Gomantong Cave

Gomantong Cave

Gomantong Cave is located within the rainforest reserve of Gomantong Hill in Sabah, forming the largest cave system in Sandakan and also one of the world’s premier sources of edible bird’s nests. The cave and its surrounding area are designated wildlife sanctuaries, particularly known for frequent sightings of orangutans.

Gomantong Cave consists of two interlinked caves — the White Cave and the Black Cave — named after the different types of nests built by swiftlets. For centuries, Gomantong Cave has been famed for its production of edible bird’s nests, with those from the White Cave being more valuable and nutritious. Bird’s nest harvesting has been popular since ancient times, dating back to around 500 AD, and occurs twice a year — between February and April, and July and September. Harvesters use rattan ladders and ropes to climb to the cave ceilings, risking their lives to collect the nests. Every evening, around two million bats fly out of the cave to forage, while swiftlets return to the cave after a day of feeding, creating a spectacular sight.

To facilitate tourist visits, a wooden boardwalk approximately 90 meters high has been constructed inside Gomantong Cave, making it one of the more accessible and convenient edible bird’s nest caves to explore.

Gomantong Caves

Must-visit reason: One of the world’s best sources of edible bird’s nests

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Malaysia[Malaysia]

State/Province: Sabah State [Sabah State]

City: Sandakan [Sandakan]