Imagine a morning filled with the promise of adventure, as you depart from your hotel in Sandakan or meet at Sandakan Airport. Your destination? The awe-inspiring Gomantong Caves and the pristine Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysia. This article is your comprehensive guide to this extraordinary journey, where you’ll explore the largest limestone and bird nest caves in Sabah, witness the mesmerizing bird nest collection by local people, and embark on a river cruise in search of exotic wildlife.
Itinerary
Gomantong Caves
Your day begins with the sun rising over Sandakan, casting a warm glow over the bustling city. You’ll start your adventure by departing from your hotel in Sandakan or meeting up at Sandakan Airport. The anticipation of what lies ahead fills the air as you gather with fellow adventurers, all eager to explore the natural wonders of Sabah.
The Magnificent Caves
As your journey progresses, you’ll make your way to the Gomantong Caves. These caves are nothing short of a geological marvel, featuring some of the largest limestone caves in Sabah. The sheer size and intricate formations of these caves are a testament to the power of nature.
Bird Nest Collection: A Spectacle to Behold
If you time your visit right, you’ll be in for a treat. During the nesting season, Gomantong Caves come alive with activity as local people collect swiftlet bird nests. These nests, highly prized for their culinary and medicinal value, are harvested with great care and skill. Witnessing this collection is a unique and culturally enriching experience.
Scenic Journey: Rustic Countryside and Oil Palm Plantations
The journey to Gomantong Caves is an adventure in itself. As you drive for approximately two hours, you’ll pass through rustic countryside landscapes adorned with lush greenery. You’ll also catch glimpses of vast oil palm plantations, a significant part of Sabah’s agriculture.
Kinabatangan River: Wildlife Wonderland
After your captivating exploration of Gomantong Caves, you’ll continue your journey to Bilit, situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Bilit is a tranquil haven surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
River Cruise: A Date with Wildlife
At 1600 hours, you’ll embark on a river cruise that promises an encounter with the region’s rich wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you glide along the river, for this is your best chance to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, a myriad of colorful birds, and other fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. The Kinabatangan River is renowned for its biodiversity, and you’ll be awestruck by the abundance of life that thrives here.
An Early Dinner: Fueling the Adventure
After an exhilarating river cruise, an early dinner awaits you at the lodge. Savor delicious local cuisine while sharing stories of your wildlife sightings with fellow travelers. The lodge provides a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
End
As the day draws to a close, you’ll be filled with a deep sense of fulfillment and wonder. Your morning adventure in Sandakan, from the captivating Gomantong Caves to the enchanting Kinabatangan River, has been a journey of discovery and immersion in the natural beauty of Sabah.
This experience will leave an indelible mark on your memory, reminding you of the incredible diversity and magnificence of our planet’s ecosystems. So, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply someone seeking a unique and enriching experience, this adventure promises to be the morning of a lifetime.
Package Details
Tour Code : AG 203
Duration : ยฑ12 hours
Departure : 0830
Min. Pax : 2
Meals Plan : Lunch included
What's included
- Tour and transfer as stated on Seat In Coach basis
- English speaking guide
- Relevant entrance fees only
- Meals as stated only
What's excluded
- Expenses of personal nature
- Other accommodation & meals not stated
- Camera fees (if any)
- Travel insurance
- Beverages
- Other incidental charges
- Airfair
- Porterage
Item to bring
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wear sturdy shoe
- Camera/Phone
- Cap
- Raincoat
- Binocular (optional)
- Use comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants is recommended as humidity is high throughout
