A lofty chamber
Daylight through roof openings.
A huge limestone cave in a hill amid oil-palm estates near the town of Panching, some twenty-five kilometres north-west of Kuantan. You climb a long staircase up the side of the hill, then enter a vast, lofty chamber lit by daylight from openings in the roof. Inside the cave is a Buddhist temple that has been there for decades, best known for a large reclining Buddha, along with striking limestone stalactites and stalagmites. For those who come for the natural scene, the great chamber, the light and the rock are what make the visit, and from the top of the stairs there is a view over the green plantations around the hill. Entry is a token fee of about two ringgit per person, plus a small parking charge. It is a place of worship for its followers, so keep quiet and dress modestly. The stairs are long and tiring in the heat, so come in the morning with water and comfortable shoes. It combines with Sungai Lembing town and its museum on roughly the same road, for half a day from Kuantan.
Daylight through roof openings.
Striking limestone formations.
Green estates from the top of the stairs.
Panching, about 25 km north-west of Kuantan
The stairs are long and fairly steep and tiring in the heat, but paved. It suits anyone of reasonable fitness, best in the morning with water.