Gua Charas is a cave temple located near Panching Village, Kuantan. It is a “standalone” geographical site surrounded by palm tree estates. It is a cave that consists of granite and limestone. The caves are divided into two areas; one hosts two cave temples, and another is left alone as a cave. The latter used to be a cave-temple too but had since been abandoned. One of the most exciting sights in the latter is the large columns holding up the cave with sunlight pouring in.
Stalagmites, Stalactites and Columns
Water within the cave will dissolve calcium carbonate within the rocks and drip downwards from the top. The drip point at the top will accumulate the calcium carbonate and eventually form icicle-shaped stalactites. On the other hand, the area where the water drips at the bottom will also accumulate calcium carbonate. That will collect, create a mount and eventually form stalagmites. The process takes thousands of years to form any meaningful formations. With enough time, the stalagmite and stalactite can meet and fuse. That will create a cave column. Initially, the columns are smaller in diameter in the centre than the top and bottom. With sufficient time, the column’s width can have same diameter throughout.
(Photo from "Stalagmite", wikipedia)
Getting to the cave
- You will need to have a car to drive to the cave entrance.
- Upon reaching, you will need to reach the cave by climbing a metal stairs.
- At the top, there will be a large arrowed sign that says “sleeping buddha”. This will lead to the cave with temples.
- You can find a flight of stairs next to the sign. Climb it. Be careful as the stairs can be slippery when wet.
- You will find the second cave at the top of the stairs.
Claiming this earthcache
Pay attention to the stalagmites, stalactites and columns at the other end of the caves. Answer the following questions:
- Are the columns formed by dissolved Limestone or Granite?
- How many large columns are located in the right and left of the tree growing from inside towards outside of the cave?
- While facing the columns, which columns are the oldest to newest? Right to left or left to right?
- There are many oval-shaped holes on the columns, what could cause them?
- Provide a photo of yourself or a personal item next to the columns.
Reference
https://www.nps.gov/maca/learn/nature/stalactites-stalagmites-and-cave-formations.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalagmite