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The Bat Cave at Phnom Sampov is one of Battambang's most spectacular natural attractions, located on the limestone mountain of Phnom Sampov, about 12 kilometers southwest of Battambang city. Every evening at sunset, millions of bats emerge from the cave in a breathtaking natural phenomenon that lasts for about 30-45 minutes. The bats stream out in massive, undulating ribbons that stretch across the sky for kilometers, creating an unforgettable sight. This daily exodus occurs between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, with the exact timing varying by season. The cave itself is home to several species of bats, including wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats. Visitors can watch this amazing spectacle from viewing platforms near the cave entrance. The mountain also features Buddhist temples, shrines, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site has historical significance as well, with caves that were used during the Khmer Rouge period. The bat exodus is best viewed during the dry season when the skies are clear. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and bring binoculars for a closer look at this natural wonder.
Great to see all the bats flying out of the caves - there’s a few bars around that you can sit at and watch them come out (get there earlier to get a seat). You don’t need to book in advance, we just paid entrance on the door. It does get very busy from 5:15/5:30pm so get there a bit before to get a good spot and not to be rushed around as the bats come out any time from 5:45-6pm
Saturday 11the October:\nNice experience to sit and watch millions of bat's exit the cave at dusk\nIt does get busy around the seats in front of the caves with tourists and locals\nStill plenty of space to enjoy nature at it's finest, well worth the visit.
I didn’t stay until evening to see the bats, but the daytime visit was already beautiful! The Buddhist carvings and the giant Buddha statue on the mountain are really impressive and peaceful. The place feels calm with amazing natural scenery. It’s a nice spot to learn about local culture, take photos, and enjoy the view. I’ll come back again next time to see the bats flying out at sunset! 🌄
An unforgettable experience at Phnom Sampov’s Bat Cave!\n\nVisiting the Bat Cave near Battambang was one of the most magical and unexpected highlights of my trip to Cambodia. Just before sunset, I arrived at the base of Phnom Sampov and was greeted by friendly locals offering snacks and drinks while pointing me toward the best viewing spots. As the sun dipped behind the horizon, millions of bats began streaming out of the cave in a mesmerizing ribbon across the sky. It felt like watching nature’s own choreography—fluid, endless, and strangely peaceful.\n\nThe spectacle lasted for nearly half an hour, and I was amazed by how organized the flow of bats seemed. The sound, the movement, and the sheer volume were breathtaking. What made it even more special was the backdrop: golden rice fields, limestone cliffs, and the silhouette of the mountaintop pagoda.\n\nI also recommend climbing Phnom Sampov earlier in the day to explore the Killing Caves and the temple at the summit. The history is sobering, but the views are worth the effort. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just curious traveler, this place is a must-see. Bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to be awed.
Bat cave was a great experience… the bats were never ending! However, what I loved was climbing the mountain and seeing the beautiful view of BB from the top 🌅🌾 LOTS of people, we couldn’t get a PassApp back to our hotel as there were no drivers nearby.
