LOCATION: KAKI BUKIT, PERLIS
Speleo Venture is a conservation-driven enterprise established in 2006 by Hymeir Kamarudin, a seasoned cave explorer, surveyor, natural resource manager, and conservationist with over 20 years of experience. The company is involved in cave development and management in collaboration with international experts, including Andrew Fletcher, former General Manager of Jenolan Caves Trust, Australia.
In addition to its core work with caves, Speleo Venture promotes ecotourism through the management of Earth Lodge in Ulu Muda, Kedah, where they lead nature tours, support scientific research, and engage in environmental advocacy. The company also manages two show caves—Dark Cave at Batu Caves, Selangor, and the upcoming Gua Gunung Keriang near Alor Setar, Kedah.
Through a partnership with Natural History Tours, Speleo Venture also offers nature and cultural experiences across Northern Peninsular Malaysia, with birdwatching as one of its key highlights.
Project 2024 – Gua Kelam: Improved Cave Interpretation for Sustainable Tourism
Speleo Ventures undertook improvement works to the historic tin-mining cave, Gua Kelam 2, to prime it to become a premier caving destination. Funds from the project were used to upgrade infrastructure, improve safety protocols, and enhance cave interpretation. A local contractor and site manager were appointed to install sturdy railings, implement the switch to more suitable lighting for cave conditions, and the clearing of debris. These steps will contribute to a safer and more inviting environment.
Other than physical upgrades, Speleo Ventures partnered with the Perlis Forestry Department and community guides to deliver a re-training session in November involving 10 participants. Participants gained practical skills in interpretive skills and a better understanding of the need to balance between income generation and sustainable visitor numbers. Improvement to the infrastructure of the cave will help to ensure the conservation of the fragile cave environment and enable visitors to gain a better appreciation of the significance of the cave as a historic relic of Malaysian tin-mining heritage.
