Goman Tong Caves is not just one cave but a complex system of millions-of-years-old limestone caves located in the Goman Tong Forest Reserve, a pristine rainforest. This area is protected especially strictly due to its economic and ecological importance.

The cave visit focuses on two main caves, each distinct in terms of physical features and the purpose of bird's nest harvesting:

Simud Hitam Cave ("Black Cave"):

• Features: This is the most accessible cave, with a stable, well-maintained boardwalk along the cave floor, protecting visitors from direct contact with bat droppings and other ground animals.
• Bird's Nest: This cave is home to Black-nest Swiftlets, a less valuable bird's nest (due to its feathers and contamination) that is harvested early in the season.
• Atmosphere: The cave ceiling is soaring and partially lit, revealing the bamboo poles used by bird's nest collectors to climb up.

Simud Putih Cave ("White Cave"):

• Features: This cave is larger and taller than the Black Cave. Access often requires a challenging trek through the forest.
• Bird's Nest: This cave is home to the pristine white-nest swiftlets, whose nests are considered the highest quality and most prized bird's nests in the world. Visits to White Cave are typically restricted to researchers or those with special permission.

Amazing Cave Ecosystem: This cave is a perfect example of a cave ecosystem powered by bat guano. The cave floor is covered with dozens of feet of decomposed bat guano, which serves as the primary food source for the cave's inhabitants. These animals include:

• Gomantong Cockroaches: They are incredibly numerous and play a key role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
• Bats: At least three species of bats live there.
• Other Animals: Snakes, scavenger beetles, centipedes, and leeches feed on bat guano.

Evening Spectacles: One of the unmissable highlights is waiting for dusk (around 5:30 p.m.) at the cave entrance, when a spectacular natural phenomenon occurs:

• Bat Hunting: Millions of bats circle the cave entrance in a long, dark, cloud-like stream in search of food.
• Birds Returning to Their Nests: Meanwhile, insectivorous hawks and swifts circle the cave to rest in a chaotic manner.

Visitors can learn deeply about the ecology, conservation, and relationship between humans and nature in this area. Rare wildlife can also be spotted in the surrounding forest, such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and hornbills, which often appear along the cave entrance in the mornings and evenings, making a visit a truly immersive experience combining nature and conservation.

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How to Get There

• From Sandakan, it is about a two-hour drive along the Sandakan-Lahad Datu Highway and turns into the entrance to the Gomantong Conservation Area. There is a parking lot and a boardwalk leading to the cave entrance.

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Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• It is recommended to arrive in the evening (around 5:30 PM) to witness the phenomenon of bats leaving the cave and swallows returning.

Dress Code:

• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and long pants) and closed shoes, as cockroaches and animal droppings may be present.

Odor:

• The smell of bat droppings in the cave is quite strong. Those sensitive to smells should bring a mask or face covering.

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Admission Fees:

• Adults: RM 5
• Children: RM 2
• Foreigners: Approximately MYR 30 per person
• Camera Fee: Additional fees may apply for cameras or video (approximately MYR 10 - MYR 20)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.