"Hoabhonians and Neolithics were discovered here. Cha Caves is considered as one of the most actively researched in the Peninsular Malaysia."
Situated on the bank of the Nenggiri River in Ulu Kelantan, Cha Caves is considered as one of the most actively researched archeological site in the Peninsular Malaysia. Discovery of this 300 square metre cave was first reported in 1936 by H.D. Noone. Several extensive research on the historical significance of the cave was conducted by G. Sieveking in 1954 and in 1979, the latest research was carried out by Haji Adi bin Haji Taha at the same site.
As a result of the research, more than 30 remains of people in the ages of ‘Hoabinhian’ and Neolithic were discovered in the cave. Pottery designed in various shapes and styles were found in large quantities which were also burial tools buried together with the dead. Evidence of scrap of food proves that people then not only hunted small animals but also large ones such as oxen and wild boars.
Research indicates that Cha Cave was inhabited by the ‘Hoabinhians’ 10,000 years ago, followed by the Neolithics 4,000 years later. Evidence of burnt rice found at the upper level of the cave has proven there was a settlement there. The Temiar people who live in the vicinity of the Cha Cave still use the cave as a stop point.
Gua Cha can be visited as part of a rafting trip down Nenggiri River. To arrange for this trip, please contact KESEDAR (Kelantan Selatan Development Authority) at 09-9121788 or email kesedar@tm.net.my.
Gua Cha can be visited as part of a rafting trip down Nenggiri River. To arrange for this trip, please contact KESEDAR (Kelantan Selatan Development Authority)at 09-9121788 or email kesedar@tm.net.my.
Last viewed - May 17, 2008
Getting there
By Bus
Kuala Lumpur - Gua Musang
From KL's Putra station, take a bus that heads to Kota Bharu via the inland road. This will take you through several towns including Raub in Pahang, before stopping in Gua Musang. Approximately 5 hours journey. From Gua Musang, you'll need to arrange for transport to get to Gua Cha which is about 90 minutes (about 45km) via the trunk and logging road.
By Plane
Malaysian Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. For more details, contact Malaysian Airlines, Tel: 603-76512222 From Kota Bharu, you can take a bus or taxi to Gua Musang. This leg of the journey takes betweem 3 to 4 hours. From Gua Musang, you'll need to arrange for transport to get to Gua Cha which is about 90 minutes (about 45km) via the trunk and logging road.
By Rail
From Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, the rail network to Kota Bharu in Kelantan will take you through several small towns including Gua Musang. This journey to Gua Musang will take about nine hours. From Gua Musang, you'll need to arrange for transport to get to Gua Cha which is about 90 minutes (about 45km) via the trunk and logging road. For more information, contact Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Tel: 603-22738000) or email passenger@ktmb.com.my
User recommendation
"Very interesting, but need to see VR pictures to entice people like me to visit the place" by CHan HP
