Fodor's Expert Review Gomantong Caves

Sandakan Cave

These limestone caverns are Sabah's best known source of swiftlet nests, used to make bird's nest soup, Chinese medicines, and other luxury products. The caves are filled with rickety rattan and bamboo scaffolding that villagers use to harvest nests from crevices on cave roofs and walls. Mainly composed of congealed saliva, the most coveted white nests can fetch upwards of US$250 per pound. The dense forest around the caves is full of wildlife and walking trails. Venturing into the caves themselves means wading through bird droppings thick with insects in the dark. The caves are about 2½ hours from Sandakan and are included in some local tours.

Cave

Quick Facts

Gomantong Hill Lower Kinabatangan
Sandakan, Sabah  Malaysia

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: RM 30

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