Niah
National Park
One of the main attractions in Miri - Niah Caves is located on
Sungai Niah or Niah River. It is situated around 3km from the small town of
BatuNiah and is situated an estimated distance of 110km from Miri city. Niah
Caves is located further down to the road from Lambir Hills National Park.
The huge Niah Caves was
gazette as a National Park in the year of 1975. The cave consists of one big
cave with the name of (The Great Cave) and several smaller caves including the
popular Painted Cave and The Large Chamber or Padang. The Great Cave is easy to
access as there are plank walks built for tourists to walk on. While walking
all the way into the Great Cave, different species of trees and plants with
beautiful tropical rainforest are to be seen around you. Wildlife is to be seen
around too such as lizards, butterflies and various kinds of birds flying just
above you. If you are lucky, you may spot one or two hornbills.
After you went deep into
the Great Cave, you can hear birds chirping and see the bird nests above the
corner of the caves. After a back passage of the Great Cave, you lead yourself
to The Painted Cave. In the Painted Cave, there are paintings carved all over
on the wall of the caves and the ancient burial site of the 'death ship' is in
the cave. The 'death ship' is the boat - like coffins that were used to contain
the bodies of the dead back in those years. The 'death ship' has been
transferred to Sarawak Museum and so what is left to see there is the burial
ground of the coffins. If you were to visit the caves during August to December
and January to March, you most probably have the chance to experience and watch
how the locals collect the birds' nests with very high bamboo ladders. Niah
Caves is definitely a perfect place for nature lovers and will work well as a
one day trip.
Most visitors make their visit to the Niah Caves as a one day
trip. However, if you want to explore more of the caves, there is accommodation
offered in the National Park. Well equipped chalets and dorms are up for your
selections to spend your nights. You do not even have to worry of your food as
there is a cafeteria which offers local and western cuisines. If you want to
get some junk food or can food, you can go for a walk in the shopping malls in
Miri town. There are quite a number of shopping malls around such as Boulevard Shopping Mall, Imperial Mall and
Bintang Mall.
How to get there
As Niah Caves is located
between Miri and Bintulu, you can take a taxi to the National Park in either
city. From Miri, take the bus Suria from Miri Bus Station. The ride is about 2
hours tops. From Bintulu, take also the bus Suria from Bintulu Bus Station.
However, the ride from Bintulu will be longer at around 3 hours tops.
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