A Complete Guide to Batu Niah National Park Cave Exploration

Why Visit Batu Niah National Park?

Located roughly 89KM from Miri City, Batu Niah National Park is a popular tourist destination due to its historical, archaeological, and natural attractions. Covering an area of 3,138 hectares. It is renowned for being the cradle of civilization in the region, with archaeological discoveries dating back 40,000 years - marking it as one of the oldest known sites in South East Asia.

Batu Niah Attractions:

Limestone Massifs and the Subis River

Niah National Park is a mosaic of forest and limestone karst landscapes. The park's western border is flanked by the Subis River (Sungai Subis), which adds to the area's natural beauty. Another striking feature of the park is Mount Subis - known locally as "Gunung Subis," which is a giant limestone massif that towers over 60% of the park.

Flora and Fauna

Batu Niah supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, travelling visitors can explore the lush primary rainforest - which is known for its towering benuang trees, giant pedanus plants, and exquisite orchids. Animal lovers will also find numerous types of animals ranging from bats, squirrels, colorful birds, and insect species.

The Great Cave

The Great Cave is the park's most famous landmark, drawing visitors with its immense size and historical significance. The cave's entrance is over 60 meters high and 250 meters wide, leading into a vast chamber that has been a focal point for human activity for tens of thousands of years. Inside, the eerie atmosphere is filled with the sounds of bats and swiftlets.

Trader's Cave and Painted Cave

Trader's Cave, an extended rock overhang that was once a bustling marketplace for traders dealing in bird’s nests and guano. Whereas, the painted Cave is notable for its ancient cave paintings and the discovery of ‘death-ships,’ vessels believed to carry souls to the afterlife. These paintings, rendered in red hematite, depict human figures, animals, and longboats. Venturing to both caves provides valuable insights and retrospect to the lives of the past.

What Activities Can You Do In Batu Niah National Park?

Walking Trails - Jungle & Cave Trekking

The most commonly used trails by visitors are Jalan Bukit Kasut, Jalan Madu, the Great Cave, and the Painted Cave trail.

Marked by green and white, those who use the Bukit Kasut trail will enjoy a 45-minute walk that passes through main rainforest just before entering the Kerangas forest at the foot of the hill. At the end of the hill hikers will find themselves at the summit of Bukit Kasut, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the rainforest canopy for your viewing pleasure.

As for Jalan Madu (marked red and white), visitors can take a 1 hour stroll close to the banks of the aforementioned Sungai Subis where you will find an array of wild orchids and pandanus plants.

For those who find themselves walking to the Great Cave, you can expect to find Traders Cave where our ancient ancestors conducted business for guano and birds nest. After a few minutes you will find yourself at the entrance of the Cave where a beautiful sight of stalactites comes into view. Visitors can expect to hear and see swiftlets and bats flying along the jagged rock formations of the Cave.

The Painted Caves is a short walk through a forest, once you reach the entrance visitors can find ancient cave paintings. The atmosphere surrounding this cave is the opposite of the Great Cave, as it is more tranquil and relaxing.

How To Get to Batu Niah Park?

By Bus - Miri, Sarawak, Pujut Corner Bus Terminal

You'll have to make your way to one of the Miri Bus terminals and request a ticket to Batu Caves. The Bus operators serving Batu Niah are Sungei Merah Bus Bhd and Bus Asia Biaramas. Additionally, if those buses are not available, you can take buy a ticket to Bintulu, Sibu, or Kuching - as the bus will stop near Batu Niah. From there, you can take a taxi to the Niah Headquarters.