Discover the Mystical Niah Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nestled in the lush rainforests of Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, the Niah Caves, part of the Niah National Park, are a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. This awe-inspiring site provides a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors, dating back 65,000 years. The Niah National Park Caves were recently listed in 2024 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to the remarkable journey of human history and culture. This recognition has given the caves global significance.

Nestled in the lush rainforests of Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, the Niah Caves, part of the Niah National Park, are a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. This awe-inspiring site provides a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors, dating back 65,000 years. The Niah National Park Caves were recently listed in 2024 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to the remarkable journey of human history and culture. This recognition has given the caves global significance.

Rituals and archaeological discoveries
The history of the Niah Caves is as rich and fascinating as the cave itself. These findings have provided invaluable insights into ancient humans’ lives, tools and burial practices.

One of the most famous discoveries at Niah Caves is the “deep skull,” found in 1958 by Tom Harrisson and his team. This skull, belonging to a young adolescent, is dated around 65,000 years ago, making it the oldest modern human remains in Southeast Asia. This discovery suggests that modern humans were present in this region much earlier than previously thought.

Archaeologists have uncovered a variety of stone tools and artefacts at Niah Caves, including chopping tools and flakes. These tools provide evidence of early human technology and their adaptation to the environment.
The caves also contain numerous burial sites, some of which include fragments of wooden coffins known as “death ships”. These boat-shaped coffins are believed to be part of ancient burial rituals, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of the inhabitants. The presence of these coffins, along with other burial artefacts, offers valuable insights into the funerary customs of early human societies.

The early inhabitants of Niah Caves thrived in the rich biodiversity of the rainforest, relying on hunting wild animals for sustenance. Evidence of stone tools and artefacts reveals their methods for hunting and processing food, crucial for survival in their environment. The caves offered natural shelter from the elements and predators, with the Great Cave’s spacious entrance providing ample light and ventilation for an ideal living space. Additionally, the caves provided a stable temperature, crucial for comfort and survival.

A must-visit destination
For tourists seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Niah Caves offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Once inside, the immense size of the caves and the tangible connection to ancient history will leave you in awe.

Niah National Park headquarters is about a one-hour and 30-minute drive from the bustling Miri City. Leaving the city behind, the landscape gradually transforms from urban sprawl to lush, green rainforest, offering glimpses of the region’s rich biodiversity. The drive itself is a treat to the senses when using the coastal route.

Upon reaching the Park headquarters, purchase the entry ticket and enjoy a refreshing drink at the cafeteria. The park is well-maintained, with clear signage and helpful information about the caves and their history.
The journey from the Park headquarters to the caves includes a short scenic boat ride across a small river and a trek through the rainforest, which enhances the sense of exploration and discovery.
Once across the river, an archaeological museum provides information about the history of Niah and its prehistoric inhabitants. You’ll see artefacts uncovered during excavations and remains left by the ancient people who lived in the caves thousands of years ago. Admission is free. The trek starts here, along paths and boardwalks. The distance to the first cave is about three kilometres and takes around 45 to 60 minutes.

The path to the caves is surrounded by dense primary rainforest with giant tapang trees with their enormous buttressed roots, padanus plants and vibrant foliage. Along the way, there’s wildlife, including colorful birds, butterflies, squirrels and the occasional flying lizards and hornbills.

Before reaching the first cave, you will pass by small stores where local women sell drinks, snacks, torchlights and handicrafts. However, these stores may not always be open, so remember to bring your torchlight.
It is advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip, bring hand gloves, drinking water, a light snack and mosquito repellant. You can also engage an experienced guide.

Trader’s Cave
The first stop is Trader’s Cave, a large rock overhang that was once a bustling marketplace for bird’s nest and guano collectors. The cave’s vast interior and historical significance make it a fascinating introduction to the Niah complex. You will find wooden structures resembling scaffolding, remnants of huts constructed by bird’s nest collectors who resided in the caves alongside their families during the harvesting season.

The Great Cave

Continuing the journey, you’ll reach the Great Cave, the largest and most impressive of the Niah Caves. The entrance is a massive 60 meters high and 250 meters wide, leading to an even larger chamber within. The cave is home to thousands of swiftlets and bats, their fluttering wings echoing through the cavern. You may encounter skilled collectors harvesting bird’s nest high up on cave walls.
Explore the ancient rock formations and marvel at the fenced-off archaeological sites where tools, pottery and the famous “deep skull” were discovered. The sense of history is palpable, fostering a deep connection to the early humans who once called this cave home.

The view from the cave mouth, looking out at the forest with the jagged stalactites and dangling creepers, provides a wonderful photo opportunity.

The back of the Great Cave leads to a large chamber known as the Padang. Here, you’ll see shafts of sunlight stream down from large holes in the cave roof, illuminating the rock formations in this area. This is another fantastic spot to take photos.

Moon Cave
After the Padang, proceed to a dark passage called Moon Cave. You must have a torchlight. Take time to appreciate the rock shapes and weathering effects.

Painted Cave

After this passage in the Moon Cave ends, you will emerge into daylight and the forest. Take a brief walk through the forest to reach the Painted Cave.

The cave paintings in the Painted Cave are among the most fascinating aspects of this archaeological site. These ancient artworks provide a window into the rituals and daily lives of the prehistoric inhabitants of the region. The intricate cave paintings depict human figures and animals. These images are thought to be connected to burial rituals, as the cave also contains wooden boat-shaped coffin fragments. These longboats, “death ships”, were thought to carry the souls of the deceased to the land of the dead.

Make your way to the Niah Caves
This long history of occupation of the Niah Caves provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of human culture and technology over tens of thousands of years. The wealth of artefacts and remains found here continues to shed light on the complex history of human development in Southeast Asia.
Whether you’re an avid history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, the Niah Caves are a destination that promises to captivate and inspire. So,pack your bags, put on your explorer’s hat and get ready to step back in time at one of Malaysia’s most extraordinary sites.