The Gomantong Caves in Borneo are not for the faint hearted.
There are two cave complexes ..... " The Black Cave "- Simud Hilam - This is easily accessible and the one that I went to - the other is the "White Cave" - Simud Putih visited only by those with a fittess level better than mine.
They are high 40-60 meters and in a limestone hill.
I had no idea that I would be walking into a black cavern infested with bats and cockroaches their droppings immense humidity and a stench. The bats inhabit the caves during the day and fly out at night which is when the birds come in to their nests. The cockroaches are always there.
The importance of the caves is because of the swiftlet nests which are edible - the birds nest soup commanding a premium especially with the Chinese.
Recommended Dress Code for the Caves :
1) Long Pants and Long Sleeve Shirts
2) Calf Length Socks and Shoes
3) Rubber Gloves
4) Face Masks
There are two cave complexes ..... " The Black Cave "- Simud Hilam - This is easily accessible and the one that I went to - the other is the "White Cave" - Simud Putih visited only by those with a fittess level better than mine.
They are high 40-60 meters and in a limestone hill.
I had no idea that I would be walking into a black cavern infested with bats and cockroaches their droppings immense humidity and a stench. The bats inhabit the caves during the day and fly out at night which is when the birds come in to their nests. The cockroaches are always there.
The importance of the caves is because of the swiftlet nests which are edible - the birds nest soup commanding a premium especially with the Chinese.
Recommended Dress Code for the Caves :
1) Long Pants and Long Sleeve Shirts
2) Calf Length Socks and Shoes
3) Rubber Gloves
4) Face Masks
