The 75-meter long bat cave was estimated to have 2.5 million bats back in 2014, and held the Guinness Book of World Records 2010 for the largest colony of Geoffroy’s Rousette fruit bats. Before the bats lived in this cave, it used to be a hiding place for the Samal locals during the Japanese occupation.
The Monfort Bat Sanctuary has 5 openings that are closed in with bamboo rails, where you could sneak a peek to see the bats. The first opening is the entrance, where there is an observable mix of female and male bats.
The second opening shows a maternity ward where pregnant females can be found. The third opening is a nursery or training ward for the young. The fourth opening is where male bats live, this was determined by the strong guano smell coming from it. And the last opening contains their elderly.
These fruit bats are also called megabats, and since they do not hibernate – they live in tropical regions. The bats living in Monfort are rare in the entire world, because they are hunted by humans, dogs, and cats for food.
This sanctuary has been taken care of since the 1900s by the Indigo-Monfort family, and has 57 acres of land. The property is protected with enclosures to protect it from bat hunters. They also have guards 24/7 to increase protection. Thanks to Norma Monfort’s efforts, she received the 2011 Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Hero.
If you want to understand more about bats, you should set up a tour inside Monfort Bat Sanctuary located in Samal Island!
How to get to Monfort Bat Sanctuary?
Easiest way to get to Samal Island
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From Davao City to Monfort Bat Sanctuary
1. From Davao City Airport, ride a jeepney heading to Downtown.
2. From there, take a jeepney and head to either Sta. Ana Wharf or Sasa Wharf.
3. From either port, ride the ferry heading to Samal Island.
4. At the port, look for habal-habal drivers that can take you to the bat cave sanctuary.
Things to do at Monfort Bat Sanctuary
1. GET EDUCATED
– Know more about bats through the tour!
2. WITNESS THE CIRCADIAN FLIGHT
– Look at the actual view of bats going out of their cave to search for food.
3. HIKE
– Get exercise and hike through the property of the Monfort Bat Sanctuary.
4. BUY THEIR BOOK
– They have books on Bat Conservation that would help you get to know these creatures a little better. The proceeds of the sales go into the operations of the sanctuary.
5. VISIT COLEGIO DE OSTACI
– The sanctuary has a landscaping school inside, so try to get a peek!
Rates and Fees
Entrance Fee: ₱ 100 per pax
Environmental Fee: ₱ 5
Circadian Flight Night Ticket Fee: ₱ 200
Interesting Facts
– The bats in the cave cover 75% of the ceiling and walls.
– The bat’s origin is from the tropical regions of the Old World.
– During their Circadian Flight, the bats gather 1.5 to 3 times their weight in food.
How to Contact
You can contact the Monfort Bat Sanctuary through these:
Mobile: 0985 524 9047
Email: admin@monfortbatsanctuary.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonfortBatSanctuary
To bring when visiting Samal Island
1. Bring cash as One Network Bank (ONB) is the only local bank in Samal. Not all resorts accept credit card or debit card payments.
2. Bring water and snacks during your visit at the Sanctuary as there will be a small trek to view all 5 openings.
Reminders when visiting Samal Island
1. Do not shine a light on the bats just to see inside the cave.
2. Respect the bats and the sanctuary.
3. Here are some useful Cebuano phrases you can use to converse with residents:
“Maayong adlaw” – Good day
“Maayong buntag” – Good morning
“Daghang salamat” – Thank you very much
“Palihug” – Please
“Tagpila ni?” – How much is this?
“Unsa ang imong ngalan?” – What is your name?
“Lami” – Delicious
“Usa ka tubig, palihug” – One water, please
“Asa ang___?” – Where is___?
“Manga-on ta” – Let’s eat
4. Dispose of your trash in their proper bin.
5. Do not grab bats for any reason, even if you want to take photos.