In case you’re planning your Kinabatangan River journey or in search of the Sukau Caves, then I wager that you simply’re already occupied with the Gomantong Caves. Nevertheless, do you know that there’s one other epic Kinabatangan Caves system proper close to the river village of Sukau?
Positioned strolling distance from the favored Kinabatangan River cruise village of Sukau, the cave path leads via dense rainforest alongside a path carved out by elephants. This implies as I discovered, that you need to be notably cautious to keep away from any territorial wildlife that calls the Sukau jungle residence.
Sukau on the Kinabatangan River
For these trying to spend a bit little bit of time exploring the Kinabatangan River and to profit from the unbelievable wildlife river cruises from right here, then likelihood is you’ll be staying in Sukau.
The village itself is sort of small and positioned alongside the banks of the river itself. There aren’t any ATMs or supermarkets right here, so that you’ll want to arrange. That will help you, I’ve written an in depth weblog on how you can get right here, the place to remain and what to anticipate.
Different Kinabatangan Cave and River Cruise Choice
In case you’d favor to go to the bigger Gomantong Caves, then you may e book a cave and river cruise tour on-line. I didn’t do that possibility since I made a decision to remain in Sukau over just a few days. Nevertheless, in case you’d favor a resort pickup and a guided tour from Sandakan, then you may e book this journey for underneath $90.
Additionally, in case you’re in search of extra details about the Gomantong Caves, then you definitely may discover this detailed weblog helpful.
INTERESTED IN RIVER CRUISES INDEPENDENTLY? READ THIS BLOG.
DON’T MISS: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO
The best way to Discover the Sukau Caves
In fact, you may set up a driver or information from Sukau to go to Gomantong Caves. Sadly, I didn’t have a day to spare. So as a substitute, I got down to discover the elephant path resulting in the Sukau Caves, as directed by my lodge proprietor.
You’ll discover the beginning of the path on the very finish of the highway in Sukau, heading downstream. The official identify of the world is known as Tomanggong Limestone Space and also you’ll discover the beginning of the path pinned underneath that identify on Google Maps.
The perfect recommendation is simply to comply with the highway downstream all the best way previous the lodges and small eating places.
When you attain a home that appears prefer it’s the tip of the highway, simply stroll underneath the small makeshift bridge. Then, proceed via the patch of palms and ultimately cross a picket plank main into the jungle.
Elephant Path Hike From Sukau – Tomanggong Limestone Space
Hike Distance: 8 KM return;
Complete Size: 2-3 hours;
Hike Problem: Simple, however could be very moist and swampy.
As I discussed beforehand, the path has been carved out by native Pygmy elephants who roam the jungle space close to the Kinabatangan Caves and river. Because of this, the path winds round and cuts again on itself a number of occasions, forcing you to cross deep sections of mud.
Total, the path is pretty flat, and also you’ll discover small pink and pink ribbons tied onto the bushes which paved the way to the Sukau Caves. My recommendation is to maintain a watch out for the tags and ribbons as a result of it’s fairly simple to get misplaced.
As you strategy the cave, you’ll must comply with the path up the hill a bit, revealing an enormous cavern opening.
Kinabatangan Wildlife
Nevertheless, you’ll undoubtedly have to be cautious. Rising up in Australia, I are likely to neglect in regards to the wildlife hazards aside from these of the venomous selection. Consequently, the end result of the hike might have been a lot worse if I had unknowingly and innocently wandered right into a pack of offended boars or a territorial bull elephant.
Reality is, we did run right into a pack of boars and had been chased by them. Learn the underside part for the story.
What to Count on on the Kinabatangan Caves
The hike itself could be very stunning, passing via the dense and damp jungle inside that you simply may anticipate of Borneo.
The Sukau cave itself has two major caverns. By the seems of it, it additionally descends deeper underground. There are bats in every single place in the principle cavern, so that you’ll have to be ready for that in case you’re a bit squeamish.
Chased By Wild Boars
Yep. These items had been monsters. In case you haven’t seen a Bornean wild boar earlier than, I’ll ask you to google a picture of it. The factor is fierce and tremendous scary trying when it’s staring you down, grunting via the bushes within the thick of a swampy jungle.
Though we discovered the caves, we had been pressured to run away from an offended and territorial boar on the best way again. Fortunately, we each lived to inform the hilarious however in hindsight, fortunate story of our nice Sukau Caves boar escape.
Extra Pictures of the Sukau Caves and Path
Listed here are some extra images that we took alongside the path to the Sukau Caves (Kinabatangan Caves).
In case you determine to take the hike, let me know by posting a fast remark beneath.
MORE SABAH BORNEO TRAVEL GUIDES
