Madai Caves, Sabah

resurgence entrance

Madai Caves in Sabah are famous for the collection of birds nests, as well as being an archaeological site. The collection of nests is controlled by the local Idahan community, who have held for rights to the cave for generations. I was there just before the collecting season started (July 2007) so there were no ladders to see. They collect the nests two times a year.
Archaeological remains dating to around 20,000 years have been found. There are two modern tombs of unknown people.
Madai is accessible from Lahad Datu or Tawau, and is near Kunak.

The village

 House in cave entrance

 tomb

 rubbish

 swiftlet

See my article on Madai.

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission