SANDAKAN: A remarkable archaeological site in Sabah offers a fascinating window into an ancient world, providing a stunning contrast to the state’s famous wildlife and beaches.
The Batu Tulug Caves, located in the Kinabatangan, is home to over 120 intricately carved wooden coffins, estimated to be 900 to 1,000 years old. The site, now a protected museum and State Heritage Site, reveals the sophisticated burial practices of the indigenous ancestors of the Orang Sungai community.
Archaeologists believe the coffins were used for “secondary burials.” After a body initially decomposed, the bones were collected, cleaned, and placed in these ornate containers. The coffins were then carried high into the caves—a practice likely meant to bring the deceased closer to the afterlife and protect them from floods.
Crafted from durable ironwood, the coffins are famous for their detailed carvings. The head sections feature animal motifs like buffalo heads, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, while the bodies are adorned with floral designs, all believed to be linked to ancient myths.
The site is divided into three main levels, connected by a 200-step walkway:
Agop Surat (Lower Cave): The most accessible area, featuring several coffins as an introduction.
Agop Sawat (Middle Cave): The main gallery houses the most extensive and impressive collection, with carvings still visible despite centuries of weathering.
Agop Tinggud (Upper Cave): The climb culminates here with fewer coffins but offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kinabatangan River and rainforest.
First documented in 1904, the site was officially gazetted as a State Heritage Site in 2013. A small museum at the base of the cliff provides context, displaying artifacts like Chinese ceramics and beads found nearby.
“The preservation of Batu Tulug is paramount,” a Sabah Museum representative stated. “It is a direct link to our prehistory, telling a story of craftsmanship and spiritual belief that words alone cannot convey.”
The discovery of Chinese ceramics has also sparked theories of ancient trade, adding another layer of intrigue to the site.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) president Teo Chee Kim invites the world to explore Sandakan – the gateway to nature and heritage!
Discover the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Venture to Kinabatangan for a river safari and the ancient Agop Batu Tulug heritage site. Experience Sandakan’s unique wildlife, rich culture, and warm local hospitality, Teo said.
For those looking to visit, Batu Tulug Caves is located in Kampung Batu Putih, about an hour’s drive from Sandakan. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with a minimal entrance fee. The site pairs perfectly with a wildlife safari along the Kinabatangan River, creating a diverse day trip combining deep cultural history and renowned nature. – James Leong
Ironwood coffins at Batu Tulug Caves in Kinabatangan.
