[2025 Kinabatangan Attraction] Travel Guide for Gomantong Caves (Updated May)

#kotakinabalutrip **📍 Location:** Sukau, Sabah, Malaysia (within Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary) **🏆 Known for:** One of the world’s most famous **bird’s nest caves**, teeming with wildlife and adrenaline-pumping rawness. #### **🔥 Why It’s Unique:** 1. **"Nature’s Factory" for Bird’s Nest Soup** - Produces **edible swiftlet nests** (harvested for centuries, worth their weight in gold). - Two sections: **Simud Hitam** (Black Cave, easy access) and **Simud Putih** (White Cave, premium nests, tougher climb). 2. **Wildlife Spectacle** - Millions of **bats + swiftlets** create a surreal ecosystem. - **Dusk "bat tornado"** (waves of bats leaving the cave) is a must-see. - Surrounding jungle: Home to orangutans, hornbills, and macaques. 3. **Raw, Unfiltered Adventure** - Slippery walkways, guano-covered floors, and **wall-to-wall creepy crawlies** (think: giant roaches, centipedes). - Feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie—no artificial frills. #### **⚠️ Brutally Honest Downsides:** - **The Smell:** Guano stench hits hard—bring a mask or scarf. - **Not for the Faint-Hearted:** If you hate bugs, this is your nightmare. - **Slippery AF:** Wear trekking shoes with grip (flip-flops = suicide). #### **💡 Pro Tips:** - **Guides are essential** (safety + insight into nest harvesting traditions). - **Visit at dusk** for the bat exodus + cooler temps. - **Pack light but smart:** Headlamp, insect repellent, waterproof bag. #### **🎯 Who’ll Love It?** - Hardcore nature geeks, wildlife photographers, thrill-seekers. - Those who prefer **authentic grit** over sanitized tourist spots. #### **⭐ Rating: 4.5/5** **Why?** Unmatched rawness and wildlife drama, but the intensity isn’t for everyone.

#malaysiatrip Sandakan, located on the northeastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is a vibrant city rich in history and surrounded by some of the most incredible natural attractions in Southeast Asia. Once an important trading hub, Sandakan is now recognized as the gateway to Borneo's diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, and breathtaking landscapes. 1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: One of the main attractions, this center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured orangutans. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 2. Kinabatangan River: The Kinabatangan River is home to a wealth of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and various bird species. River cruises offer a chance to explore the region's rich biodiversity. 3. Turtle Islands Park: A short boat ride from Sandakan, this park is a sanctuary for sea turtles. Visitors can watch turtles nesting on the beach and see hatchlings released into the sea. 4. Gomantong Caves: Known for their impressive limestone formations and the edible bird nests that are harvested for the traditional delicacy of bird’s nest soup, these caves are an exciting and unique experience. 5. Sandakan Memorial Park: This park is dedicated to the memory of the Australian and British prisoners of war who suffered and died during World War II on the infamous Sandakan Death March. It’s an important historical site that offers insight into the region’s wartime history. Sandakan’s blend of rich cultural history and unparalleled natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking an adventure off the beaten path.

Completely unusual place. An enormously large and beautiful cave full of birds bats and cockroaches 🪳 =)). The cave is surrounded by jungles. Next to the cave there is a high possibility to see orangutans. Situated on the way to Kinabatangan river it is very convenient to combine with the transfer from Sepilok to Kinabatangan river lodges and resorts. Takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to observe.