Agop Batu Tulug

Agop Batu Tulug is a limestone outcrop above the Kinabatangan river near Batu Putih, and inside the caves in it are wooden coffins - carved from single logs, some with animal heads at the ends, placed on ledges and in niches by communities of the middle Kinabatangan over a period thought to run back several centuries. Secondary burial in wooden or ceramic containers placed in caves was practised widely in Borneo and this is one of the better preserved concentrations, with dozens of coffins in place and grave goods including Chinese ceramics recovered from around them. A stairway climbs to the main cave and there is a small museum at the foot with interpretation and some of the finds. The site is quiet, poorly known, and easy to fold into the drive to the Kinabatangan lodges.

What you actually see

• Carved log coffins - placed on cave ledges, some with animal-head ends.
• A burial tradition of the river - secondary burial practised along the Kinabatangan.
• A stair to the main cave - climbing the outcrop from the road.
• A small site museum - interpretation and finds at the foot.

When to go

March to September. Half a day.

Honest expectations

These are burials - treat them accordingly. The stair is steep and the cave floor uneven. Lighting is limited. The museum is small and opening hours can be irregular.

Nearby

The Kinabatangan river lodges at Sukau and Bilit are downstream.