Over 400km up the coast from Kuching, hidden in the forests of Miri, are the Niah Caves. The park covers a vast swathe of 3,140 hectares of peat swamp,
dipterocarp forests, as well as the massive limestone outcroppings within which the giant Niah caves are concealed. The caves consist of one big cave The Great Cave) and some smaller caves.
In 1958, archeologists discovered evidence of human occupation of the caves dating back some 40,000 years. Rock paintings were found in what has become known
as the Painted Cave, and the discovery of several small canoe-like coffins (death ships) indicate that this site was once used as a burial ground.
The Plank Walkways to the Niah caves
The four-kilometre walk to the caves is not difficult. One-way walking time to the entrance of the Great Cave is about 1.5 hours. The few steep sections
near the entrance of the Great Cave, as well as inside the cave, are equipped with stairs. The height at the starting point is sevens metre above
sea level. At the entrance of Niah Great Cave, called the West Mouth, the height is 49 m above sea level. This is the principal access route to the Niah Great Cave and is used by about 20,000 visitors annually.
Painted Cave
This trail follows the valley between two limestone hills for a distance of about
600 m (15 minutes). The trail then ascends the side of a small limestone hill up to the entrance of Painted Cave. The cave paintings are protected behind a tall fence.
Rumah Chang
The plank walkway to Rumah Chang (also called Rumah Ugop) branches off from the main walkway at the bridge over the Subis river. This Iban longhouse is
about 800 (20 minutes) from the junction and just outside the park. The people here like to sell handicrafts to visitors. For visitors who are unable to visit Sarawak’s interior this is a good opportunity to see a longhouse.
Jalan Madu (or Bermadu)
This trail branches off the main walkway about one kilometre from the Pangkalan Lobang jetty. Walking time from this point to the junction with Bukit Kasut
is about 45 minutes. The trail follows the base of the limestone cliff along Gunung Subis’s west side. This trail can be very muddy during wet weather and is occasionally flooded after heavy rain.
The Large Chamber (Padang)
Also known as Moon Cave, the passage at the back of the Great cave leads to the
large chamber known as 'Padang' where shafts of sunlight stream down from the large holes in the cave roof to illuminate the bizarre rock formations in the Burnt Cave. A great spot for taking photos. After the Padang, the
cave passage becomes pitch black. Armed with a flashlight, you will need to find your way along the plank walk and view the extraordinary shapes and weathering effects found in this cave.
Things to do here
Bat watching
Bird watching
Caving expeditions
Fauna watching
Jungle walks
Mountain climbing
Photography | 
Niah National Park, Sarawak