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Phnom Sampov: Bats, Beauty & History
12km Southwest of Battambang.
$3 USD (Site Ticket).
Starts at 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM.
The walk up is steep and hot. We recommend hiring a local motorbike taxi at the base (~$4 return) to take you to the caves and summit.
Phnom Sampov is the most famous landmark in Battambang. It is a site of stunning natural beauty, but also of deep tragedy. A visit here is a journey in three parts: The Killing Caves, The Temple Summit, and The Bat Exodus.
1. The Killing Caves (L'Ang Pnon)
Halfway up the mountain lies a complex of caves used by the Khmer Rouge as execution sites. Victims were bludgeoned and then pushed through a skylight in the cavern roof, falling to their deaths in the darkness below. Today, a reclining Buddha and a glass memorial filled with bones mark the spot. It is a quiet, somber place for reflection.
2. The Summit (The Monkey Temple)
At the very top, you will find a colorful pagoda and stunning views of the countryside. Look for the "Ship Shape" rock formations that give the mountain its name (*Sampov* means Ship).
⚠️ Warning: The monkeys here are aggressive gangsters. Keep your water bottles and sunglasses hidden!
3. The Bat Cave
At 5:30 PM, make sure you are back at the base of the mountain. Sit at one of the roadside stalls, order a coconut, and look up. Every evening, millions of Asian Wrinkle-lipped Bats stream out of the cave to hunt. The ribbon of bats stretches across the sky for nearly an hour. It is one of nature's greatest shows.
The Easy Way to Visit
Combine the Bamboo Train and Phnom Sampov into one perfect afternoon. Let a driver handle the logistics so you can enjoy the sunset.
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