Information and Reminder: Niah National Park for the Niah Caves

I admit that although the Niah National Park isn't well developed for tourists just yet, it is one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. Your adventurous spirit will surely kick in once you are inside but a few reminders and information won't hurt as you embark on this memorable experience.

Things to bring (Basic)
Torchlight (or headlamp)
Mosquito repellent
Umbrella (better if you have a rain jacket as you'll need to hold on to rails which will be difficult if you are holding on to an umbrella)
Ziplock bag (to keep your valuable dry)
Towel
Bottled water

Things to bring (If you really want to be prepared)
Mini first aid kit
Energy bar (snack)
Tripod for your camera (to take photographs in low light conditions)
Gloves

What you MUST NOT wear

Attire:
Hiking shoes (with really good traction)
Trek pants / pants (avoid shorts because of mosquitoes)
Light cotton clothes (to battle humidity)

Niah National Park Map

Source: www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/

Niah is within easy reach of both Miri (109 km) and Bintulu (131 km). Upon arriving, you need to register yourself in the Niah Park HQ (red square) and to start, from the 'red square', you'll walk until Niah Cave as seen in the map. You can also see how more or less the trek inside the cave would be. It's not as simple as it looks (in the map). I also thought it's just a few turns and you're there.

Best time to visit Niah National Park
Since there would be seasons that the park experiences enormous amounts of rain, they highly recommend that you visit between July and September. These are the driest months. Be reminded though that it makes hiking more strenuous because of the hot weather. The strain during rainy seasons though is the slippery walkways. There was also a time that the park closed (January 2011) because of serious flooding. Believe me, seeing it firsthand, you'll be stucked when the flood waters get high.

Facts about Niah National Park (As per the travel agency we booked)
Distance from the Museum to the 'only shop' inside Niah National Park (Near Traders' Cave)
> 3.1km

Distance from Museum to West Mouth of the Great Cave
> 3.2km

Distance from Museum to Painted Cave
> 4.2km (Walk inside the cave is 1km)

Tour agency we booked
Tour:
Niah National Park Day Trip

Tour Description:
Travel overland for approximately 1.5 hours to Niah National Park. Across Niah River visit the interpretation center which also serves as a museum with a collection of Niah Caves artifacts dating back 40,000 years. Trek the 3km walkway through lowland dipterocarp forest till you arrive at Trader's Cave, an ancient trading centre where locals bartered bird nests with merchants. Then arrive at Great Cave with enormous caverns and, if it's the season, bird nest collectors and their harvesting equipment. Cave exploration till Painted Cave takes approximately 2-3 hours. Enjoy a well-earned rest and lunch at a local restaurant.

Price Per Person: RM220 min 2 pax
Package Includes: Return land and boat transfer, entrance fee, lunch and English Speaking Guide.
Package Excludes: Personal Expenses, items not mention in the itinerary.

To contact the agency, email: Jean Lian ( jeanlian@borneomainland.com )

Our actual experience
Part 1: http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2014/02/niah-caves-national-park-miri-malaysia-part1.html
Part 2: http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2014/02/niah-caves-national-park-miri-malaysia-part2.html

On your own? how to get there: (source: sarawakforestry.com)
From Miri: Syarikat Bas Suria has a regular bus service to Batu Niah from the Miri Bus Station. The journey time is 1 hr 40 mins. Share taxis from the Bus Station are available, as are regular taxis, which can usually be chartered on a daily basis. A number of tour operators can arrange guided tours to the park. Self-drive cars are also available - ask at your hotel counter or check in the yellow pages.

From Bintulu: Syarikat Bas Suria has a regular bus service to Batu Niah from Bintulu Bus Station. The journey time is 2 hrs. Share taxis from the Bus Station are available, as are regular taxis, which can usually be chartered on a daily basis. Self-drive cars are also available - ask at your hotel counter or check in the yellow pages.

From Batu Niah to the Park Headquarters: the Park HQ is about 3 km from Batu Niah. Chartered taxis and tour buses will take you straight there, but if you arrive by bus or share taxi, you have three choices. A motorised longboat from Batu Niah to the Park HQ brings you through delightful jungle scenery. A taxi from Batu Niah is not so interesting but a good idea if it is raining. If you are not too heavily burdened with luggage, the Park HQ is a pleasant 45 minute stroll along the river bank.

Niah National Park 
National Parks Booking Office
c/o Visitors Information Centre
Lot 452, Jln Melayu, 98000 Miri,
Sarawak, Malaysia.

Tel: 085-434184 Fax: 085-434179

Further information
SARAWAK FORESTRY
Tel: (+6) 082 610088 Fax: (+6) 082 610099
Toll free line: 1 800 88 2526
Website: www.sarawakforestry.com
Email: info@sarawakforestry.com

Want to see just the photos from our trip? Niah National Park Trip Album

Related articles:
8 things you need to know about Miri, Malaysia
Air Asia flies direct to Miri Malaysia from Manila

Cheftonio
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