Deep within the Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve in Beluran, Sabah, lies a hidden wonder that remains shrouded in mystery—Sam Manan Cave. Nestled among lush greenery and rugged limestone formations, the cave is a site of natural beauty and intrigue. While its name pays homage to Sabah’s former Director of Forestry, Datuk Sam Mannan, the most fascinating feature is the rectangular stone cutouts embedded above the cave. Who made them? And why?
These questions remain unanswered, adding an air of mystery to the cave and making it a compelling destination for adventurers, historians, and eco-travelers.
A Cave with a Story
Sam Mannan Cave is part of a broader initiative under the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) efforts promoted by the Sabah Tourism Board and the Beluran Tourism Association. As eco-tourism gains traction in Sabah, Sam Manan Cave is emerging as a unique highlight within the Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve.
Named after Sam Mannan, the cave reflects a commitment to preserving Sabah’s natural treasures and promoting sustainable tourism. It was during recent visits to this hidden gem that travelers, including local communities and tourism representatives, uncovered its most puzzling feature—three rectangular cutouts above the cave’s entrance.
The Mysterious Cutouts
A closer look at Sam Mannan Cave reveals the geometric stone carvings—precisely rectangular and evenly spaced—suggesting they could be man-made remnants. However, no one knows their origins, and there are no historical records or local stories tied to their creation.
Speculative Theories:
- World War II Remnants
During WWII, the forests of Sabah were key strategic locations for Japanese and Allied forces. Could these stone cutouts have been used as lookout points, shelters, or supply storage? This theory remains speculative but plausible. - Ancient Settlers or Indigenous Tribes
Given Sabah’s rich history of indigenous communities like the Orang Sungai, Bajau, and Dusun, it’s possible that the cave and its surroundings were used for cultural, spiritual, or survival purposes.
Without further archaeological or geological studies, the mystery of these stone cutouts continues to captivate the imagination of visitors.
Exploring Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve
Sam Mannan Cave is just one of the highlights in the vast Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve, a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty. Visitors to this area can expect:
- Dense Rainforest Trails: Trek through unspoiled jungles teeming with wildlife and endemic flora.
- Nearby Attractions: Discover the cascading Mendagu Waterfall and visit the charming villages of Kampung Keniogan and Kampung Terusan Sugut, where local communities welcome visitors to experience their culture.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot rare birds, small mammals, and cave-dwelling species as you explore.
A Community-Led Tourism Gem
The development of Sam Mannan Cave as an eco-tourism site is a collaboration between local communities, tourism stakeholders, and conservation advocates. Efforts led by individuals such as Datuk Tan Yong Gee and supported by the Sabah Tourism Board ensure that tourism in Beluran is sustainable and beneficial to local residents.
The involvement of communities like the Orang Sungai, Dusun, and Bajau in promoting Sam Mannan Cave and surrounding areas has added a cultural dimension to this tourism initiative, making it a meaningful experience for visitors.
