Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
A must-visit attraction in the state of Sarawak, Niah National Park is famous for its archeological history. Some of the oldest remnants of human remains in Southeast Asia were discovered right here in the Niah Caves which dated 40,000 years back. The park itself is smaller compared to the rest in Sarawak, but makes up for it with easy access and great scenery all year round.
The Niah Caves consist of one big cave, aptly named the Great Cave and there are also a few smaller caves. Walking through the walls of this old cavern, you can see the swiftlets and thousands of bats in complete darkness. The Painted Cave is where you can see the ancient cave paintings left by prehistoric humans who once dwelled here. It will definitely be even more thrilling than it sounds to actually be able to experience this park and cave exploration first hand!
If trekking is your thing, you can get on the trail up to Bukit Kasut. A challenging hike, it takes you up a steep incline though the riverine forest till you’re rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding park and South China Sea. There are accommodations offered here such as economical chalets for visitors to stay in if they wish to spend more time discovering the park.
The Niah Caves consist of one big cave, aptly named the Great Cave and there are also a few smaller caves. Walking through the walls of this old cavern, you can see the swiftlets and thousands of bats in complete darkness. The Painted Cave is where you can see the ancient cave paintings left by prehistoric humans who once dwelled here. It will definitely be even more thrilling than it sounds to actually be able to experience this park and cave exploration first hand!
If trekking is your thing, you can get on the trail up to Bukit Kasut. A challenging hike, it takes you up a steep incline though the riverine forest till you’re rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding park and South China Sea. There are accommodations offered here such as economical chalets for visitors to stay in if they wish to spend more time discovering the park.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
If you would like a more local experience, try staying in the traditional Iban longhouses outside the park. They would be very pleased to have visitors. In a local homestay, you get to live with a ‘host’ family, while participating in daily activities with them and served with home cooked food. A great example of a modern Iban longhouse homestay is Rumah Patrick Libau, located just 15 minutes away from the Niah Caves.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
One thing you should definitely keep on your person at all times is a good quality camera. Between your adventures in the caves and the huge rainforest, there are excellent photography opportunities that you will not find in any other forest. Plus you can keep memories of all the unique plantlife and geographic attractions found here!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Getting around
Getting around
From Miri, you can take a public bus to the Niah National Park. At Miri Bus Station, look out for the ‘Bas Suria’ buses and get on board till you arrive at Batu Niah, which takes a 1 hour and 40 minute journey. Once you arrived at Batu Niah, you have a choice of getting to the Niah Park headquarters via motorised longboats through jungle scenery, a standard taxi trip or legging it yourself along the river bank for about 45 minutes!
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Plan your cave visits around dusk time, as you can see the “changing of the guard” with thousands of bats flying out of the cave.
- It is recommended to cover your head with a wide quality headgear or wear a poncho while you are caving to protect you from the guano droppings.
- You will need a decently powered torchlight to see better in the darkness in the cave.
- Avoid the park during the weekends if you dislike crowds.
- Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy what Niah National Park has to offer. Dorm beds start from RM 15 per head. Just remember to bring your own food and water as the canteen prices can be expensive.
- If you plan to stay at a homestay, try to make your booking around the time of Gawai, a rice harvest festival celebrated by the locals. It will surely add up to your homestay experience as you will get to witness and join the lively cultural celebration.
- If you wish to visit here for a day trip or only for a few hours, get your admission ticket at the park’s HQ before going into the Niah National Park. The counter is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and closed on weekends or public holidays. Get the tickets in advance or make an arrangement with a local tour guide.
- For visitors who wish to visit the park only for a day trip, the most convenient way is to hire a return taxi from Miri city as the driver could also be a guide for you. However, it is better if you already rent a car to arrange your trips around Miri.
The impressive Niah National Park encompasses a beautiful rainforest aside from being home to a well-known archaeological site, Niah Caves.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
The impressive Niah National Park encompasses a beautiful rainforest aside from being home to a well-known archaeological site, Niah Caves.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
A must-visit attraction in the state of Sarawak, Niah National Park is famous for its archeological history. Some of the oldest remnants of human remains in Southeast Asia were discovered right here in the Niah Caves which dated 40,000 years back. The park itself is smaller compared to the rest in Sarawak, but makes up for it with easy access and great scenery all year round.
The Niah Caves consist of one big cave, aptly named the Great Cave and there are also a few smaller caves. Walking through the walls of this old cavern, you can see the swiftlets and thousands of bats in complete darkness. The Painted Cave is where you can see the ancient cave paintings left by prehistoric humans who once dwelled here. It will definitely be even more thrilling than it sounds to actually be able to experience this park and cave exploration first hand!
If trekking is your thing, you can get on the trail up to Bukit Kasut. A challenging hike, it takes you up a steep incline though the riverine forest till you’re rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding park and South China Sea. There are accommodations offered here such as economical chalets for visitors to stay in if they wish to spend more time discovering the park.
The Niah Caves consist of one big cave, aptly named the Great Cave and there are also a few smaller caves. Walking through the walls of this old cavern, you can see the swiftlets and thousands of bats in complete darkness. The Painted Cave is where you can see the ancient cave paintings left by prehistoric humans who once dwelled here. It will definitely be even more thrilling than it sounds to actually be able to experience this park and cave exploration first hand!
If trekking is your thing, you can get on the trail up to Bukit Kasut. A challenging hike, it takes you up a steep incline though the riverine forest till you’re rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding park and South China Sea. There are accommodations offered here such as economical chalets for visitors to stay in if they wish to spend more time discovering the park.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
If you would like a more local experience, try staying in the traditional Iban longhouses outside the park. They would be very pleased to have visitors. In a local homestay, you get to live with a ‘host’ family, while participating in daily activities with them and served with home cooked food. A great example of a modern Iban longhouse homestay is Rumah Patrick Libau, located just 15 minutes away from the Niah Caves.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
One thing you should definitely keep on your person at all times is a good quality camera. Between your adventures in the caves and the huge rainforest, there are excellent photography opportunities that you will not find in any other forest. Plus you can keep memories of all the unique plantlife and geographic attractions found here!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Getting around
Getting around
From Miri, you can take a public bus to the Niah National Park. At Miri Bus Station, look out for the ‘Bas Suria’ buses and get on board till you arrive at Batu Niah, which takes a 1 hour and 40 minute journey. Once you arrived at Batu Niah, you have a choice of getting to the Niah Park headquarters via motorised longboats through jungle scenery, a standard taxi trip or legging it yourself along the river bank for about 45 minutes!
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Plan your cave visits around dusk time, as you can see the “changing of the guard” with thousands of bats flying out of the cave.
- It is recommended to cover your head with a wide quality headgear or wear a poncho while you are caving to protect you from the guano droppings.
- You will need a decently powered torchlight to see better in the darkness in the cave.
- Avoid the park during the weekends if you dislike crowds.
- Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy what Niah National Park has to offer. Dorm beds start from RM 15 per head. Just remember to bring your own food and water as the canteen prices can be expensive.
- If you plan to stay at a homestay, try to make your booking around the time of Gawai, a rice harvest festival celebrated by the locals. It will surely add up to your homestay experience as you will get to witness and join the lively cultural celebration.
- If you wish to visit here for a day trip or only for a few hours, get your admission ticket at the park’s HQ before going into the Niah National Park. The counter is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and closed on weekends or public holidays. Get the tickets in advance or make an arrangement with a local tour guide.
- For visitors who wish to visit the park only for a day trip, the most convenient way is to hire a return taxi from Miri city as the driver could also be a guide for you. However, it is better if you already rent a car to arrange your trips around Miri.
