Penang Travel Tips Homepage

Madai Caves, Lahad Datu, Sabah


Madai Caves, SabahMadai Caves, Sabah
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Madai Caves (GPS: 4.71836, 118.15328) are huge caves located 69 km south of Lahad Datu that are famous for bird's nest. In front of the cave is a sort of shanty town housing the collection centre for the bird's nest. Visitors to Madai Caves who want to explore it are advised to hire guides. Villagers there double as guides, and charge about RM30 to show you around.

There are ancient burial sites in the caves, so visitors are not allowed to wander around on their own. The local guide will show you the grave of Nenek Apui ("Grandma Apui"), said to be the founder of the caves. The granny's remains have long been dug up and are now on display at the Kota Kinabalu National Museum.

Location

Kilometre 3 off Lahad Datu-Tawau Highway, in Kampung Madai, Kunak, 91100 Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Getting there

Madai Caves are located on the turning off the Lahad Datu-Tawau Highway near the town of Kunak.

Madai Caves is on the Map of sights in Sabah

List of Caves in Sabah and Caves in Malaysia

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips

Discover with Timothy videos on Sabah

What to see when in Sabah? Here are some suggestions from my videos.

Disclaimer

Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

Timothy Tye
Copyright © 2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.