Discover the Ancient Secrets of Niah Caves, Sarawak
Located within the Niah National Park in northern Sarawak, just 110km from Miri City, the Niah Caves are one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. This sprawling limestone cave system is home to the 40,000-year-old “Deep Skull”, stunning prehistoric cave paintings, boat coffins, and natural biodiversity that captures the imagination of all who visit.
Whether you’re a history buff, cave explorer, or wildlife enthusiast, this captivating destination offers an unforgettable jungle adventure into Malaysia’s ancient past.
Why Visit Niah Caves?
- UNESCO World Heritage nomination site
- Discovery of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia
- 12,000-year-old cave paintings at the Painted Cave
- Bats, swiftlets, cave geckos, and creepy crawlies
- Thrilling treks and boardwalks through ancient rainforest
Highlights of the Niah Caves Adventure
1. Cross a Crocodile-Infested River
To access the caves, visitors must cross the Niah River by boat — a short but thrilling ride marked with warning signs about crocodiles. Swimming is strictly discouraged, but the boat journey sets the tone for the excitement ahead.
2. Niah Archaeology Museum
Start your journey at the Niah Archaeology Museum, featuring exhibits on cave ecology, geology, and a display of the prehistoric burial canoe. It’s the perfect primer for understanding the significance of the Niah Caves.
3. Trekking Through the Rainforest
A 3-kilometre boardwalk trail takes around 45–60 minutes to reach the caves. Along the way, you’ll encounter:
- Dense primary rainforest
- Giant buttress-root trees
- Exotic jungle herbs and fruits
- Streams and swamps
- The towering Gunung Subis, home of the caves
4. Trader’s Cave (Gua Dagang)
The first cave you’ll reach, Trader’s Cave, was once a commercial hub where early inhabitants exchanged bird’s nests with traders. Remnants of wooden scaffolding still remain — a testament to centuries-old enterprise.
5. The Great Cave
Walk into one of the world’s most spectacular cave entrances, measuring:
- 60 meters tall
- 250 meters wide
Inside, you’ll find:
- Layers of bat and swiftlet guano
- Millions of screeching bats overhead
- Archaeological dig sites, including the Deep Skull excavation trench
- Cave-dwelling critters like spiders, centipedes, worms, frogs, and the Niah Cave Gecko
Bring a torchlight and a hat — you’ll need both to brave the slippery, dark, and pungent interiors!
6. Lubang Padang – The Dark Chamber
You’ll enter complete darkness in Lubang Padang, a large chamber where rock formations glow under natural skylights. The eerie silence, interrupted only by fluttering wings and dripping water, makes this an unforgettable part of the journey.
7. Painted Cave (Gua Kain Hitam)
The final chamber, Painted Cave, houses 12,000-year-old red hematite paintings and boat-shaped wooden coffins once used for burials. Though fenced for protection, the cave art is still visible, depicting:
- Human stick figures
- Forest scenes
- Mysterious rituals
Bonus: Bat and Swiftlet Airshow at Dusk
If you stay until evening, you’ll witness nature’s aerial ballet: swiftlets return to nest while bats take flight to hunt — forming twin tornadoes of wings that swirl together at sunset. This daily spectacle is a must-see highlight of your trip.
Niah Caves Visitor Information
Location
Niah National Park, Batu Niah, Sarawak, Malaysia
110 km from Miri City
Opening Hours
Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees
- Malaysians: RM10 (Adult), RM3 (Child)
- Non-Malaysians: RM20 (Adult), RM6 (Child)
How to Get There
- Drive from Miri (1.5 hours)
- Park at Niah National Park HQ
- Take a 2-minute boat ride across the river
What to Bring
- Torchlight or headlamp
- Hat or cap
- Water bottle and snacks
- Insect repellent
- Hiking shoes with grip
- Raincoat or poncho (weather-dependent)
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem of Malaysia
Niah Caves is more than a cave — it’s a time machine, an outdoor museum, and a biological wonderland wrapped in one. Its historical, cultural, and natural significance makes it a top destination for eco-travelers, heritage explorers, and nature lovers alike.
Add it to your Malaysia travel bucket list and experience a place where humans once walked alongside ancient giants.
