This is the most famous cave in Sabah because of the large amounts of quality bird’s nests collected. Many people have heard of the cave but few can actually provide clear directions to it, including residents of Sandakan.

The journey to Guomantong is quite a rough trip and it should not be attempted during the rainy months from September to December. It is a three hour journey by road from Sandakan and it branches off to Sukau along the Sandakan-Lahad Datu road. Alternatively, a boat journey can be taken. From the road to Sukau, there is a side-road turning right which takes the visitor across a very interesting forest reserve.

Only four-wheel-drive vehicles should be used for this stretch of road. For the observant visitor, the jungles here contain a wealth of wildlife, which include hornbills, eagles, pheasants, deers, wild-pigs, monkeys and a wide range of plant life.

Guomantong Caves
The way into the cave cuts across the side of a tree-covered limestone hill and there is a sense of expectancy as one draws near to the cave. A long attap house and trees are framed against the dark mouth of the cave and it is a spectacular sight to see the huge opening of the cave with its rock formations suddenly bursting into view. The cave is a large one and the adventurous visitor can explore the different inner caves connected to it.

There are run-down huts located in the vicinity of the caves for those who would like to rough it out for one or two nights. Guomantong should only be visited by those who do not mind foregoing comfort.

How to get there?
Fly to Sandakan. In Kota Kinabalu, arrangements can be made with the local tour companies (e.g. Discovery Tours) to visit the caves. Alternatively, enquiries can be directed to the Sabah Forestry Department, or the Sabah Parks office in Sandakan. Accommodation will have to be in Sandakan but those who can rough it out can camp at Guomantong or stay in the deserted huts there. It is recommended that for overnight trips to Guomantong, groups of more than five persons should be arranged. If an overnight stay is to be made, the following items should be brought along:

* change of clothes
* towel
* first-aid kit
* good pair of rubber shoes
* spare pair of rubber shoes (most important)
* spare socks
* food (bearing in mind that there are no cooking facilities)
* plenty of drinks
* enough INSECT REPELLENT (important!)
* fresh water for washing up