Agop Batu Tulug Caves, Archaeological caves in Kinabatangan district, Malaysia
Agop Batu Tulug Caves is a burial site within a limestone karst formation containing three separate cave chambers rising about 40 meters high. The site holds numerous wooden coffins, each crafted and decorated, spread across the different cave spaces.
Research teams discovered this burial site in 1984, which led to systematic archaeological investigations of the site. The wooden coffins date back to a period roughly 500 to 900 years ago.
The wooden coffins display carved buffalo, crocodiles, and snakes reflecting beliefs of the local communities who lived here. These images tell stories about the spiritual world and daily life of the people who once inhabited this region.
The caves are open daily with straightforward access to the different chambers and signs to help you find your way. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and may be slippery in some areas.
The name draws from three different languages: 'Agop' means cave in the local Sungai language, 'Batu' is the Malay word for stone, and 'Tulug' comes from Cebuano meaning sleep. This linguistic blend mirrors the cultural connections of the region.
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