The Madai Caves are an important place for harvesting birds' nests. These nests are considered a delicacy and something of a medicine among the Chinese, and the export market is huge. The village at the entrance of the largest cave comes alive twice a year when the Idahan tribe comes to harvest the birds' nests from various parts of the caves. It is a special communal event, almost like a festival.

The harvesting is a dramatic event with the men risking their lives to pry precious nests from the cave roof. Nowadays, the harvesters are hired. The Idahans have held their rights to the Madai Caves for over 20 generations.

To visit the caves, permission must be obtained from the Idahan elders. Visitors may visit the District Office in Lahad Datu town to make prior arrangements for entrance permission.

Located near the Madai Caves, just besides the highway from Lahad Datu to Tawau, is the Madai Waterfall. Another 16 km from Madai is Baturong, another huge limestone massif of archeological importance. Baturong was once part of the Tingkayu Lake, which drained away over several thousands of years around 15,000 BC. The Baturong caves were periodically inhabited over some 5,000 years, until they were abandoned around 10,000 BC. They were occupied again, together with the Madai Caves, until the end of the Palaeolithic Age. Baturong is only accessible by a one-hour drive and an hour's walk through palm oil plantations. For those who wish to go to Baturong, it is highly recommended that you engage the services of a guide, or sign up with a tour company. On the way to Baturong there is also a Mud Volcano.