Attractions in Malaysia

Location

The Gomantong Caves are located in the heart of the Gomantong Rainforest Reserve. The caves have been claimed by the World Wildlife Foundation to be the best managed edible birds' nest cave in the world and has been the focus for birds' nest for many centuries.

Overview

The collection of birds' nests and the value of the produce have been recognized since the 13th century. Before the licensing system was practiced, the harvesting of birds' nests in the caves was managed by families on a rotational basis and the rights to harvest the nests were inherited and passed down to the next generation and so on. At present, licensing is issued by the Wildlife Department and is based on tenders and costs which is about RM300,000 per harvest season. For unlicensed harvesting, one can be fined heavily under the Birds' nest Ordinance and Forest Enactment of 1968. The birds' nests are so valuable and precious that even during the non-harvesting seasons, guards are posted at the caves to prevent any poaching from taking place.

The collection of birds' nests and the value of the produce have been recognized since the 13th century. Before the licensing system was practiced, the harvesting of birds' nests in the caves was managed by families on a rotational basis and the rights to harvest the nests were inherited and passed down to the next generation and so on. At present, licensing is issued by the Wildlife Department and is based on tenders and costs which is about RM300,000 per harvest season. For unlicensed harvesting, one can be fined heavily under the Birds' nest Ordinance and Forest Enactment of 1968. The birds' nests are so valuable and precious that even during the non-harvesting seasons, guards are posted at the caves to prevent any poaching from taking place.

The Gomantong Rainforest Chalet can accommodate up to 30 people. Accommodations in Sabah are plentiful. Thus, do not worry about not having a place to stay if you intend to extend your stay here.

Transport

The bust from Sandakan to Sukau takes about an hour and a half for the 95 kilometers trip.