“Great Cave and Painted Cave, massive limestone caves and important archaeological sites where ancient human skeletons from the Paleolithic era were discovered Jungle trails over 3 km through tropical rainforest Scenic viewpoints and a suspension bridge over the Niah River Observation of traditional Penan indigenous bird’s nest harvesting”
Niah National Park is located in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia, covering an area of approximately 3,100 hectares, about 85 km southwest of Miri. The park is a significant natural and archaeological heritage site in Malaysia.
The park features several large limestone caves, with the Great Cave being the most prominent, boasting a spectacular hall that houses tens of thousands of bats. The Painted Cave, located deeper inside, contains ancient wall paintings over 1,200 years old, depicting the life and rituals of prehistoric humans in Borneo.
Niah is also an important archaeological site, where ancient human skeletons over 40,000 years old, along with stone tools and pottery, have been discovered, making it a key record of early humans in Southeast Asia.
Visitors can explore the caves via a 3-kilometer boardwalk, passing through tropical rainforest with suspension bridges and scenic viewpoints. Wildlife such as monkeys, flying squirrels, various bird species, and insects can be observed along the trails.
The Penan indigenous people continue to use the caves to harvest bird nests for food and trade, preserving traditional ways of life and connecting the past with contemporary Sarawak culture.
The best visiting season is from March to October, when the weather is dry and ideal for hiking, boating, birdwatching, and cave exploration. Visitors are advised to follow park rules, such as not littering, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, and staying on designated trails to preserve both the ecosystem and archaeological sites.
With its combination of ancient caves, tropical rainforest, and diverse wildlife, Niah National Park is an ideal destination for hikers, archaeologists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
How to Get There
- From Miri city, drive about 1.5 hours via Miri–Bintulu Road (AH150), then turn onto Jalan Niah to reach the park’s visitor centre. A short boat ride across the river provides access to the main trailhead.
Travel Tips
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Bring a strong flashlight or headlamp for cave exploration.
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Wear sturdy shoes suitable for wet, slippery surfaces.
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Carry insect repellent and drinking water.
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Visit in the morning to have enough time to explore both caves.
Admission Fees
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Malaysians: RM 10
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Foreigners: RM 20 (prices may vary)
Opening Hours
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Open daily: 08:00 – 17:00