Villagers want to preserve beauty and legend of Gua Kerbau
JITRA: If you are driving along the stretch from Jitra to Kodiang, you will surely be amazed at the uniqueness of several limestone hills along the route. And one particular feature of these limestone marvels is Gua Kerbau (Buffalo Cave), which is believed to have been formed between 200 and 300 million years ago.
“The name Gua Kerbau was likely derived from a tale about a buffalo that was cursed by the ‘Sang Kelembai’ (monstrous creature that could transform all that it touched into rock).
“And to this day, if you look carefully, there is a huge stone formation resembling a reclining buffalo,” said Kampung Kodiang Lama Village Development and Security Committee chairman Ahmad Nayan @ Majid.
Its natural beauty and myth has withstood the test of time, but Ahmad fears Gua Kerbau cannot be preserved without assistance.
“The surrounding area of the cave needed to be conserved and improved for the comfort and convenience of visitors. These should also include adequate lighting and a safer entrance,” he said
“This cave was once a settlement for humans during the Neolithic period based on the discovery of stone artefacts found by researchers. The site also housed the orang asli and was used as a training base for the Kedah army during the Siamese attack.”
A check found that there was basic infrastructure such as seats, steps to enter the cave, toilets, surau and a food stall, but all were dilapidated.
Ahmad said that Gua Kerbau has the potential to be listed among the country’s geological heritage conservation sites due to its beautiful nature.
The cave is full of unique and interesting formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Meanwhile, state Religious, Tourism, Heritage and Works Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said Gua Kerbau was formed over 290 million years ago at the same time as Gunung Keriang. But these two are relatively young compared to both Gunung Jerai and Gunung Mat Cincang on Langkawi island, which are about 550 million years old each.