The Takun Scientific Expedition Symposium will be held on April 24th. Registration is now closed. See you there!

News and updates

[announcement] takun scientific expedition symposium

In conjunction with the conclusion of the Takun Scientific Expedition, MCKC is pleased to invite you to the Takun Scientific Expedition Symposium.

Explore the latest discovery of Bukit Takun and Anak Takun karst hills and connect with peers, and gain valuable insights, particularly on improving caves and karst management.

Thanks to support from the International Union of Speleology and Templer Park Country Club, this event is free for everyone to attend.

Event Details:

Date: 24th April 2025

Time: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Location: Templer Park Country Club https://maps.app.goo.gl/3CMUhgcbDXcaZUkD7

Kindly confirm your participation by April 21, 2025.

Limited spots available—first come, first served!

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfEUrPOGT6.../viewform...

Updated April 17, 2025

[video] malaysian-swiss caving expedition seminar 2025

The Malaysia-Swiss Caving Expedition 2025 is a collaborative effort between caving and spelunking enthusiasts from Malaysia, Switzerland, Japan , Germany and Vietnam focusing on exploring and researching caves in Langkawi, Perlis, Baling, and Merapoh, Malaysia.

Caving expeditions typically involve mapping, documenting, and studying cave systems by geologists, biologists, and cave divers. This particular expedition aims to uncover undiscovered caves or further study known ones, contributing to the global understanding of subterranean environments.

We thank Kedah State Government , LADA, Perlis Climbers, Perlis Nature Xplorer, Persatuan Malim Gunung Pulai Baling and local communities in all sites.

The seminar, attended by 40 individuals and the recording can be viewed at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcFlyPirdsY

Updated March 16, 2025

[announncement] malaysian-swiss caving expedition seminar

Join experts for an exciting seminar on the Malaysian-Swiss Caving Expedition, where they will share their discoveries and experiences exploring the caves of Peninsular Malaysia in early 2025!

Speakers:

-Dr. Ros Fatihah Muhammad

-Dr. Joerg Dreybrodt

-Lee Kian Lie

-Zarris Kem

-Shiraz Mikael Khan

Venue: Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya

Date: 14th March 2025

Time: 5:30 PM

Updated March 5, 2025

[ANNOUNCEMENT] PENINSULAR MALAYSIA CAVE SURVEY 2025

In partnership with the Swiss Society of Speleology and the Department of Geology at Universiti Malaya, MCKC has launched an extensive 20-day cave survey expedition across Peninsular Malaysia. The expedition focuses on four selected karst sites: Langkawi Island in Kedah, the Nakawan Range and Chuping Limestone karst in Perlis, Gunung Baling and Gunung Pulai in Kedah, and Merapoh in Pahang.

While certain karst areas are responsibly managed, others have been—or are currently—under threat.

MCKC upholds the principle of conducting comprehensive documentation and detailed surveying to aid future management efforts. The organization extends its gratitude to Joerg Dreybrodt, as well as to the dedicated team comprising MCKC members and international participants from four nationalities, including Urs Robert Etter, Nina Lochmatter, Yuki Ito, Tomokaze Kobayashi, Sarah Bischoff, Lee Kian Lie, Le Hoang Quoc, Zarris Kem, Beasyara Zulkifli, Shiraz Mikael Khan and Ros Fatihah Muhammad.

This expedition is partially supported by the Kedah State Government, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Perlis Forestry Department, Perlis Climbers, Perlis Nature Xplorer, and Persatuan Alam Sekitar Gunung Pulai Baling, along with a dedicated group of individuals whose efforts have been instrumental in ensuring its smooth execution. Stay tuned for more updates!

Updated February 26, 2025

job vacancy: takun scientific expedition

Position: Symposium Coordinator Vacancy ( full time ) for the period of March - April 2025, starting 1st of March

Job Summary:

- Responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of all aspects of the Takun symposium.

- Coordinate with various stakeholders, including speakers, participants, vendors, and team members, to ensure the smooth operation of the event.

- Handle logistics, manage schedules and provide support before, throughout and after the event.

- To compile and organize abstracts and posters for the symposium, ensuring all materials are ready and formatted appropriately.

Requirements:

1. Can communicate clearly

2. Have Problem-solving mindset

3. Flexible

4. Positive

5. Good Time management

6. Has experience in managing event

Interested candidates can send your resume to malaysiancavekarst@gmail.com by 22nd of February.

Thank you.

Updated February 15, 2025

TAKUN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION: UPDATE 1/2025

What a productive day it has been, with three teams simultaneously exploring Bukit Takun's peak and foothill, as well as Anak Takun focusing on plants, bryophytes, small mammals, and odonata. Observations were also conducted on a previously unnamed small hill, now nicknamed "Cucu Takun."

Updated January 14, 2025

[ANNOUNCEMENT] 19TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF SPELEOLOGY

The largest gathering of karst scientists will be happening in Belo Horizonte, Brazil this July:

The Brazilian Speleological Society (SBE) and the National Cave Research and Conservation Center (ICMBio/CECAV) are proud to host the 19thInternational Congress of Speleology (ICS) in 2025, which will include the 38º Congresso Brasileiro de Espeleologia (CBE) in a single combined event which will also host the great celebration of the 60th anniversary of the UIS.

Seventy-two years after the first ICS (Paris, 1953), for the second time an ICS will be held in Brazil. While the theme of the 13th ICS (Brasilia, 2001) was “Speleology in the Third Millennium: Sustainable Development of Karst Environments”, the host city for the 19th ICS in 2025 will be Belo Horizonte (BH), capital of the state of Minas Gerais, and the theme will be “60 Years of the UIS: History for the Future.”

www.speleo2025.org

Updated January 8, 2025

TAKUN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION: UPDATE 2/2024

The Takun Scientific Expedition continued today with another productive trip, focusing on geology, engineering geology, odonata, and small mammals. Participants included Dr. Ros, Dr. Elanni, Zulhaziq, Irfan, Dr. Choong, Dr. Marina, Vila, Kevin, and Shiraz. We were also pleased to welcome four new members in this trip: Zaida, Azura, Dr. Faridah, and Ramon. This session was facilitated by Mr. Wong.

The expedition has been going for over a year and will be wrapped up soon, to be continued with a symposium and a publication. Thanks to the volunteers and supports we receive from various parties.

You can support our work too by becoming a member—click below to join us!

https://www.mckc.org.my/membership

Updated December 28, 2024

[UPDATE] TAKUN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION PROGRESS MEETING

The MCKC Takun Scientific Expedition team held another progress meeting last night. The session featured two insightful presentations: Dr. Yong Kien Thai discussed mosses, while Dr. Ros Fatihah Muhammad and her team explored the petrology of the karst rocks, both spanning from the peak of Bukit Takun at 362 m to Anak Takun at around 80 m above sea level.

Stay tuned for the upcoming newsletter, which will provide more info on the progress.

Thank you to everyone who attended!

If you'd like to contribute to the effort for conservation of caves and karst in Malaysia, consider joining us as a member by registering through the link below:

https://forms.gle/oiTvMg9ULsknnS8aA

Updated December 14, 2024

[announcement] karnival konservasi nctf 1.0

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend?

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Karnival Konservasi NCTF 1.0, where you’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of limestone flora in Peninsular Malaysia!

Look out for booth 2 & 6 and join the expert research team as they showcase their latest conservation efforts and reveal the hidden wonders of this unique ecosystem.

Event details:

Location: Symphony East (3), IOI City Mall, Putrajaya

Date: 7 December 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM

See you there — it’s going to be an exciting day!

Updated December 4, 2024

37th national geological conference

In collaboration with the Geological Society of Malaysia and the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy (MCKC) has organized a field excursion as part of the 37th National Geological Conference. Bukit Takun, one of only three karst hills in Selangor, holds particular geological interest. Since it is surrounded by granite, it is intriguingly hypothesized to be a block of the Kuala Lumpur Limestone that was uplifted during the granite intrusion, making it a significant subject of study for understanding the geological processes that have shaped the landscape.

Updated October 4, 2024

TAKUN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION: 2ND NEWSLETTER

31st May 2024 - The Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy held a Anak Takun Scientific Expedition progress meeting at the Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya. During the meeting, participants were briefed on the expedition's goals, guidelines, and expected commitments. Five experts from different disciplines provided updates on their ongoing research. The meeting began with reports from Nur Fitriyah, Aliaa Athirah, Dr. Choong Chee Yen, Dr. Liew Thor-Seng, and Dr. Annie Tan.

Updated July 25, 2024

TAKUN scientific expedition: bukit takun

Starting our scientific expedition at the majestic Bukit Takun! This diverse ecosystem holds a treasure trove of geological and biological wonders waiting to be discovered.

We will keep moving forward on uncovering the hidden diversity of various taxa and geomorphology at the Bukit Takun. Stay tuned!

Updated July 7, 2024

TAKUN EXPEDITION: UPDATE 2/2024

MCKC had a progress update meeting on Anak Takun Scientific Expedition this evening. Six updates from the fields of karst flora, bats, snails, microbiome, mosses and odonata were presented. These early findings will be compiled in our next newsletter.

We will embark on the second phase of the expedition on Bukit Takun soon. Stay tuned for more updates.

Updated May 31, 2024

TALK: Exploration of Possible underwater cave passages in anak takun

MCKC takes pride in collaborating with karst enthusiasts from diverse fields. On this occasion, we are pleased to co-host with Rimba Ilmu, a sharing session with distinguished cave divers. Embark on a journey into the submerged underground cave passages on Saturday March 9th, 10 am at Auditorium Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya.

For more information, please email malaysiancavekarst@gmail.com.

Updated March 5, 2024

outreach: northern laos expedition

The president of MCKC had the chance to take part in the 2024 Northern Laos expedition led by Joerg Dreybrodt of the Swiss Speleological Society. A total of 7 cavers from 6 different nationalities were involved in this expedition, covering karst in 3 districts.

A heartfelt appreciation goes to the Laotian government for their trust and permit, officials from the Tourism Department and Tourism Police, guides and drivers, all village heads and local people for their effort and warm hospitality.

Photo credit: Martin Foakes, Joerg Drewbrodt, Ros Fatihah

Updated February 28, 2024

MCKC: student membership!

Looking to connect with cave and karst advocates and enthusiasts in Malaysia? Join us! New members will receive a FREE Batu Caves Guidebook (worth RM60).

We are also excited to announce our new Student Membership, starting this year! Student members will enjoy an entrance fee waiver on top of a discounted annual membership fee and a free Batu Caves Guidebook.

Updated February 27, 2024

takun expedition: update 1/2024

Trip by bats team to Bukit Anak Takun on 25th Jan 2024. The golf club management also joined MCKC to explore the wonders of Takun.

Updated January 26, 2024

community engagement @ sunda shelves

MCKC expresses gratitude to Sunda Shelves for inviting us to present a talk about the hidden treasures found in Malaysian caves, with a special focus on the iconic Batu Caves. Following this, Dylan delivered a wonderful presentation on the history of Batu Caves. The afternoon was delightful, marked by engaging discussions with the participants.

Visit Sunda Shelves for a captivating selection of books on nature, along with delightful beverages and food.

Updated January 23, 2024

takun scientific expedition : 1st newsletter

On 20th September 2023, a meeting session was conducted on the Takun Scientific Expedition with participants in Rimba Ilmu, University of Malaya. This meeting was held to brief the participants with information of the aim, guidelines and commitments of this expedition. Fifteen individuals attended the meeting comprising the participants and Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy (MCKC) members. The meeting was conducted by MCKC President, Dr. Ros Fatihah and insights given by Dr. Ruth Kiew into thepast and present flora and fauna of Anak Takun.

Updated January 22, 2024

excursion: introduction to caves and karst

It's been a joy to welcome participants back to our introduction to karst trip.

As per our usual practise, our module covers topics on the availability of subject matter experts. This time alongside geology and bats, we explored the realms of karst algae and bacteria. In a laid-back and serene ambience, immersed in the embrace of nature throughout the entire experience.

We aspire for this program to ignite deeper interest in the diverse scientific significance of karst, motivating increased efforts toward its conservation and protection among our participants.

Thanks for participating and hope to see again soon!

Updated December 30, 2023

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