Bat Cave Battambang

Cambodia is a land of wonders, mystery, poignant history, diverse culture, scenic beauty, and belongingness. One such place which the Cambodians never forget to tell about is the Battambang Bat Caves. You will love to indulge in the stories and well as anecdotes that amicable Cambodians share with you about these with a constant warm smile upon their face.

About Battambang Bat Caves

Battambang Bat Caves are located just a bit far away from the Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau. The extremely callous Khmer Rouge army used to keep the corpses of innocent Cambodian victims of war inside the Killing caves. Local Cambodian people strongly believe that the bats which burst out of the Battambang Bat Caves are the souls of innocent victims who try to flee the prisons of Khmer Rouge.

As the sun starts setting in the sky enveloped in dusky hues, millions of bats pour out of the Battambang Bat Caves and cover the dusky sky. The caves are exactly 12 km (7.5 mi) away from the city of Battambang. Right before the evening, travelers start gathering as the entire place smells of the aroma of barbecued pork and chicken. Street sellers offer yummy drinks too from their orange coolers.

As time passes, people wait in utter excitement as they expect the bats to be out at any moment. They gasp with joy and excitement as umpteen number of bats flock out of the caves and continue to fly around the sky for the next thirty to forty minutes. It is truly an incredibly spectacular sight to behold. The trail of bats flying will leave you in wonders as you start getting goosebumps all over your body. The best position to behold this sight is the entrance of the Battambang Bat Caves. And you need to reach there before 5:30 pm to experience it from the very beginning.

The best part is that this place is still less crowded. So it is quite easy to find a suitable spot from where you can enjoy the stunning view. Also, the food stalls offer some plastic chairs so that you can sit back and relax.

A Secret Tip

If you want, we can share a well-kept secret. Well, all you need to do is to ask your tuk-tuk to take the first left on the road as you leave behind the Battambang Bat Caves. Soon you will reach a small path that takes you up to the mountains. Just climb up the mountains, and you are in for an amazing view of the sunset as well as the breathtaking view of the bats flying out. There will be no crowd here at all, and you can soak in the entire experience in utter peace and calmness.

Another point from where you can enjoy the panoramic view is right at the beginning of the main road as you leave towards Battambang from the caves.

Activities That You Can Indulge in If You Visit Battambang Bat Caves

There are many interesting activities that you can cherish while you are in the Phnom Sampeau Region. Here we go:

• You can reach one to two hours before the spectacular bat show and explore the entire region and witness the natural beauty all around.
• You must visit the delicately decorated pagoda at the top of the mountain. From here you will be able to watch the surrounding countryside.
• You will go spellbound by the shimmering beauty of the paddy fields of Battambang that stretch up to the horizon.
• Cambodian people believe that the mountain is sacred because of Neang Rumsay Sok. She defeated a crocodile by drying up the river water with the help of her lustrous hair.
• You can also witness the bones and skulls of the victims of Khmer Rouge in some of the Killing Caves.
• While you wait for the bats to whoosh out, you can gorge in some really sumptuous Cambodian street foods and gulp down some drinks.
• You can hire a local guide who can take you very near to the Battambang Bat Caves, and you can experience the bats pouring out and painting the sky black from the proximity.

How to Reach Battambang Bat Caves?

If you land at Phnom Penh Airport (PNH), it will take around 4 hours 47 minutes to reach Battambang via flight and bus together, and it will cost you $53-$136. Battambang Bat Caves are 308.3 kms from this airport. More options to reach there are as follows:

• Minivan: 6 hours 26 minutes - $10
• Bus: 6 hours 29 minutes - $12
• Train: 9 hours 10 minutes - $8-$13
• Self-Drive: 4 hours 14 minutes - $24-$35

If you are fit enough, then you can climb 700 steep steps and reach the top. There is also a cemented road to climb up the mountain. Moto drivers can also take you up in return for $1.

Key Details to Keep in Mind

If you keep in mind the below-given points, you will experience a smooth journey:

• Entry fees for the pagoda: $3
• Visiting hours for Battambang Bat Caves: 5:30 pm onwards
• Always remember to wear knee and shoulder covered dresses.
• Be wary of the mischievous monkeys that are all around the road as you climb up the hill.

The Battambang Bat Caves are indeed one of the best places in Cambodia. It is worth visiting because of its eerie history as well as a mysterious present. If you are visiting Cambodia any time soon, then do not forget to include this place in your itinerary.