Gomantong Caves – The Wild, Otherworldly Heart of Sabah

#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.