Gua Charas

Gua Charas is in a limestone outcrop standing out of the palm plantations at Panching, and the climb to the entrance is about two hundred steps up the side of the rock. Inside, past the first chamber, is a reclining Buddha some nine metres long, made in the 1950s by a Thai monk who lived in the cave, along with other images placed through the passages and a resident community that still maintains them. The interior is largely unlit beyond a few bulbs and the light from the openings, so much of the walk is in the dark with a torch. Beyond the temple sections the cave continues into unlit passages with bats. The setting - a karst tower alone in the plantations - is a good part of the appeal, and the view from the entrance is over flat green in every direction.

What you actually see

• A nine-metre reclining Buddha - made in the 1950s by a Thai monk in the cave.
• Two hundred steps - the climb up the rock face to the entrance.
• Unlit passages - much of the interior dark, with bats deeper in.
• A karst tower in plantations - the outcrop standing alone above flat country.

When to go

All year. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Bring a torch - lighting is minimal and the floor is uneven and wet. The stairs are steep. It is an active temple, so dress and behave accordingly. Bat smell is strong in places.

Nearby

Sungai Lembing is north-west; Kuantan and the coast are east.