Twenty-six kilometres north of Kuantan at Panching, the limestone karst containing Gua Charas towers high above the surrounding palm plantations. The caves owe their fame to a Thai Buddhist monk who came to meditate here about 50 years ago.
It’s a steep climb up a stairway to the caves’ entrance – be careful. The colossal Sleeping Buddha Cave (Wofo Dong) is decorated with small altars to Guanyin, Puxian, other Bodhisattvas and Buddhist idols leading to the sleeping Buddha, a rather modest cement effort at the rear of the cavern.
Take the Sungai Lembing-bound bus 48 (one hour) from the local bus station in Kuantan and get off at the small village of Panching , just past the sign reading ‘Gua Charas 4km’. From the bus stop in town it’s a hot 4km walk each way, but you may be able to get someone in Panching to give you a lift on the back of a motorcycle. You can also see the caves on tours from Cherating.
