The Gomantong Caves are one of the most noteworthy natural landmarks within Malaysia. This cave system is famous for being an important site for the collection of edible swiftlet nests, the main ingredient of bird’s nest soup. This soup is a highly sought-after delicacy, and can fetch a high price especially in the Chinese market.

For nature lovers, fret not as the Gomantong Caves are much more than just that. The cave system is surrounded by a sprawling 3297 hectare forest reserve, which is inhabited by an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. This includes more than 200 species of birds. Thus, for visiting birdwatchers, a birding excursion to the Gomantong Caves can be a very rewarding experience.

Birding at the Gomantong Caves, Sabah

This article aims to provide relevant information for anyone interested in visiting the caves for birdwatching. The information within this article is derived primarily from our visit to the Gomantong Caves in late March 2026. This visit was part of a longer birding trip along the Kinabatangan River. Throughout our 5 day trip, we stayed at the Sukau Greenview Lodge, an excellent mid-range eco-lodge located near the small village of Sukau.

Birds that can be seen around the Gomantong Caves:

A bewildering array of lowland rainforest species may be encountered while birding here. The lists below highlights some noteworthy ones, but they are by no means exhaustive. Many more species await the visiting birder.

Regular residents:

1. Swiftlets. 4 species may be seen here, which are the White-nest, Black-nest, Mossy-nest and Plume-toed swiftlets. They all look alike, and are best identified by the appearance of their nests.
2. Hornbills. All 8 species are possible here, but more common ones include the Oriental Pied, Bushy-crested, Black, Rhinoceros and Wrinkled Hornbills. Lucky visitors may see the Oriental Pied-Hornbills catching bats near the Simud Putih platform just before sundown.
3. Trogons. Scarlet-rumped, Diard’s and Red-naped Trogons are possible here
4. Great Argus. Usually heard only, but lucky visitors may see one crossing the access road.
5. Kingfishers. The Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher and Rufous-collared Kingfisher are regulars here. The stunning Ruddy Kingfisher occasionally occurs here as well.
6. Western Hooded Pitta 
7. Grey-chested Jungle-Flycatcher. Easily overlooked, as it resembles and behaves more like a babbler than a flycatcher. Look for it near the entrance of the boardwalk.

Raptors

Gomantong is the place to observe and photograph raptors hunting bats at dusk. As sunset approaches, the thousands of bats that inhabit the caves stream out in an hour-long spectacle aptly named “the bat exodus”. This exodus attracts many raptors, taking advantage of the abundance of bats as a food source. Observing the raptors attempting to snatch the tiny bats in mid-air is simply astonishing!

Raptor species here includes:

1. Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle.  Commonest of the bat hunters. Highly agile, they are able to maneuver deftly through the air while chasing the fast-flying bats.
2. Rufous-bellied Eagle. These attractive raptors typically swoop down at high speed to catch the bats. 
3. Bat Hawk. As their common name suggests, these raptors are made for bat hunting! Their long, pointed wings resemble a falcon’s, and grants them the speed and agility needed to catch the nimble bats. They’re crepuscular, meaning that they hunt mainly at dusk and dawn.
4. Black Eagle.  Uncommon, and usually don’t attack the bats.
5. Peregrine Falcon. These birds are famous as being the fastest flying birds in the world 

Rarities:

1. Malayan Night Heron. A rare winter visitor. We were lucky to encounter one of these typically shy birds.
2. Giant Pitta. Has been encountered here before, as recently as early 2026.

Anything other than birds?

Of course!  Look out for the following animals:

• Orangutans are sometimes spotted around the cave area, especially if there are fruiting trees. During our visit, we saw one female just outside the caves.
• Red Leaf Monkeys are quite common here
• Short-tailed Mongoose
• Thousands of Wrinkle-lipped Bats.

Additionally, the caves harbor its own unique ecosystem. Countless insects and arthropods inhabit the caves, while the guano are alive with innumerable cockroaches.  

How to go birding at the Gomantong Caves:

Access road:

The access road is roughly 4.5 km long, and surrounded by very good forests. Simply walk (or drive) along the road and look for birds. Please be wary of passing traffic.

Gomantong Cave complex:

The complex are easily accessed via a network of well-maintained boardwalks and stairs. Birding around these boardwalks may yield some interesting species, such as the aforementioned Rufous-collared Kingfisher.

Visit the Simud Hitam cave (lower caves) to observe countless swiftlets nesting and going about their daily routines. See if you can spot all 4 species!

To observe the bat exodus and the raptors hunting them, you will need to go to the Simud Putih (upper caves) platform. This requires a steep climb up several flights of stairs, so is a bit physically demanding. But it is completely worth it, as the views from the platform are simply breathtaking. The platform itself is quite wide, and robust enough to accommodate up to 25 people at once.

Best birding time?

Morning is the best time for general birding, to spot the various denizens of the forest. A half-day session is more than good enough.

To observe the raptors/hornbills hunting the bats, you’ll need to visit in the afternoon. We recommend that you arrive before the last entry time (4-4.30 pm), and go birding around the lower areas first. Then, make your way up to the Simud Putih platform around 4.45-5 pm. The bat exodus start time is variable, but can occur as early as 5.30 pm or as late as sunset. The raptors will usually hang around the platform well before the exodus starts. Exit the platform area and cave complex before 6.30 pm (or just before it gets too dark).

Tips for photographers:

You will only have a narrow window for photography after the bat exodus begins, as usable light fades very quickly. A fast lens is highly beneficial here. To photograph the raptors hunting the bats, a 300mm or 400mm lens will be sufficient, as the birds can be very close and often appear suddenly. Finally, bring a tripod if you want to shoot video.

Practical information for visitors to the Gomantong Caves:

Admission fees and opening times:

Malaysians: RM 5 (adult)

Non-Malaysians: RM 30 (adult)

Camera fees: RM 30 (still camera) / RM 50 (video camera).

The ticket office is open from 8 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm). Nevertheless, the security gate at the beginning of the access road may open earlier (~7.00am), so you can still go for early morning birding. It will also close later (~6.30 pm) so you’ll have time to observe the bat exodus.

(info obtained from Sabah Tourism Board website, and from our bird guide).

Public facilities:

Public toilets are present on-site, one near the ticketing office, and another near the Simud Hitam entrance. No toilets at the Simud Putih platform.

Things to be mindful of:

• The caves are full of guano, and thus have an unpleasant stench. Some people will find this unbearable, and can even get headaches. 
• The climb up to Simud Putih platform can be strenuous for some, especially in the heat and humidity of the tropics. It is also unsuitable for people with reduced mobility.
• Bring a flashlight if you intend to view the bat exodus, to help you get back down the stairs in the dark.

Getting here:

Gomantong Cave is roughly 105 km from Sandakan (town or airport). Journey time is roughly 2 hours, depending on traffic. The road is generally good, although it can be rough in certain sections.

From Sukau or Bilit, the journey is much shorter, only about 20-30 minutes drive.

• Via tour – Many of the hotels along the Kinabatangan River offer a guided tour or excursion to the caves, usually for an extra fee.
• Self-drive – Simply use a navigation app to find your way to the caves. There are ample car parking facilities available on-site.
• Public transport – Regular public transport is unavailable to Gomantong. However, hotels in Sandakan, Sukau or Bilit will usually be able to arrange private transport to the caves, for a price. E-hailing or chartered taxis are also available from Sandakan, although be sure to arrange the return journey with the driver beforehand.

Conclusion

The Gomantong Caves are noteworthy for more reasons than just simply a source for edible birds nest. While the cave system is undoubtedly impressive, so is Gomantong’s birdlife. Nowhere else in Malaysia can one observe raptors and pied hornbills hunt bats in such close proximity. Moreover, the surrounding forest reserve harbours a plethora of lowland rainforest bird species, from pheasants to pittas and everything in between. 

Without a doubt, birding at the Gomantong Caves is a worthwhile excursion for any birdwatcher or photographer visiting Sandakan or the Kinabatangan River.