Although major expeditions have been carried out by the Royal Geographical Society in London and the British Caving Research Association, many caves are still not fully explored and remain an alluring, enticing adventure for the nature tourist. Repeat visitors marvel at how a cave can change within months as the naturally humid Malaysian weather promotes faster stalagmite and stalactite formations.

The majorities of caves are limestone and are above ground level. These include Gua Kelam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, Batu Caves in Selangor and scattered caves around Lake Kenyir in Terengganu and Gua Ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Famous caves in Sarawak include the Painted Cave in Niah and Fairy Cave in Bau. The Gomantong Cave is the most well known cave in Sabah.

Underwater or river caves in the Kinta Valley make up less than ten per cent of local caves and are to be avoided during the rainy season. There are also dolomites and sandstone caves scattered around the country.

Malaysian caves can be divided into two categories: adventure and show caves. Adventure caves that include Drunken Forest Cave and Legan’s Cave are caves that remain close to their natural state. Show caves such as Deer, Lang and Clear Water Caves in Mulu National Park, Sarawak, are those which have been opened up for public viewing with guides, lights and walkways as well as clearly marked paths and explanatory notes. Show caves are cleaner and easier to access than the more challenging adventure caves.