National Geographic Logo - Home
    Paid content for Sarawak Tourism
    • TRAVEL

    Discover the impressive sights of Niah National Park in Sarawak

    Located deep within Malaysia's island region of Borneo is Niah National Park, home to lush rainforest, famous archaeological findings, and a significant cave network. This visual journey delves into the ancient marvels that make this park worth visiting.

    Boardwalk trails make it possible for visitors to venture deep into the rainforest to reach the caves. Without these the trail would be impassable for much of the year, particularly during the wet season.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Story and photographs byRichard James Taylor
    November 21, 2023
    •7 min read

    The captivating Niah National Park in Sarawak is packed with natural beauty and profound historical significance. Adventurous travellers can immerse themselves in a full day of exploration through this unique and varied landscape.

    The park is located on the Sungai Niah and is accessible from both Miri and Bintulu. A day at the park begins with a short boat ride across the Niah River, which brings you to a jungle trail that winds for several miles through ancient rainforests and dramatic outcrops of limestone karsts. From here, it is possible to explore the cave system, beginning at the Traders Cave, where for centuries birds' nest and guano collectors harvested and sold their produce.

    The trail winds around to the Great Cave, one of the most spectacular caves in Asia, boasting a dramatic 197-foot-high opening supported by enormous limestone columns and stalactites and stalagmites. With torches at the ready, it is possible to venture deeper inside towards Gan Kira, otherwise known as the Moon Cave, where beams of sunlight pierce through holes in the ceiling and light up the rock formations inside.

    Go deeper still, and you will be rewarded with Gua Kain Hitam, or the Painted Cave, home to some of the world's oldest prehistoric cave paintings showcasing images of human figures, animals and deceased souls travelling in boats on their final journey to the afterlife.

    The caves are home to the region’s oldest human remains, including the so-called Deep Skull (now housed at Borneo Cultures Museum), confirmed to be at least 40,000 years old and the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in the region. Niah National Park has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. 

    This photo essay offers an insight into the key experiences that await travellers who are keen to venture into this wild pocket of Sarawak.

    From Niah National Park's headquarters in Miri, you need to cross the Niah River and then begin the two-hour hike to reach the entrance of The Great Cave.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    The Niah River is known for its population of freshwater crocodiles, some of which can grow to 11.5 feet long and be dangerous if disturbed.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Once across the Niah River, the visitor centre at Niah National Park is a wealth of information. The park is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world due to the discovery of the oldest modern human remains in Southeast Asia, dating back 40,000 years.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    A replica of the Deep Skull is on display at the park’s Niah Archaeological Museum. Carbon dating has confirmed the skull to be approximately 40,000 years old, making it the earliest representation of Homo Sapien (modern man) to have been discovered in South East Asia. 
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Trails lead to the various cave systems within Niah National Park, Miri.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Freshwater snails, known locally as Kuyung Karomboi, are found in the streams throughout the Niah National Park and are considered a delicacy by the local tribes in the area who regularly eat them.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    The entrance to the Traders Cave in Niah National Park, where birds nest and guano collectors collect and sell the produce.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Park Ranger Neathan Gibson looks out for the swiftlets which build edible birds nests harvested every year by the local Penan tribes.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    The Great Cave is the most epic in Niah National Park. Its dramatic 197-foot-high entrance and stalactite columns make it one of the most spectacular cave entrances in the world.
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Further along from the Great Cave is Gan Kira, otherwise known as the Moon Cave. At midday the sun’s rays penetrate directly into the cave, lighting up the interior. Guide Andyson Sulang Limu of the Iban tribe has been exploring the Niah Caves for more than 30 years. 
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    At the furthest point along the trail is Gua Kain Hitam, or the Painted Cave, which is the site of the famous Niah cave paintings. This rock art, thought to be 37,500 years old and rendered in red hematite, portrays human figures representing warriors and hunters, animals of the surrounding forest and, most importantly, longboats carrying the souls of the deceased on the dangerous journey to the land of the dead. 
    Photograph by Richard James Taylor
    Plan your trip 
    There are regular flights to Kuching from Heathrow via Singapore, Brunei or Kuala Lumpur. From here, take a one-hour flight to Miri and then a one-hour taxi to Niah National Park. For more information, visit sarawaktourism.com
    To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine, click here. (Available in select countries only)

    You May Also Like

    TRAVEL

    8 of the best European national parks to discover this summer

    TRAVEL

    Which Tanzanian national park is right for you?

    TRAVEL

    Five ways to discover Samburu, Kenya's wild north

    TRAVEL

    Discover the wild side of Dubai with these thrilling adventures

    TRAVEL

    Discover Norway’s Indigenous Sámi culture and their 8 seasons

    Legal
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your US State Privacy Rights
    • Children's Online Privacy Policy
    • Interest-Based Ads
    • About Nielsen Measurement
    • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
    Our Sites
    • Nat Geo Home
    • Attend a Live Event
    • Book a Trip
    • Buy Maps
    • Inspire Your Kids
    • Shop Nat Geo
    • Visit the D.C. Museum
    • Watch TV
    • Learn About Our Impact
    • Support Our Mission
    • Masthead
    • Press Room
    • Advertise With Us
    Join Us
    • Subscribe
    • Customer Service
    • Renew Subscription
    • Manage Your Subscription
    • Work at Nat Geo
    • Sign Up for Our Newsletters
    • Contribute to Protect the Planet
    Follow us
    National Geographic Logo - Home

    Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2025 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved