Monfort Bat Sanctuary Samal
Home to the world's largest fruit bat colony, witness millions emerge at dusk in this Guinness World Record sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the bats fly out
Monfort Bat Sanctuary Samal
Best Time
Witness the bats fly out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest fruit bat colony, witness millions emerge at dusk in this Guinness World Record sanctuary.
"It is amazing viewing so many bats in one place, although you cannot go directly inside of the caves."
🎯 Arrive Before Dusk
Catch the incredible sight of millions of bats flying out of the cave at sunset.
👃 Bring a Nose Cover
The cave has a strong animal scent; a mask helps if you're sensitive.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 482 reviews
Type
Wildlife Refuge
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Bat Exodus
Cave entrance
Witness millions of fruit bats emerge from the cave at dusk in a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Guinness World Record Colony
Monfort Bat Cave
Home to the world's largest colony of fruit bats, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Educational Insights
Visitor area
Learn about the vital role these bats play in the local ecosystem, especially in pollinating durian trees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bat Viewing
Prepare for the Sights and Smells
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Dusk
Catch the incredible sight of millions of bats flying out of the cave at sunset.
👃 Bring a Nose Cover
The cave has a strong animal scent; a mask helps if you're sensitive.
📸 Camera Focus Challenge
The dense black bats can challenge autofocus. Consider manual settings if possible.
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect around ₱100-₱150 per person, possibly with an environmental fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Dusk
Catch the incredible sight of millions of bats flying out of the cave at sunset.
👃 Bring a Nose Cover
The cave has a strong animal scent; a mask helps if you're sensitive.
📸 Camera Focus Challenge
The dense black bats can challenge autofocus. Consider manual settings if possible.
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect around ₱100-₱150 per person, possibly with an environmental fee.
🚗 Easy to Spot Signage
Look for visible signage along the highway to find the sanctuary easily.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer number of bats at Monfort Bat Sanctuary, calling it a fantastic and educational day trip. The highlight is witnessing the incredible bat exodus at dusk. However, some find the facilities could be better maintained, and the strong animal scent requires preparation.
"Fantastic place to explore for a day excursion from Davao. It is amazing viewing so many bats in one place, although you cannot go directly inside of the caves, however the openings are large enough to view the bats very well. I wished I had a real camera where I could adjust the focus better as the walls of black bats affected my auto focus.
Btw, the bat poo really smells so be prepared"
Seeing the world In a different way
"The staff were friendly and it was interesting to see the bats up close. However, the place didn’t feel well maintained, the restrooms could be improved, and a visible signage along the highway would help tourists easily spot it."
Donna G
"Of the many wonderful places in Samal, the Monfort Bat Sanctuary is a must visit. Off the beaten path, the sanctuary has litetally millions of fruit bats from various species. The place really puts the ecosystem in perspective. Besides bats, there are other kinds of animals that you can see wandering in the labrynth of the caves. Super exciting to see.
Make sure to bring a nose cover if you are sensitive to animal scents because the draft from the caves carries an amonia-animal fur smell."
Jackson Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monfort Bat Sanctuary is located on Samal Island, a short trip east of Davao City. You can take a ferry or a boat from Davao City to Samal Island. From the port on Samal, you can hire a tricycle or a motorcycle taxi to reach the sanctuary. Many visitors find it convenient to arrange transport in advance or upon arrival at the port.
While public transport options exist on Samal Island, hiring a local tricycle or motorcycle taxi is often the most straightforward way to reach the sanctuary, especially if you're coming from the ferry terminal. Ask locals for the best routes and typical fares.
The sanctuary is located about 1 kilometer east of Davao City's general vicinity on Samal Island. Travel time from the ferry terminal will depend on traffic and your mode of transport, but it's generally a short ride.
Some visitors have noted that visible signage along the highway could be improved. It's advisable to ask locals for directions or use a GPS app to ensure you don't miss it.
Absolutely! Monfort Bat Sanctuary is a popular day excursion from Davao City. You can combine it with other Samal Island attractions like Hagimit Falls or beaches for a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee typically ranges from ₱100 to ₱150 per person. There might be an additional environmental fee. It's always a good idea to confirm the current rates upon arrival, as prices can change.
The sanctuary is generally open during daylight hours, but the main attraction is the bat exodus at dusk. It's best to arrive before 6 PM to witness this phenomenon. Some visitors have noted it might be closed in the late evening.
Visitors cannot go deep inside the caves for safety and conservation reasons. However, the cave openings are large enough to provide excellent views of the millions of bats residing within.
Advance booking is generally not required for Monfort Bat Sanctuary. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for larger groups or specific arrangements, it might be worth inquiring beforehand.
Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the sanctuary staff upon your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most captivating time to visit is just before sunset, around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, when millions of fruit bats emerge from the cave to forage. This mass exodus is a truly unforgettable sight.
Due to the large concentration of bats, there is a distinct animal scent, often described as ammonia or animal fur. Visitors sensitive to smells are advised to bring a nose cover or mask.
Photography and videography are generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the bats.
While bats are the main attraction, some reviews mention seeing other kinds of animals wandering within the cave system.
Basic facilities like restrooms are available. However, some reviews suggest that the maintenance of these facilities could be improved.
📸 📸 Photography
Photographing the dense colonies can be challenging due to autofocus issues with dark subjects. Consider using manual focus or a camera with good low-light performance. Capturing the bat exodus at dusk offers dramatic lighting opportunities.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the bats and affect their behavior. Natural light, especially during the evening exodus, can yield stunning results.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a versatile lens would be beneficial. If you have a telephoto lens, it might help capture details from a distance, but a wide-angle lens is great for the sheer scale of the colony.
The main viewing areas are the cave openings, which offer a panoramic perspective of the bat-filled ceilings and walls. The area outside the cave also provides opportunities for landscape shots of the sanctuary.
Position yourself at the cave entrance as dusk approaches. Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the movement of the bats, from slow-moving formations to rapid flight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit