Madai Caves

Madai Caves is a limestone cave complex in the Baturong Madai Forest Reserve near Kunak in Sabah, Malaysia. Formed in a prominent limestone hill, it is renowned for its edible bird's nest harvesting tradition practiced by the Idahan community for centuries. The caves are also an important archaeological site with evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years, featuring large chambers, swiftlet nests and historic cave paintings.

Visitors can expect a large limestone hill with multiple cave entrances set within protected forest. Access is via steep staircases and wooden walkways leading to vast chambers with high ceilings, stalactites, bat colonies and traditional rattan scaffolding and poles used for bird's nest harvesting. The site is managed and not a developed show cave; visits require permission and a local guide, with interpretation of the Idahan harvesting tradition and archaeological features.

Madai Caves is one of Sabah's most significant archaeological sites, with excavations revealing human occupation from the Neolithic period, stone tools, pottery, and burials dating back up to 20,000 years. The caves have been a centre for the edible bird's nest trade for centuries, historically linked to regional trade networks.

The caves are traditionally owned and managed by the Idahan community of the Kunak and Lahad Datu area, who hold customary rights to harvest edible swiftlet nests. The harvesting technique using rattan ladders and poles is a living cultural tradition passed down through generations and remains central to local identity and livelihood.