Niah National Park 

The Archaeological Heritage of the Caves Complex at Niah National Park was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024, following its recognition at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park stands as a globally significant cultural and natural asset, anchored by the iconic Niah Great Cave—a site that preserves over 40,000 years of continuous human history. Archaeological discoveries here rank among the oldest evidence of modern human presence in Southeast Asia, positioning Niah as a cornerstone in understanding early human civilisation.



The Great Cave is not only a repository of deep-time heritage but also a living cultural landscape. For generations, members of the Penan community have sustainably harvested edible birds’ nests from the cave’s towering walls—an enduring traditional livelihood linked to swiftlets whose nests are highly valued in international culinary markets. Visitors therefore share this extraordinary space with both nature and living heritage.
Beyond the vast West Mouth, the cave system unfolds into a sequence of dramatic chambers. Sunlight penetrates the Padang, illuminating the sculptural rock formations of Lubang Hangus (Burnt Cave), before giving way to the complete darkness of Gan Kira (Moon Cave), where a torch is essential to navigate and appreciate the cave’s intricate geological textures.
 

A short forest trail leads onward to the Painted Cave (Gua Kain Hitam), home to evocative prehistoric wall paintings rendered in red hematite. These images—depicting human figures, forest fauna and longboats carrying souls to the afterlife—overlook ancient burial sites once marked by boat-shaped wooden coffins. While key artefacts are conserved at the Sarawak Museum, the remaining coffins and paintings continue to offer rare insight into the spiritual beliefs of Borneo’s early societies.

As dusk approaches, the park delivers one of its most compelling natural spectacles: thousands of roundleaf bats spiral from the cave ceiling into the forest canopy, while vast flocks of swiftlets return to roost, filling the air with sound and motion. Keen observers may also encounter endemic species such as the Niah Cave gecko, found only on Borneo, alongside birds, butterflies, squirrels, monkeys and, on occasion, hornbills.
Two clearly marked walking trails—the B
ukit Kasut Trail and Madu Trail—complement the cave experience, offering further immersion into the park’s pristine lowland rainforest.

Visitor Experience and Access

The park headquarters is approximately two hours’ drive from Miri or Bintulu. From there, visitors cross the Niah River by motorised boat, followed by a one-hour walk along a raised plankwalk through dense primary rainforest to the Great Cave. This walkway also connects to an Iban longhouse homestay, providing an authentic community-based tourism option. The 3.5 km journey itself is a highlight, passing giant tapang trees, pandanus plants, orchids and diverse forest wildlife.

To fully realise the park’s value proposition, an overnight stay in the park’s chalet or hostel accommodation is strongly recommended, enabling visitors to experience both daytime exploration and nocturnal rainforest dynamics.

Key Activities
•⁠  ⁠Caving (including archaeological sites)
•⁠  ⁠Scientific research
•⁠  ⁠Nature and heritage education
•⁠  ⁠Birdwatching and wildlife observation
•⁠  ⁠Photography
•⁠  ⁠River cruising

Niah National Park delivers a holistic heritage experience, integrating archaeology, biodiversity, living culture and immersive ecotourism—positioning it as a flagship destination of outstanding universal value.