Gomantong Cave

Sandakan

Intro by admin

The Gomantong Caves are an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill. The hill is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan area, Sandakan division, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Situated in a Sabah Parks forest reserve, the caves and the surrounding area are a protected area for wildlife, especially orangutans. Investigation of the guano deposits were first made in 1889 by J.H. Allard of the China Borneo Company, and the caves were first mapped by P. Orolfo in 1930. The main cave system is divided into two parts: the more accessible Simud Hitam (Black Cave), and the larger Simud Putih (White Cave) which lies above. The names refer to the main type of nests produced by swiftlets in each cave. The cave system is home to many other animals, including massive populations of cockroaches and bats. Outside one can see crested serpent eagles, kingfishers, and Asian fairy bluebirds. Access is in the form of a wooden walkway circuiting the interior. For centuries, the caves have been renowned for their valuable edible swiftlet nests, which are harvested for bird nest soup. The most valuable of the nests, the white ones, can sell for very high prices.

Facilities :

Getting there :

A 1½ hour bus ride leaves from Sandakan to Sukau for the 95km trip. Fares are about RM17.00 each way. You can arrange your visit through local tour operators or the Forestry Department. Check our Directory for listings.

Extra Information :

Daily open from 8.00am till 6.00pm. Bird nest collecting is done usually between February and August.

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