Niah National Park, located about 85 km southwest of Miri in Sarawak, Malaysia, covers over 3,100 hectares of lush tropical rainforest and ancient limestone formations. The park is internationally recognized for its archaeological significance and is considered one of Malaysia’s most important natural and cultural heritage sites.

The park’s centerpiece is the Great Cave, a vast limestone cavern featuring awe-inspiring chambers and hosting thousands of bats roosting above. Deeper within lies the Painted Cave, famous for prehistoric wall paintings believed to be over 1,200 years old. These paintings depict human figures, burial scenes, and ceremonial activities, offering a unique window into the lives and beliefs of early Bornean societies.

Archaeological excavations in Niah caves have uncovered stone tools, pottery, and human remains, including a skeleton estimated to be 40,000 years old, marking the site as one of the earliest known human settlements in Southeast Asia. This combination of natural wonder and ancient history makes Niah National Park a prime destination for archaeology enthusiasts, historians, and cultural tourists.

Visitors can explore the caves via a 3 km wooden boardwalk trail, which winds through dense rainforest and over a scenic suspension bridge. Along the trail, travelers can observe wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and insects, while enjoying the serene atmosphere of Borneo’s tropical forest. Interpretive signs provide information about the flora, fauna, and cultural history of the area.

The caves are still used today by the indigenous Penan community, who collect edible bird’s nests, a local delicacy, following traditional practices. This living connection between the ancient caves and contemporary indigenous culture enriches the visitor experience, illustrating the ongoing relationship between people and nature in Sarawak.

Additional attractions include guided tours, birdwatching, photography, and educational programs focused on rainforest ecology, cave conservation, and archaeological preservation. The park’s combination of natural beauty, ancient history, and living traditions makes it a unique destination for travelers seeking adventure, knowledge, and cultural immersion.

Best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October, when trails are accessible and outdoor activities such as cave exploration, jungle trekking, and wildlife observation are safe and enjoyable.

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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.

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Travel Tips

• Bring a strong flashlight or headlamp for cave exploration.

• Wear sturdy shoes suitable for wet, slippery surfaces.

• Carry insect repellent and drinking water.

• Visit in the morning to have enough time to explore both caves.

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Admission Fee

• Malaysians: RM 10

• Foreign visitors: RM 20 (Prices subject to change)

Opening Hours

• Daily: 08:00 – 17:00