Another treasure of the Sabah’s East Coast is the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre. This 3,436.5 hectares large area is located about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu, 15 kilometers from Kunak.
Madai is basically a bird cave where the popular swiftlets birds nest delicacy originates, the nests are harvested annually by the Idahan tribe. Every year a festival is held by the tribe at the entrance of the main cave, when the male members of the tribe remove the nests from the high cave roof by risking their lives. This ritual and the rights to the Madai caves have been held by the Idahan tribe for over twenty generations and one has to obtain their permission to visit the caves. While the Baturong cave is riddled with several caverns which contain ancient coffins.
The Madai – Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre has been classified as a Class 1 forest reserve and is an excellent place for a day of cave exploration trip. Outdoor lovers will delight at the opportunity to familiarize with various aspects of tree species, caves, and the endemic flora and fauna in the area.
In addition to its canopy walkway, visitors of this forest reserve should not miss the chance to take a dip in the cool crystal clear stream of its scenic waterfalls.
Contact Information
Kunak Regional Forestry office
P.O.Box No 2
91207 Kunak
Office +60 89-851 863
Fax +60 89-851 862
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