Phnom Sampeu Mountain – Natural Wonder & Cultural Landmark
Phnom Sampeu is home to three caves sheltering over one million Asian wrinkle-lipped bats, among the largest bat colonies in Cambodia. Only 13 colonies of this species are known in the country, collectively supporting more than 6.5 million bats.
Every evening, these bats fly up to 50 km from their roosts, hunting insects such as plant-hoppers that can damage up to 60% of rice crops. Each bat consumes roughly 15 grams of insects per night, equivalent to 50–100% of its body weight. These natural pest controllers prevent the loss of more than 2,000 tons of rice annually, enough to feed over 21,000 people.
Conservation Importance
Large bat colonies are increasingly rare in Southeast Asia due to hunting and limestone mining. Cambodian law prohibits hunting, harming, or disturbing bats and other wildlife.
Visitors are kindly asked not to disturb the bats by:
- Throwing objects into the caves
- Making loud noises
- Using flash photography
Protecting these bats helps sustain local agriculture and benefits the people of Battambang.
Legend of Phnom Sampeu
The Story of Reach Kol and Sovan Macha
Long ago, Prince Reach Kol fell in love with Neang Sovan Macha, famed for her beauty and her friendship with a talking crocodile named Athon. However, Sovan Macha was poor, and her bond with a crocodile alarmed Kol’s royal family. Kol was soon betrothed to Princess Rom Say Sork, who possessed magical hair capable of granting wishes.
The Crocodile’s Blockade:
Sovan Macha commanded Athon to block Kol’s ship from leaving port. Kol and his men attempted to bribe the crocodile with food—vegetables, chickens, and ducks—but Athon refused.
Divine Intervention:
Desperate, Kol prayed. Rom Say Sork used her magical hair to wish the sea away, leaving Athon stranded among the uneaten offerings. The crocodile died, and its body transformed into Crocodile Mountain (Phnom Kroh Peu), still visible near Phnom Sampeu. Nearby hills are said to have formed from the chickens, ducks, and cages once offered to Athon.
Visitor Information
Location: Phnom Sampeu, near Battambang city
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to see the bats emerge at sunset
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing, bring water, and avoid disturbing the bats
Easy & Affordable Tuk-Tuk Trips from Battambang
Enjoy a comfortable and flexible trip to Battambang’s top attractions with easy return to the city.
Visit one destination at a time, such as Phnom Sampeu, and relax knowing your transport is arranged.
PRICE
Single Destination Trip (Round Trip)
City → Phnom Sampeu → return to Battambang city center
• Transportation by tuk-tuk (round trip)
• Price: USD 12 per tuk-tuk
• Capacity: 3–4 passengers per tuk-tuk, depending on passenger size (larger passengers may reduce capacity)
FAQ
Q: Can I book a trip to only one attraction?
A: Yes. You can book a trip to a single destination, visit the site, and return to the city afterward.
Q: How much does a tuk-tuk trip cost?
A: The round-trip price is USD 12 per tuk-tuk.
Q: How many people can one tuk-tuk carry?
A: One tuk-tuk can accommodate 3 to 4 passengers, depending on passenger size. Larger or heavier passengers may reduce the number of passengers.
Q: Is the price per person or per vehicle?
A: The price is per tuk-tuk, not per person.
Battambang Tour Lychee 