Madai Caves Sabah
Explore ancient history and the daring bird nest harvest of the Idahan tribe in Sabah's vast Madai Caves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better visibility for exploration
Madai Caves Sabah
Best Time
Better visibility for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient history and the daring bird nest harvest of the Idahan tribe in Sabah's vast Madai Caves.
"Beautiful cave but vandalized. It ain't anything to shout about or worth the trip."
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Phone flashlights are often insufficient. A strong beam is crucial for navigating the dark and slippery cave interiors.
👟 Wear Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
The walkways inside the caves are notoriously slippery and unmaintained. Good grip is essential for safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave System
Kunak, Sabah
Explore Sabah's second-largest cave, revealing human traces from 15,000 years ago. A true archaeological treasure.
Idahan Tribe's Bird Nest Harvest
Inside Madai Caves
Witness the daring tradition of the Idahan tribe harvesting swiftlet nests from towering heights.
Limestone Mountain Landscape
Surrounding Madai Caves
Marvel at the impressive limestone mountain housing this vast and ancient cave system.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Unmaintained Adventure
Understand the 'Guide' Situation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Phone flashlights are often insufficient. A strong beam is crucial for navigating the dark and slippery cave interiors.
👟 Wear Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
The walkways inside the caves are notoriously slippery and unmaintained. Good grip is essential for safety.
💰 Be Prepared for 'Fees'
Expect to pay an entry fee and potentially be pressured for guide fees. Be firm if you decline.
💧 Respect the Environment
While some visitors note cleanliness issues, help keep the caves tidy. Avoid leaving any trash behind.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Phone flashlights are often insufficient. A strong beam is crucial for navigating the dark and slippery cave interiors.
👟 Wear Sturdy, Non-Slip Shoes
The walkways inside the caves are notoriously slippery and unmaintained. Good grip is essential for safety.
💰 Be Prepared for 'Fees'
Expect to pay an entry fee and potentially be pressured for guide fees. Be firm if you decline.
💧 Respect the Environment
While some visitors note cleanliness issues, help keep the caves tidy. Avoid leaving any trash behind.
⏳ Manage Expectations
The caves are beautiful but lack tourist infrastructure. Focus on the natural wonder and cultural significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Madai Caves offer a glimpse into ancient history and unique cultural traditions, particularly the Idahan tribe's bird nest harvesting. However, visitors frequently cite poor maintenance, slippery walkways, and aggressive solicitation of guide fees as significant drawbacks, leading to a perception that the entry fee is not justified.
"The RM15 entry fee is completely unjustified for facilities that are clearly abandoned.
The cave is pitch black—phone flashlights are useless. The walkways are extremely slippery and unmaintained, making the interior feel very dangerous. There are no functional signboards and no staff available for help."
Halifah
"Kinda pricey, Rm10 per person and I dont think its worth for the place. The villagers does not clean the place. A lot of rubbish and its uncomfortable😔
Inside the cave is beautiful but I hope the villager keeps the place clean and make some maintenance for the cave, so that visitor can explore the cave easily. I mean, they should use the money we pay for the place so that we can think its worth it."
Elysa Julian
"Scammy Alert.
Saw the Madai Cave sign enroute back to Kundasang from Semporna, so decided to turn in.
Experience turned sour at the gate. There will be a "gatekeeper" that will collect "toll" to pass through. He demanded RM20, says thats the usual fee + will need a guide and we need to fork out another RM40.
Because of the way he communicated 'not so politely', I declined on the guide and made my way.
Upon entering the caves, there will be a few hustle asking abt needing a guide.
We proceeded to venture around the mouth of the cave and was greeted by the 'tour guide' who demanded RM20 because we needed a guide. Again, because of the aggressive way he spoke and communicated, I "politely" declined his offer and said we'll just go back and not continue. Because we declined, he shouted that we had to pay his fees because we 'stepped on the wooden pathway'.
As silly and nonsensical as it sounds, that was my experience.
Cave is beautiful BUT vandalized. That's all I can say.
Whatever positive reviews you read while googling this place, take it like ur flicking off salt after picking french fries.
It ain't anything to shout about or worth the trip.
The residents or 'gatekeepers' here deserve what they are getting.
I really hope the Sabah National Park Authorities can do something to properly preserve or at least manage it properly for visitors to avoid untoward incidents.
If they can't or is not responsible for this area, just remove the signage on the main road.
We actually thought this was a safe and pleasant detour. But definitely NOT!"
DUXHUB “360”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Madai Caves are located in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. They are accessible via a short detour from the Kunak main highway. If you're coming from Semporna, it's a stop on the way back towards Kundasang.
There are signs for Madai Cave on the main road, but some visitors have reported confusing experiences with 'gatekeepers' demanding tolls.
Renting a car or hiring a private driver is recommended for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other areas in Sabah. Public transport options might be limited.
Madai Caves are approximately 30-40 minutes drive from Lahad Datu town, making it a feasible stop for those in the region.
While not as common as other major attractions, some local tour operators in Sabah might offer customized itineraries that can include Madai Caves. It's best to inquire with local travel agencies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around RM15 per person. However, some visitors have reported being asked for higher 'toll' fees at the entrance.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
The caves are generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strictly enforced opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's natural light.
Opinions vary. Some feel the fee is unjustified given the lack of maintenance and facilities. Others find the cave's natural beauty and historical significance make it worthwhile.
You can explore the mouth of the caves freely. However, some 'guides' may aggressively insist you need one to go further inside, often demanding additional fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walkways are often described as slippery, unmaintained, and potentially dangerous. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is highly recommended.
Exploring the immediate entrance area is generally safe. However, for deeper exploration, a guide might be beneficial, but be wary of aggressive fee demands.
Madai Caves are known for being home to swiftlets, whose nests are harvested by the local Idahan tribe. You might also encounter other cave-dwelling creatures.
Facilities are minimal to non-existent. Visitors report abandoned facilities and a general lack of upkeep.
Madai Caves are an important archaeological site, with evidence of human presence dating back 15,000 years. They are also central to the cultural traditions of the Idahan tribe.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural formations and the unique cultural aspect of bird nest harvesting offer photographic opportunities. However, the low light conditions inside the cave can be challenging.
The entrance to the cave, the surrounding limestone cliffs, and any visible signs of the bird nest harvesting activity can make for interesting shots.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial. A tripod might be useful if you plan to capture longer exposures, but navigating with one could be difficult.
Generally, there are no explicit restrictions on photography, but always be respectful of the local culture and any individuals you might photograph.
While flash can help illuminate subjects, be mindful of disturbing any wildlife. It might not be very effective in the vastness of the cave.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the potential for aggressive fee solicitations as well, which might be stressful for families. If you decide to visit, focus on exploring the cave entrance and the surrounding natural beauty, rather than venturing deep into the potentially hazardous interior. Managing expectations about facilities and safety is crucial for a positive family outing.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Idahan Tribe and Bird Nest Harvesting
This tradition highlights the unique cultural significance of Madai Caves beyond its geological and archaeological value. Visitors may witness glimpses of this activity, offering a rare insight into a way of life deeply intertwined with the natural environment. It’s a reminder of the human element within these ancient natural wonders, showcasing a skill honed over centuries.
It's important to approach this aspect with respect. While the harvesting is a crucial part of the local economy and culture, it's also a physically demanding and potentially dangerous undertaking. The presence of the Idahan tribe adds a layer of living history to the Madai Caves experience, making it more than just a geological site.
Navigating the Cave's Condition and Safety
This lack of upkeep has led to a perception among some visitors that the RM15 entry fee is not justified, especially when combined with the absence of functional signboards or readily available staff for assistance. The interior can feel pitch black and uncomfortable, with some reviews mentioning rubbish and a general lack of cleanliness.
Given these conditions, prioritizing safety is paramount. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and bring their own powerful flashlight. Being prepared for a rugged, natural experience rather than a polished tourist attraction is key to enjoying Madai Caves.
The 'Guide' Experience and Fee Solicitations
Some travelers have recounted instances where they were pressured to pay a guide fee simply for stepping onto a wooden pathway, regardless of whether they accepted a formal tour. This has led to some visitors feeling it was a 'scammy' experience, tarnishing an otherwise potentially beautiful natural site.
It's advisable to be prepared for these interactions. If you choose to hire a guide, clarify the fees upfront. If you prefer to explore independently, be firm but polite in declining offers. The Sabah National Park Authorities are sometimes mentioned as a body that could potentially improve the management of this area to prevent such untoward incidents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit