|
If exploring the secrets of mountain caves
is your passion, then you’d be advised to make room in your schedule for
time off to explore the Great cave to be found in the center of Niah
Caves National Park. One of the largest caves in the world, in its
bowels, archeologists have found evidence of humans who have lived in
and around the caves here about 40,000 years ago. 
 Rock
paintings adorn the walls in what has come to be known as the Painted
Cave. The discovery of several small canoe-like coffins (death ships)
also gives indications that this site was once used as a burial ground.
The caves are home to a whole lot of bats and are also an important
nesting site for swiftlets, which supply the vital ingredient for the
famous bids-nest soup.
 A
permit is needed to visit the Niah Caves. Don’t fear though, as this is
normally issued without fuss at the National Park Office, 4 km from the
village of Batu Niah (follow the path past the red Chinese temple). The
caves, themselves are across the river (the ferry costs50 sen) and then
a further 3km along a boardwalk – an interesting one-hour walk.
Where to Stay Near the Niah Caves
Accommodation in the park is next to the Sungai Niah about 3km from Batu
Niah.
The Batu Niah Hostel (dm/r RM15/42) has comfortable dorms with
fan. Bedding is provided, as well as utensils for cooking and eating.
Camping is also an option. The park has a canteen with quite a good
range of meals and provisions.
Rumah Chang Niah Homestay Program (Tel. 434181). This is a
central base from which to visit the Caves. Visits to pepper gardens,
jungle treks and fishing trips are also organized by the villagers.
Reservations can be made through the park office or Miri visitors
information center.
Niah Cave Hotel (Tel 737726; s/d RM22/30) A friendly place in
Batu Niah with simple, clean rooms and shared bathrooms. The bar
downstairs also accommodate food orders.
Getting There & Away
Batu Niah is 13km west of the highway between Miri and Bintulu; the
turn-off is 102km south of Miri. Express buses make a brief stop at the
junctions which usually have the amenities of a small market and few
shops. On these buses however, be prepared to have to make your own way
to Batu niah as their normal routes don’t usually go that far.
There are services to Batu Niah from both Miri and Bintulu; check
departure times with the visitors’ information centers in Miri or
Bintulu.
From Bintulu, Syarikat Bas Suria has six coaches every day leaving for
Batu Niah between 6am and 3.30pm from the Bintulu station or from the
front of Li Hua Plaza (RM11.50, two hours). From Miri, Syarikat Bas
Suria has five buses (RM10, 1 ½ hours) leaving between 6.30am and 4pm
from the from the Miri bus station. The long-distance bus station is
about 4km north of the centre along JI Miri Pujut. From Batu Niah to
Miri, buses laeve between 6.30am and 3pm.
The last bus leaves Batu Niah at 3.30pm so if you’re visiting the caves
as a day trip, arrive early.
Visit Beautiful Malaysia today! |
