Hey there… As so my journey continue here in Gomantong cave, as we’re making our way back to RDC, we’ve stopped here.. Thank you to our driver Mr Tugau who brought us here and there on our trip… I just cant get enough of Borneo. Soooooo this is Gomantong…
The Gomantong Caves are an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill. The hill is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan area, Sandakan division, in the Malaysian state ofSabah. Situated in a Sabah Parks forest reserve, the caves and the surrounding area are a protected area for wildlife, especially orangutans. Investigation of the guano deposits were first made in 1889 by J.H. Allard of the China Borneo Company, and the caves were first mapped by P. Orolfo in 1930.
The main cave system is divided into two parts: the more accessible Simud Hitam (Black Cave), and the larger Simud Putih (White Cave) which lies above. The names refer to the main type of nests produced by swiftlets in each cave. The cave system is home to many other animals, including massive populations of cockroaches and bats. Outside one can see crested serpent eagles, kingfishers, and Asian fairy bluebirds. Access is in the form of a wooden walkway circuiting the interior.
For centuries, the caves have been renowned for their valuable edible swiftlet nests, which are harvested for bird's nest soup. The most valuable of the nests, the white ones, can sell for very high prices.
The birds' nest collection is an ancient tradition, and the trading of these nests has been done since at least 500 AD. Twice a year, from February to April and July to September, locals with licenses climb to the roof of the caves, using only rattan ladders, ropes, and bamboo poles, and collect the nests. The first collection takes place early in the breeding season before the swiftlets lay their eggs. The birds then make another nest in which they finally lay their eggs. After the young have fledged, the second collection is made. Care must be taken to assure that the nests are collected only after the young swiftlets have abandoned these nests. These individuals are very much in demand by the people and communities that hold the Government's harvesting licenses. Edible birds' nests are protected under the Birds' Nest Ordinance and the Forest Enactment of 1968. Heavy fines and penalties are imposed on unlicensed collectors.
Every evening, over 2 million resident bats spiral out for their evening feed. As the bats leave, the swiftlets are usually beginning to make their way back to the caves after a day's foraging. There are also bat hawks that linger not far from the scene and prey specifically on the bats as they leave their roost.
We’ve found the little baby swiftlet on the path way through the cave sistem. Well to tell you the truth, the baby bird wont have a chance of living when it fell from the nest about 50mtr high, the right wing was broken and who knows if the birdie got any other injuries… RIP birdie..
Well, Its nearly to the end of my journey in Borneo as i head back to RDC… but I’ll post something soon..
funny traveler,
bear
Borneo Pigmy elephant is coming up on my next post… As we work back to back with the Elephant Care Unit..