Prehistoric Paintings in Gua Tambun

The earliest paintings were discovered on cave walls, created by humans in ancient times. Malaysia is also no exception to the discovery of ancient paintings on cave walls, as described here.

Among the ancient paintings found on cave walls are those located in Niah Cave, Sarawak, and Gua Tambun, located in the state of Perak. This is a form of art and a national heritage that proves the existence of early settlements in the area in ancient times. Gua Tambun is located within the limestone hills of Ipoh city, Perak, Malaysia.

Inside Gua Tambun lies a valuable secret: ancient paintings believed to date back to the Neolithic era, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.

There are paintings that appear to depict animal hunting activities using spears. These precious ancient paintings include depictions of ancient indigenous people, deer, mouse deer, tortoises, and dugongs. Gua Tambun is located near Kem Syed Putra, Tambun, Ipoh.

This cave originally did not receive proper care or attention from archaeological authorities. It is said that these priceless ancient paintings were discovered in 1959 by Lieutenant R. L. Rawlings while on patrol during the Malayan Emergency. Several sharp hanging rocks known as stalactites have fallen and collapsed, indirectly damaging some of these ancient artifacts. Consequently, the original appearance of Gua Tambun has changed.