Kota Gelanggi Caves

Kota Gelanggi Caves is a limestone cave complex located near Jerantut in Pahang, Malaysia, about 25 km from Jerantut town. The complex comprises seven main caves including Gua Terang Bulan, Gua Tongkat and Gua Gajah set within forested limestone hills. Notable for its archaeological interest, folklore linking it to a lost ancient kingdom, and natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, it offers caving and nature exploration within a relatively undeveloped forest setting.

Visitors can expect a forested limestone karst area containing seven main caves of varying sizes, including Gua Terang Bulan, Gua Tongkat, Gua Balai, Gua Sanding, Gua Angin, Gua Ka'bah and Gua Gajah. The caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, large chambers, narrow passages and bat colonies. The site is relatively undeveloped with natural trails between caves, limited artificial lighting, and surrounding secondary forest. Exploration is typically on foot with a local guide, involving steps, uneven ground and low-light conditions.

Kota Gelanggi Caves is an archaeological site where prehistoric artifacts have been documented. The caves are linked by local folklore to the legendary ancient kingdom of Kota Gelanggi, believed by tradition to have existed in the area. The name Kota Gelanggi itself reflects this legend, and the caves have been noted in heritage and tourism records for their historical and archaeological interest.

The caves hold cultural significance in local folklore as the site of a fabled lost city and are regarded by nearby communities as a heritage landscape. They are visited for their legendary associations and as a natural heritage attraction representing Pahang's limestone cave traditions.