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When mentioning Quang Nam, one cannot overlook the incredibly mysterious destination of Fairy Bat Cave. Let's discover the intriguing wonders that nature has specially bestowed upon this place!
A stretch of lush green hills unfolds before you as you set foot in Fairy Bat Cave (Photo by ST)
Just 35 km from Tam Ky City (Quang Nam), shrouded in the dense foliage of wild trees, when you arrive at Fairy Bat Cave in Thon 3, Tien An Commune, Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam - likened to a forgotten Jurassic park, you will be amazed and awestruck by the wilderness to the mysterious and uncover the secrets that nature has brought to this place millions of years ago.
Directions to Fairy Bat Cave
If you're coming from Da Nang, just head straight on National Highway 1A (AH1) for about 80 km until you reach Tam Ky. From Tam Ky, go up to Tien Land about 20 km to the Monument intersection (also known as Cam Thu intersection), Tien Tho commune. This is where there are monuments commemorating the struggle of the local people. Turn left for about 15 km to reach Thon 3, Tien An commune, Tien Phuoc district.
When you reach Ong Cai's pit, pass the small dam, where the Cor community is living, it will be easy to ask for directions to Fairy Bat Cave. If you meet people on the road, ask them right away. Don't rely on Maps to get to Fairy Bat Cave, remember to ask people. Continue running into the small concrete road and you will see an iron bridge on your right. Just keep running straight and you will see a beautiful clear water dam. Keep running straight all the way here, the road is very difficult to find if you meet someone, ask immediately.
Nature is truly generous in offering such poetic beauty to Tien An (Photo by ST)
Experiences at Fairy Bat Cave
Previously, backpackers had to park their vehicles and hike up Eo Bo Hill for hours, but now, thanks to the planting and exploitation of acacia trees, there is a dirt road straight to this place. Although the road may be winding and hilly, the picturesque scenery of lush mountains, cool streams, and the sound of birds singing will only add to your excitement.
The first impression upon arriving at Fairy Bat Cave is likely the large rock formations along the way. The complex consists of two limestone caves formed millions of years ago: the upper cave and the lower cave. However, in reality, the upper cave lies at the foot of the mountain due to natural erosion, also known as Heaven Cave, while the lower cave is the deep cave hundreds of meters above with two small entrances and many winding passages, also known as Fairy Cave.
The Fairy Bat Cave complex consists of two limestone caves: the upper cave and the lower cave, or also known as Heaven Cave and Fairy Cave respectively (Photo by ST)
With Fairy Cave, remember to bring a flashlight as the cave is located at the foot of the mountain and can be very dark. As the cave is very dark and damp, ideal for bats to roost, the name Fairy Bat Cave also comes from this. When exploring, if you're not careful, you may startle at the loud echo from the mountain crevices, which is the sound of bats hiding somewhere in the cave. Occasionally, you may even see a few bats swiftly flying by, or hear the sound of water dripping from the crevices, or catch a few beams of light penetrating from the rock crevices, creating a mysterious feeling as if you've wandered into a dreamlike fairyland.
Inside the Fairy Cave (Photo by ST)
You will spend a lot of time exploring Heaven Cave because there are many large rocks, boulders, and scattered rock formations, along with moss and vines covering everywhere, each spot like this will always stimulate your imagination. The heart of this cave is a dry stream with many stalactites and towering rock formations with countless eerie and surreal shapes.
Heaven Cave is filled with many large rocks, boulders, and scattered rock formations covered in green moss (Photo by ST)
As you venture deeper into the cave, you'll feel like you've stumbled into a primitive realm with many different shapes created by the hand of nature. Many rocks here take on peculiar shapes, such as giant human figures, demon faces, clam shells, etc. On both sides of the cave walls, groundwater still seeps through small cracks day and night, dripping through the damp soil layers beneath your feet, giving you a cool sensation. When you touch the protruding veins and grooves on the rock walls, you'll feel the traces of an ancient stream that once flowed through here millions of years ago, sculpting these formations.
Entangled vines can be found everywhere, creating an eerie atmosphere (Photo by ST)
Descending into the gorge, moving about 50m deep through large rocks, a low cave has emerged right in front of you. In fact, Fairy Bat Cave consists of two adjacent caves, referred to by locals as the high cave and the low cave. The low cave has a collapsed ceiling, with walls over 10m high, gradually widening as you go further in, with the widest section being over 20m. Standing here and looking up, you'll see the sunlight shining through the dense network of vines hanging from the roof, creating sparkling and enchanting patches of light at the cave bottom.
A corner of various colors created by nature (Photo by ST)
Going back from the low cave, towards the left, you'll immediately see the entrance of the high cave, like a small cavity on a large rugged rock, you have to hold on tight to climb in. The high cave is deeply carved into the mountain, with hardly any sunlight penetrating throughout the year. The high cave stretches nearly a hundred meters with many dark corners deep into the rocky mountain, making it an ideal hiding place for bats.
Many rugged mountain ranges with entangled vines (Photo by ST)
Getting lost in Fairy Bat Cave is like stepping into a dreamy fairyland (Photo by ST)
Mr. Huynh Van Suu, a member of the Cor ethnic group living here, recalls that in the past, the caves were teeming with bats. As the evening shadows descended, the bats would swarm out of the cave like bees from a hive, their echoing calls reverberating through the forest. Nowadays, due to extensive hunting and shrinking habitats, the number of bats remaining in the cave is quite limited.
Tall rock cliffs abound in the area (Photo by ST)
'Ten years ago, we couldn't even enter the cave like we can now. Bats were clinging to the rocks, squeaking incessantly. And the ground was covered with a thick layer of bat droppings, the stench was unbearable after staying there for a while,' recalls Mr. Suu.
However, many elderly people living near Fairy Bat Cave mentioned that during the Vietnam War, there was a period when civilians and soldiers used this cave as a bomb shelter. There were rumors that any bombs dropped on Fairy Bat Cave would remain deaf, not exploding.
The exterior still remains quite pristine (Photo by ST)
The cave's interior is tall, with some parts reaching up to 2 meters in height. Adults can walk comfortably, but at times, the space constricts like a bee's waist, requiring one to crouch down. Inside the cave, the cool, mysterious air exudes an enchanting tranquility, captivating any adventurous traveler.
The surreal surroundings outside Fairy Bat Cave with peculiar formations (Photo by ST)
Rock formations are a common sight here (Photo by ST)
Sunlight streaming through the crevices of jagged rocks, intertwined with various vines above, casts shimmering patches that dance to the melodies of mountain birds, frogs, and insects, creating nature's symphony.
This place makes us feel like we've stepped into the era of ancient dinosaurs. Emerging from the deep cavern, you encounter many bizarre shapes, like a lurking thunder lizard or a giant crocodile turning its head. Images of anchored boats, rows of human faces staring in one direction, or strange patterns on rough stone surfaces are everywhere. If illuminated and cleaned, above you might spot a towering sauropod or other creatures.
Although the ascent is not difficult and the scenery is very picturesque, Fairy Bat Cave has been largely forgotten until now. Mr. Phan Hong Phat - Chairman of the People's Committee of Tien An commune said: 'We are developing a project to turn Fairy Bat Cave into an eco-tourism area combined with other historical relics in the district. However, the budget is very limited, mainly serving forestry development, so building a road to the cave is very difficult.'
High rock walls are abundant here (Photo by ST)
Things to Know When Visiting Fairy Bat Cave, Tien An
- First: If you bring an ax or a knife for jungle exploration, wrap it up well and only use it when necessary, as the local people are somewhat difficult to communicate with and rarely resort to the law. However, it's best not to bring such items. Just carry a small spear for self-defense.
• Second: Do not wear red clothes. (This is a superstition issue, there have been stories - I heard a local boy recount)
• Third: No yelling or causing disturbances; it's not good.
• Fourth: It's advisable to bring a headlamp for hands-free movement in the dark, damp, and cramped areas of the cave. But if you're not prepared, a good handheld flashlight will also suffice.
• Fifth: If staying overnight, be aware that damp places like this, especially bat caves, are home to lurking snakes. It's safer to have a local guide to ensure safety and fully explore the beauty of this place!
• Sixth: Difficult movement requires a lot of water and can be tiring; remember to carry enough water and perhaps some light snacks for rest along the way to recharge for the journey ahead.
• Seventh: Equip yourself with the necessary tools when venturing into remote places like this. Remember: Better safe than sorry
• Eighth: You need good health and sturdy legs to explore Fairy Bat Cave, as there will be times of steep ascents and descents that can be physically demanding.
Fairy Bat Cave is shrouded in the gloom of various wild plants (Photo by ST)
If you're an adventurous traveler who enjoys exploring mysterious and mystical landscapes, then Fairy Bat Cave in Tien An is a must-visit. Gather your friends and come here to fully experience and immerse yourselves in the beauty of this place!
