Gua Musang is a remote town in the southern tip of Kelantan, bordering Pahang in the south. Not many people would visit Gua Musang as a tourist as the town has little to boast about tourism. It is more like a gateway between Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia to Kelantan; or the entrance to the National Park (Taman Negara). Nevertheless, we were in this small town to explore its beauty, and true indeed there are some places that worthy to stopby, if you happen to drive through this small town.Â
1. Water and Moon Temple (水月宫）
Located in the Chinese settlement Pulai, the temple has a history of at least 500 years. It is believed to be one of the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, as it was built by the Chinese when they built their settlement here for gold mining. The temple still retained its elegance with traits of sculpture and arts from China still can be seen. Occasionally, festivals are being hosted in the temples.
2. Zi Xia Cave (紫霞洞）
The cave is located opposite of Water of Moon Temple in Pulai but there is no paved road leading there, meaning to say you have to walk there. It was not a long journey and trust us, the effort to walk there will worth the view it gives you. The distance was not long, probably a 15 minutes walking should take you there.
There are 2 rumours on the existence of the cave:
1) There was a ship ferrying a princess and she fall in love with the Pulai settlement upon arrived here. She was reluctant to follow her father back despite being persuaded by her father. Therefore, she stayed in the cave and become the guardian of the hill.
2) A princess was looking for her lost father and ended up in the cave. Feeling despair, she passed away in the cave, therefore the people named the cave after here. However there are several rumours saying it was a prince instead of a princess.
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| Look for the hanging bridge just opposite of Water and Moon Temple |
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| Cross the hanging bridge |
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| Follow the trail |
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| You will see rubber trees along the trail |
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| Soon you will see the lime stone hill |
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| Upon arrival at the destination, you will see a pond with 太公 fishing there. |
To reach the peak of the lime stone hill. You need to use the staircase which amounted to approximately 150 steps. Be grateful as there was not even staircase previously.Â
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| The obsolete ladder is left at one side of the cave |
The view up the cave is breathtaking. You can see the Galas River and some part of Pulai village.
A statue of Goddess of Mercy is carved inside the cave. There is no people manning the temple but the locals do provide some incense for praying and a box for donation.Â
The natural limestone with stalactites and stalagmites are amazing and can be observed in the cave. Be a responsible human being by not vandalizing the nature.Â
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| This is what we walked through to reach the top of the cave! |
Location map direction
3. Gua Musang Railway Station
A rather unusual points of attraction, Gua Musang railway station is unique in a way that it is situated in front of Bukit Gua Musang, a barren hill of rocks and deceptive stone-steps running 105 metres high. The hill looks like a stone pillar with a big crack which nearly splits it vertically into two equal halves.Â
Folklore tells that long ago, the local superstitious hunters made offerings of animals in front of the cave of Gua Musang. However, one afternoon a raging storm broke out and a bolt of lighting struck the summit of the hill and split it into two. The hunters believed the God of the Cave was angry with them, and as they prayed they saw a huge pack of Civet Cats, which is how the town got its name.Â
Thanks for posting about this. We visited yesterday and your maps were very helpful. What a nice place
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome! Glad that you find the information useful. Enjoy your trip in Malaysia!
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