Occassionally, the white-breasted Langkawi Brahminy kite eagle would soar and swoop low over the green canopy.

GUA TOK SABUNG

Hidden on the northwestern tip of Langkawi island in the vicinity of Kuala Kubang Badak directly opposite Pulau Jemurok, this cave is accessible from two directions.The more difficult first entrance will require a very difficult climb from the shoreline up a steep slope for about 40 minutes. Climbing ropes are not necessary as the tough vegetation allows good leverage. The second entrance is through the quarry ground to the foot of the limestone outcrop a few kilometres away. This cave has some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites in all of Langkawi, many of which are as attractive as quality marble. Thousands of bats roost within, shrieking through without hitting anything.

GUA LANDAK

A few minutes drive from Kuah, this is the most accessible cave on the island. The arched entrance is located about 20 metres below the ground level, and you need to be extra careful when descending, as there are sharp-edged rocks and boulders scattered about. A huge stalagmitic outcrop stands sentinel. Within, the tunnelling chamber is fairly wide with a variety of  stalactite and stalagmite formations, which seem to stare at you with ready claws. Elsewhere, enchanting curtains and umbrella-like formations grace the walls. A flowstone in the shape of a hanging garden is a delight to behold. Such is the artistry and craftsmanship of nature.

GUA LAYANG

A huge limestone outcrop, in the Kuala Kubang badak area to the northwest of Langkawi is home to two caves quite close to each other. Gua Layang is on the right flank. Geologically, the abundance of limestone must be the reason for the occurrence of many caves in the region. Accessible from Kuah by land -- about one and a half-hour's drive.  Getting-off from the main road, you will have to cut through a rubber plantation to the edge of a forest almost at the foot of the limestone outcrop.  The cave is dome-shaped and lined with oddly curious white and grey limestone, adorned with huge serpent-like stalactites hanging down as if guarding some secrets.

GUA PASIR DAGANG

Nestled on the coast of Pulau Dayang Bunting, this cave is very accessible - the boat ride passing by some very enchanting islands. This is one of the most intriguing caves, with the stalagmites forming bizarre figures that boggle the mind. The entrance of the cave is quite small. A sandy-bed stream runs  through it. To get inside you will have to wade in waist-deep water. The air-conditioned feeling that you feel during the journey is attributed to the air currents blowing through the tunnel. The atmosphere in the cave is awe-inspiring, without the usual feeling of anxiety and fear. It has yet to be determined how far the stream flows inside the cave and where it leads to.

GUA BALAI

Around the cave is an abundance of trees, creepers, ferns and palms, providing a pleasant and serene environment. The cave entrance is narrow and angular, tapering to the top. A long, broad tunnel runs through the cave and ends in a gaping hole at the other end. Stalactites and not stalagmites are predominant, with a huge serpent-like one hanging down from the roof.



 

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