Recipes
You’ve tried brownies, but have you tried its vegan, eggless counterpart?
These vegan brownies are exceptionally easy to put together and has a super rich, dense and moist texture that’s perfect for any occasion! To replace the eggs, simply mix together ground flax seeds with liquid to create a sticky solution that will bind the brownies together when they bake. I personally prefer using whole flax seeds as it gives the brownies an added nutty texture that saves me the hassle of having to look for nuts. I used espresso for extra flavors, but feel free to switch it out with hot water if you are not a fan of coffee.
Optional: Top the batter with your preferred choice of nuts before popping it into the oven, such as walnuts or almond for artisanal-looking brownies that is guaranteed to wow your guests!
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
100g chocolate (coarsely chopped)
½ cup vegan butter/vegetable oil (melted)
1 cup sugar (I used unrefined brown)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp ground flax seeds
6 tbsp hot, unsweetened black coffee (soak for 20 minutes)
Easy Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe
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| Easy Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe |
You’ve tried brownies, but have you tried its vegan, eggless counterpart?
These vegan brownies are exceptionally easy to put together and has a super rich, dense and moist texture that’s perfect for any occasion! To replace the eggs, simply mix together ground flax seeds with liquid to create a sticky solution that will bind the brownies together when they bake. I personally prefer using whole flax seeds as it gives the brownies an added nutty texture that saves me the hassle of having to look for nuts. I used espresso for extra flavors, but feel free to switch it out with hot water if you are not a fan of coffee.
Optional: Top the batter with your preferred choice of nuts before popping it into the oven, such as walnuts or almond for artisanal-looking brownies that is guaranteed to wow your guests!
Easy Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
200g chocolate (melted)100g chocolate (coarsely chopped)
½ cup vegan butter/vegetable oil (melted)
1 cup sugar (I used unrefined brown)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp ground flax seeds
6 tbsp hot, unsweetened black coffee (soak for 20 minutes)
Baking Method
- Soak ground flax seeds in hot black coffee for 20 minutes. Set aside.
- Add butter and sugar into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add in melted chocolate, flax mixture and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift in all the dry ingredients: Flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt and mix well.
- Add coarsely chopped chocolate before pouring batter into a baking dish. Spread with spatula to even out the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes at 180°C.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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| Easy Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe |
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| Vegan brownies can be fudgy and moist too! |
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| Easy Fudgy Vegan Brownies Recipe |
Happy baking!
For related articles, please click here.
Restaurant Reviews
Havana Dining at NU Sentral Serves Modern Cuban Delights
It was next to impossible to find Cuban cuisine in Malaysia - until the opening of Havana Dining at NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur!
It’s an incredible experience to see how the Cubans bring together diverse ingredients to create dishes that pack a punch. The spread may seem simple, yet each dish is loaded with flavors. The Cuban cuisine has a tuneful blend of African, Spanish and Caribbean influences, and the similarities are noticeable through the use of certain spices as well as the cooking techniques. As Cuba has a tropical climate and only two seasons: wet and dry, it produces plenty of fruits and root vegetables that are almost similar to what we can find in Malaysia.
A typical Cuban meal consists of both beans and rice - either cooked together or separately. This super duo is regarded as a hearty comfort food that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
Cuba is globally known for its cigars, but at Havana Dining, you get to have a taste of their take on playful and pretty edible cigar rolls instead - loaded with the good stuff: pulled beef that's been braised for hours and a luscious chili jam. Havana Dining is pork-free, but for those want to indulge in an alcoholic drink, be sure to order from their specially curated cocktail menu. The must-try cocktail here? Dirty Dream in Havana - highly recommended by the manager, chef, bartenders and all its customers here!
If you are not already feeling gratified and full at this point, that means you are ready to move on to the main courses! The entrees are truthfully a tad bit pricey, but you can get more bang for your buck by choosing from the Havana Lunch Special at only RM68 with one starter and one main course, or the Havana Dinner Menu which is equally as impressive!
No, you can't leave without ending your meal with a sweet note.
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| Havana Dining at NU Sentral Serves Modern Cuban Delights |
It’s an incredible experience to see how the Cubans bring together diverse ingredients to create dishes that pack a punch. The spread may seem simple, yet each dish is loaded with flavors. The Cuban cuisine has a tuneful blend of African, Spanish and Caribbean influences, and the similarities are noticeable through the use of certain spices as well as the cooking techniques. As Cuba has a tropical climate and only two seasons: wet and dry, it produces plenty of fruits and root vegetables that are almost similar to what we can find in Malaysia.
A typical Cuban meal consists of both beans and rice - either cooked together or separately. This super duo is regarded as a hearty comfort food that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
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| Dishes at Havana Dining are not exactly traditional, but they are elevated to meet contemporary standards while preserving Cuban touches in its own unique ways |
Havana Dining at NU Sentral Serves Modern Cuban Delights
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Cuban Fine Dining at Havana Dining, NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
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Cuban Credentials & Recognition
Located on the open air gardenscape rooftop of NU Sentral Kuala Lumpur, Havana Dining officially opened its doors to diners on November 16, 2019 in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Cuba's capital of Havana. The grand ceremony was officiated by the Cuban ambassador in Malaysia and attended by prominent Cuban and local figures.
Havana Dining promises to deliver an authentic Cuban experience to Malaysians by taking diners for a trip down memory lane back to the 1950s when the streets of Cuba were lined with classic American cars and vibrant architecture. Expect to see plenty of nostalgic Cuban elements once you step into this restaurant, be it in the form of tasteful decor, warm hospitality or an elaborate, distinguishable menu. The space is bright, airy and exudes a royalty vibe and the friendly servers look dashing in their Cuban-style suits that as a whole, provide the perfect fine-dining ambiance that is away from the hustle and bustle yet in proximity to the heart of the city.
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| The servers at Havana Dining look dashing in their Cuban-style suits |
Accomplished and Passionate Chefs
At Havana Dining, working with the best chefs is of great importance. A good chef is an individual with flairs, sixth sense and a “magical touch” - and he must possess a genuine interest in the success of the restaurant with the ability to transform any dish into a sublime experience for the diners.
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| Havana Dining serves more than just flavors - it emphasizes immensely on aesthetics as well |
Menu at Havana Dining, NU Sentral
The food menu at Havana Dining at NU Sentral focuses primarily on Cuban offerings, but it also carries subtle Mexican, Spanish, Europe and South American influences - making it an experience like no other. Chart your own culinary journey at Havana Dining by starting your meal with classic Cuban appetizers such as the Mariquitas - crispy, healthy young plantain chips served with freshly made salsa, or my personal favorite: Vieras - pan seared scallops served with romesco, salsa, potato boxty and cream bisque.
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| Mariquitas (RM45) Home Dried Plantain Chips with Pica De Gallo |
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| Mariquitas (RM45) Home Dried Plantain Chips with Pica De Gallo |
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| Rollos de Cigarro de Carne Cubana (RM38) Slow-braised pulled beef wrapped in spring roll pastry served with roasted pepper chili jam |
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| Rollos de Cigarro de Carne Cubana (RM38) Slow-braised pulled beef wrapped in spring roll pastry served with roasted pepper chili jam |
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| Vieras (RM88) Pan seared scallops served with romesco, chili lime cucumber salsa, potato boxty and cream bisque |
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| Vieras (RM88) Pan seared scallops served with romesco, chili lime cucumber salsa, potato boxty and cream bisque |
Cuba is globally known for its cigars, but at Havana Dining, you get to have a taste of their take on playful and pretty edible cigar rolls instead - loaded with the good stuff: pulled beef that's been braised for hours and a luscious chili jam. Havana Dining is pork-free, but for those want to indulge in an alcoholic drink, be sure to order from their specially curated cocktail menu. The must-try cocktail here? Dirty Dream in Havana - highly recommended by the manager, chef, bartenders and all its customers here!
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| Dirty Dream in Havana (RM35.90)Don't be fooled by its demure and feminine appeal, this is a strong cocktail concocted with imported rum |
If you are not already feeling gratified and full at this point, that means you are ready to move on to the main courses! The entrees are truthfully a tad bit pricey, but you can get more bang for your buck by choosing from the Havana Lunch Special at only RM68 with one starter and one main course, or the Havana Dinner Menu which is equally as impressive!
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| Havana Dining Lunch Special: Herb Braised Lamb Shoulder (RM68 + starter) Home mash, roasted turnip, carrot puree and lamb jus |
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| Havana Dining Lunch Special: Herb Braised Lamb Shoulder (RM68 + starter) Served with home mash, roasted turnip, carrot puree and lamb jus |
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| Havana Dining Lunch Special: Confit of Duck Leg (RM68 + starter) With Cuban Spices, Home Mash, Duck Jus |
No, you can't leave without ending your meal with a sweet note.
Churros are traditional in Spain, but they were quickly adopted by the Cubans after the colonization. Havana Dining managed to turn what may seemingly be an ordinary street snack into a dish fit for fine-dining through its artful plating and beautiful, precise embellishment of pickles and cream. On the day of our visit, they had a seasonal Chinese New Year menu which gave us the amazing opportunity to taste the chef's other inventive creations including a cheesecake and assorted jellies.
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| Churros (RM38) Chocolate ganache, strawberry pickles and cinnamon cream |
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| Desserts at Havana Dining KL, NU Sentral |
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| Desserts at Havana Dining KL, NU Sentral |
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| Desserts at Havana Dining KL, NU Sentral |
I was (and still am) pretty bummed out that I never got to try its traditional Cuban sandwich - the Emparedado de Pollo. Guess there's a reason for me to revisit this restaurant!
For the complete menu and price at Havana Dining KL, please click here.
Havana Dining KL
(Pork-free | Alcohol offerings)
Level 6 (Rooftop), NU Sentral Mall
Contact number: +6019 278 8218
Email: KL@havanadining.com
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am-10pm
For related articles, click here.
Malaysia
Mosques
Floating Mosque of Perlis: Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis
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| Floating Mosque of Perlis: Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis |
While many tourists are familiar with the world-renowned Langkawi, Perlis - a state located just 30 miles from the island - is often overlooked. As Malaysia's most northern state that borders Thailand's Satun province, this smallest state in the country has a lot more to offer beyond just delicious food, traditional morning markets and the majestic limestone hills and caves, such as the historical Gua Kelam which is rich with mining histories and artifacts. Have extra time on hand? Why not visit one of the state's most iconic mosque that is built on the sea?
Floating Mosque of Perlis: Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis
There are several must-see attractions in Perlis, such as the incredibly beautiful Al Hussain Mosque that will surely charm both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia, Masjid Al Hussain makes up for what it lacks in size with the most amazing unobstructed view of the Strait of Malacca.
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| The majestic Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis |
Built next to the Kuala Perlis Jetty, the structure extends over the sea that has helped it to earn the nickname of a floating mosque. When the tide is at its highest, the mosque appears to be drifting over the sea and this view - accompanied with the setting sun, makes the experience extra memorable and magical.
Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis is one of the greatest spots in Perlis to admire the sunset. The unique colour combination of the sky form an enchanting and rather dramatic backdrop for the mosque, while the mellow sea breeze makes the stay worthwhile and delightful. Don't forget to whip out your camera to capture the sweetest shots to bring home!
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| The breathtaking sunset at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis |
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| Beautiful, unobstructed view of the Strait of Malacca at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis |
One of the greatest feature of Masjid Al Hussain is its walls - instead of being painted, it is exquisitely adorned with the most beautiful selection of marble, pebbles, quartz and granite. The uniquely tactile and textured surface enhances the delicate lines on its grand gold-and-blue dome, which is constructed using aluminium and protective Polyvinylidene Diffluoride (PVDF). The mosque also takes pride in its twin minarets which are the world's first hexagonal minarets.
As the sun sets, the building comes alive and is illuminated with outdoor lights with each colour representing the different prayer times of the day. As Perlis is still relatively undeveloped compared to other states in Malaysia, you will find birds and insects such as dragonflies roaming freely around the compound. The peaceful environment allows you to feel calm and humbled as you immerse in the heavenly positive energy.
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| Soak up the amazing and calming energy at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis |
How to Get to Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia
As there is no direct flight to Perlis, you can hop onto a plane and land at one of the nearest airport either in Alor Setar or Langkawi.
If you are coming by car, take the North-South (PLUS) Highway and make your way to the Changlun- Kuala Perlis highway to arrive at Kuala Perlis - the second-largest town in Perlis. Alternatively, take the ETS train from KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur and get off at Arau.
Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis
Lot 5392, Persiaran Putra Timur, 02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia
Contact number: +604-985 5000, +6011-3545 1301
For related articles, click here.
Don't forget to visit the distinctive Masjid Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail during your trip to Perlis too!
Indonesia
12 Must-Try Dishes in Bali
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| 12 Must-Try Dishes in Bali |
Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, Bali is (surprisingly) a Hindu majority island. Expect to find mostly fish and pork dishes over other types of meat here. Keep in mind that Hindus revere and have a high level of respect for cows, hence they avoid consuming beef and other products sourced from them.
You can find many restaurants outside of tourist hot spots that do not serve pork in order to cater to the Indonesian Muslim majority. Listed below are 10 must-try dishes in Bali to make your island vacay extra memorable!
Read also: Nyepi: A Day of Silence in Bali
12 Must-Try Dishes in Bali
Mini Rijsttafel
A mini rijsttafel is a dish made for sharing. Rijsttafel literally means “rice table” in Dutch that has been made popular during the colonial times. It is a platter of mixed selection of popular Balinese delicacies consisting of meat (typically Bebek Betutu/smoked duck or other types of grilled meat), sambal, sate, tempe, tofu, Nasi Tumpang (rice cones) and Sayur Urap (a local savoury salad).
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| Mini Rijsttafel in Bali |
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| In Bali, a Rijsttafel set comes with up to 40 side dishes cooked in a variety of ways and served with rice! |
Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is just one of the many variants for the celebrated Indonesian satays. The Balinese version is typically prepared using minced pork, fish and chicken (...you might also find turtle meat) combined generously with coconut milk, lemon juice, shallots, grated coconut and heaps of seasonings. The mixture is wrapped thickly around lemon grass, bamboo or sugarcane skewers before being grilled over charcoal. Lilit literally means “to wrap around”.
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| Sate Lilit in Bali Photo credit: idntimes |
Sate
Similar to Sate Lilit, sate is a type of grilled seasoned and skewered meat dish but this version is thinner and is served alongside an appetising sweet peanut sauce.
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| Delicious sate in Bali |
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| Street vendors grilling freshly skewered sate |
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| Sate found on the Balinese streets |
Balinese Coffee
Coffee lovers will instantly fall in love with this island for the abundant variants it offers. However, you should definitely stop by a cafe just for the local Kintamani Balinese coffee which is loved for its fresh, fruity note. The distinct taste can be attributed to the way they are grown - almost always in a plantation alongside citrus fruits that gives the coffee beans a sweet, memorable aftertaste.
If you are feeling adventurous, remember to give coffee Luwak a try. It consists of partially digested coffee cherries which are eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civets. FYI, Kopi Luwak is also the world's most exclusive and expensive coffee due to the rather unsual method of production.
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| Local Balinese Coffee is a must-try when in Bali! |
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| The Kintamani Balinese coffee is a famous selection in here |
Klepon
These beautiful sticky glutinous rice balls are loaded with sweet caramelised coconut in the centre. It is just one Indonesia’s many Jajanan Pasar (market snacks) and can be consumed anytime of the day. The filling is made using coconut and sugary palm sugar, while the skin is perfected using glutinous rice flour with essence from the aromatic pandan (screwpine) leaves. Each bite is a delightful explosion of sweetness!
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| Extra sweet Klepon with paln sugar filling in Bali |
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| Klepon is just one of Bali's many jajanan pasar or market/street snacks |
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| There are plenty of choices available when it comes to street snacks in Bali |
Betutu
This signature Balinese dish features steamed or roasted poultry that has been smothered, rubbed and stuffed in the unbelievably rich Bumbu Betutu spices - a traditional, fragrant concoction of ginger, pepper, turmeric, shrimp paste and chili. It can be found on the streets or even in luxury hotels - making it a must-try when visiting the beautiful island of Bali.
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| Ayam Betutu Bali is a well seasoned and delicious dish in Bali |
Nasi Campur
This “mixed” rice dish comes with a serving of white rice accompanied with small portions of other dishes such as meat, vegetables, eggs, and the mandatory tempe-tofu-keropok toppings. There is no fixed rule when it comes to preparing a plate of Nasi Campur, so feel free to get creative!
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| Nasi Campur makes a cheap and quick meal in Bali |
Gado Gado
This traditional dish is the Indonesian take on salad. It can be enjoyed cold or warm, on its own or accompanied with rice. The dressing is made using aromatic sweet peanut sauce while the vegetables are prepared two ways: steamed (carrot, potato, beans) and raw (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber).
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| Gado Gado is an uniquely Indonesian salad made using blanched vegetables, eggs, rice cakes, tempeh and toufu - served drenched in sweet peanut sauce. |
Ayam Penyet
This dish consists of a star component: smashed fried chicken. The meat is seasoned and first cooked in Bumbu Kuning (yellow spices) before being deep fried in hot palm oil. It is then smashed on a mortar with a stone pestle which makes the meat extra tender and moist before being coated with more spices made using tamarind, lime juice, shrimp paste, tomatoes, anchovies, chili, shallots and garlic.
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| Ayam Penyet served with hot white rice and a variety of side dishes in Bali |
Sambal Matah
There are more than 300 types of sambal in Indonesia, and sambal matah is the favorite in Bali. This extra spicy assemblage is the perfect companion for any Balinese dish and it is made using chili, lime, garlic, lemongrass and shallows pounded coarsely in a traditional stone pestle and mortar. It is further seasoned with salt, sugar, shrimp paste and oil to achieve that distinct hot and aromatic flavors.
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| The ever popular, spicy and delicious sambal matah from Bali. Photo credit: Indonesian Original Recipes |
Grilled BBQ Meat
Tired after spending the entire day at the beach? Cool down with an ice-cold drink and a plate of the finest Balinese BBQ meat. Bali has its own unique way of cooking up the perfect steak, with noticeable Korean and Brazilian influences. As different BBQ joints have their own approach of grilling, get ready to have your taste buds surprised!
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| Grilled BBQ Meat is the perfect wind-down meal in Bali |
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| Balinese-style grilled fish or ikan panggang smothered with spices is one of my favorite dishes there! |
Instant Noodles
Indonesia is famous for its instant noodles - so why not try some while you are there? The local instant noodles offer a huge variety of flavors of unique seasonings, and they have long been considered as comfort food rather than a quick meal. When served in restaurants, they are usually completed with vegetables, meat and eggs. Plus point: many of them are available in convenient packaging that comes with a handy plastic fork - removing the need for bowls and cutlery!
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| Try the local instant noodles not because it's quick and cheap, but because it's an iconic "meal" in Indonesia! |
Bali is more than just a beautiful island destination - it also wows visitors with its amazing gastronomy offerings. Have fun exploring!
For related articles, click here.
Malaysia
Travel
Booking.com
Gua Kelam of Perlis, Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know
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| Gua Kelam of Perlis, Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know |
Gua Kelam is one of the most underrated caves in Malaysia. Also known as the Cave of Darkness, this interesting Perlis attraction is made up of two smaller connected caves known as Gua Kelam 1 and Gua Kelam 2. The journey into the cave begins at Kaki Bukit and ends unexpectedly at a beautifully landscaped open park. The gangway that runs through the cave keeps curious visitors on track while safety gears such as helmets must be put on at all times as there are several narrow areas with low ceilings and long stalactites.
Note: This article talks about one of the best kept secret of Gua Kelam. Continue reading to learn about this hidden location.
Exploring Gua Kelam of Perlis, Malaysia
The walk through Gua Kelam is a breeze, and it is unlike many of the caving experiences I’ve had. It is absolutely suitable for those who are looking to learn more about the country’s mining history, but adventure seekers can choose a different option - which brings you through the same route but ends with an one-hour river wading experience.
For the usual route: You will not get wet and you will not require a head lamp. There is very minimal climbing involved, other than a few flights of stairs.
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| Upon reaching the site, you will see the Perlis State Forestry Department office |
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| Gua Kelam is located within the Banjaran Nakawan range of Thailand-Malaysia |
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| There is more honestly more climbing involved outside of the cave than inside (heh) |
The History of Gua Kelam
Located 33 kilometres north of Kangar, this 370-metre long cavern was formed during the country’s olden tin-mining days. In 1935, the English used the water pathways as a channel to transport tin ores from the mine which they discovered within Kaki Bukit's underground cavern. According to history, the name Gua Kelam is given by the miners due to the darkness within the cave. The miners had to use carbide lamps to light up the cave in order to carry out their activities.
Today, there is a wooden walkway that has been built inside the cave for visitors to walk on. Almost everything inside the cave are left the way they were - including remnants from the tin mining activities.
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| The out-of-service trolley train rails that were used in the past to get into the the cave |
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| A wooden walkway is built for visitors to walk on throughout the cave |
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| Helmets are a must as the roofs are lower in certain parts of the cave |
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| The guide stops to point out interesting features in the cave |
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| Explanation by the guide is very detailed, making the tour an interesting one |
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| Formations in the Gua Kelam |
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| We were so lucky to come across a cave-dwelling frog! |
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| More interesting formations (which names I unfortunately do not recall) |
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| Another group of visitors ahead of us. |
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| If you look close enough, you can see writings in the cave that were left behind by the former cave dwellers - miners that were brought here to work from China by the British |
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| Inside Gua Kelam, you will find writings on the walls with a similar theme: the miners' professing their love for women and their longing to return home. |
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| Unique inscriptions found in Gua Kelam |
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| 'Graffiti’ on the walls of Gua Kelam |
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| Writings on the walls left behind by the miners in Gua Kelam, believed to be written using charcoal. |
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| A hoe left behind from the mining era |
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| You will find "doors" within the caves marked with initials at the borders that separate different territories belonging to different leaders |
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| The mesmerising interior of Gua Kelam |
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| Interesting formations within Gua Kelam |
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| Remnants from the tin mining operations can still be found intact in Gua Kelam |
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| Beautiful interiors of Gua Kelam |
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| The guide stops to show us the formations in Gua Kelam |
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| One of the many interesting formations in the Kelam Cave |
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| Interiors of Gua Kelam |
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| Beautiful natural formations within the Gua Kelam cave |
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| 天 means sky. The Chinese offer their prayers to Tian (天) which is one of the oldest Chinese term for heaven. This small area is found within Gua Kelam that shows the miners' praying rituals. |
The Secret of Gua Kelam: The Highlight of Our Experience
Almost halfway into the eye-opening caving experience, the guide stopped and told us that he has a surprise in store for us.
In front of us was a steep pile of rubble and crushed rocks. He told us that if we make the climb, we will discover Gua Kelam’s most precious secret.
I thought to myself, “Finally, some real action!” I was so excited. I cannot possibly be anymore ready.
The climb is steep but very short. To our surprise, on top of the rubble is another sizable cave - but this one is different: it holds a few shocking remnants from the past.
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| The steep climb to a secret location within Gua Kelam |
We were stunned to find what is in this cave.
There isn't any information about these findings online. This is a secret treasure that you will only discover during your visit to Gua Kelam.
Within this mini cave are several cairns - or man-made piles of stones that according to history, are typically erected as burial monuments, for defense or for ceremonial purposes. The local authorities are against the idea of knocking down these historical structures, so no one is able to tell what is hidden beneath these cairns with certainty.
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| These hidden cairns within Gua Kelam is the cave's best kept secrets. |
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| I only took archaeology for one semester in university, but I am convinced that these cairns are burial sites for the miners who died during their time in Gua Kelam. In Chinese customs, alcohol (typically rice wine) is placed on the altar before being offered in libation by pouring it in front of the tombstone horizontally from right to left with both hands in honor of the deceased. |
I am still in awe with what I saw.
Think you have the answers for Gua Kelam's greatest mystery? Go on a guided tour into this hidden part of the cave and make your own observations.
Gua Kelam Map
Although there is a map and wooden path to guide you through the cave, hiring a tour guide is a must as the cave is huge.
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| The map of Gua Kelam |
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| Information on Gua Kelam |
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| Upon exiting Gua Kelam, you will be greeted by this beautiful lake and a manicured park. |
Gua Kelam Rock Climbing, Hiking & Flying Fox
There are many activities available at Gua Kelam, such as flying fox and rock-climbing.
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| Craving for some actions? Gua Kelam has a series of activities lined up for visitors, such as flying fox. |
Gua Kelam 3D Gallery
The Gua Kelam 3D Gallery opened in December 2019, and it is the first of its kind gallery in Perlis. It showcases five different concepts, which are flora and fauna, tropical rainforest, mining, cave and the Malaysian jungle. Many of its walls are painted by local artists which make great backgrounds for photographs.
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| Preserved snakes found in Gua Kelam |
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| Remnants left behind by the Chinese miners in Gua Kelam |
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| Display of preserved butterflies that can be found in the Perlis State Park |
Gua Kelam Camping
There is an allocated camping ground at Gua Kelam, called the Hujan-Hujan Camp Site. Gazebos, an activity hall and other facilities are available. Campsite rental charges are priced at RM2 per adult and RM1 for students.
Please inquire before your visit if you are planning to camp here.
Gua Kelam Nature Run
The Gua Kelam Nature Run or #GEKRUN is an annual marathon that brings participants through narrow town trails along former mining sites, state parks, rubber farms, limestone caves and oil palm plantation. The event starts and ends at the entrance to Gua Kelam located at Kaki Bukit, Perlis.
Be a Responsible Visitor at Gua Kelam
There are certain parts in the tunnels which are narrow with low ceilings. Although you will be given a protective helmet, always be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid grazing the roofs as you could be breaking the calcite crystal straws which take decades to form!
Most importantly, do not vandalise! Walking through the last part of the cave was a heart-breaking experience
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| Vandalism found near the exit of the cave by irresponsible visitors when the cave was open to public a few years ago. |
How to Get to Gua Kelam, Perlis
You can reach Gua Kelam either by car or public transport.
If you are going by bus, hop onto a bus that heads to Kaki Bukit from the Kangar’s main bus station, and walk for 10 minutes to get to the ticket office.
If you are going by car, exit from the North-South Highway (PLUS) via Changlun and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar and drive toward Padang Besar. Look out for signboards with Kaki Bukit.
Gua Kelam Guest House & Hotels
There are several guest houses and budget hotels located close to Gua Kelam available for less than RM100 per night. For a more comfortable stay, you can opt for hotels in the city that are located approximately 20 kilometres away.
Gua Kelam Ticket Price
Here is the list of ticket prices for the activities and services in Gua Kelam:
(Mykad / Non-Mykad)
Gua Kelam 1 Entrance Fees
Adult RM3 / RM5
Child RM1 / RM3
Gua Kelam 3D Gallery
Adult RM3 / RM5
Child RM2 / RM3
Gua Kelam 2 Guided Tour
RM80 per group (max 10 pax)
Gua Kelam Perlis, Malaysia
Address: KM 2, Jalan Kaki Bukit, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Phone Number: +604-938 4466 (Perlis Forestry Office), +6012-455 2121
Email: forestry@perlisforestry.gov.my
Opening hours: 9.00am-6.00pm
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