An abundance of intriguing caves form part of the unique geological formations which led to Langkawi being awarded World Heritage Geopark Status by UNESCO. Many of these caves were created millions of years ago, and some are simply stunning. Whilst some are difficult to access, others can easily be explored on foot or by boat, for a fascinating adventure. Here is a guide to Langkawi’s incredible caves.
Bat Cave
Located inside a limestone cliff, on the banks of the Kilim River, Bat Cave is within the Kilim Geopark and accessible by boat. Visit this cave to see a large number of Malaysian Fruit Bats hanging from the ceiling, and wonderful geological formations resembling living creatures.
Crocodile Cave
This cave is also located in the Kilim Geopark and can also be accessed by boat, however only at low tide. Crocodile Cave is named because from certain angles the shape resembles a crocodile. It is not home to any crocodiles, only small colonies of bats, and magnificent limestone formations on the ceiling.
Porcupine Cave
The easily accessible location of Porcupine Cave close to Kuah Town means that it is one of the most popular caves to visit, and included in several Langkawi tours. Fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations resemble shapes like umbrellas and mushrooms, and one amazing floating formation resembles a hanging garden.
Gua Dangli
Take a 30-minute boat ride from the main island to arrive at Pulau Dangli island, home of Gua Dangli. Enter only by boat at low tide to discover giant limestone curtains, umbrellas, and mushrooms. A narrow hole leads to a bamboo forest area, with a slope leading to a second cave.
Cave of Legends
Accessed via boat from Tanjung Rhu, this two-storey cave is steeped in fascinating legends of mystery and romance, and filled with intriguing limestone formations.
Gua Pasir Dagang
Located at Pulau Dayang Bunting island, this 100-metre long cave is home to some of the most unusual formations resembling supernatural figures. There is a stream running through the cave, and as such you will need to wade through waist-deep water to enter.
Cave of Banshee
Just a short boat ride from Kuah is Cave of Banshee, steeped in myth and superstition. It is said to be home to a banshee who sucks blood from the human body. This myth may have come about because of the gloomy chambers infused with lurking shadows, or the shrill and eerie sounds made by the wind passing through. Access to this cave is via a difficult climb, which is only suitable for experienced climbers.
Gua Pinang
Access to Gua Pinang is via a short boat ride followed by a 20-minute climb through thorny vegetation; therefore it is visited less often than some of the more accessible caves. The walls are embedded with a plethora of seashells, indicating that the cave was under the sea thousands of years ago. It is home to an estimated 10,000 fruit bats, as well as a variety of insects and huge stalactite and stalagmite formations.
