Gua Niah (Niah Caves) Entrance, Niah, Sarawak. — Attraction in Borneo

The most wonderful experience of my life.

Attention: You MUST have non-slip shoes, an advanced flashlight and better equipment.

My friend and I are here for the first time. We were so happy and excited about this short trip because we were able to soak up these beautiful surroundings and natural habitats, but after all the time we spent was kind of really exhausting and also an unforgettable experience for us. It was almost 10.30am when we got there, we left the parking lot and bought our tickets. When we entered, we discovered that there was a cafe next to the entrance. We are going to take a boat to the other side of the river. Going across the river costs RM1, including the return. We were visiting a museum and the staff were friendly and willing to point us where to go and tell us what to expect there. After that I could see our nightmare started and you might ask why because we kinda found out that our shoes weren't cut out for that slippery road. We almost fell down every time once we walked on the boardwalk and stone path. Along the way, you can see beautiful scenery and don't worry, there are some rest areas along the way. Once you reach a certain point (sorry I didn't read the distance on the sign, I'm really sorry) you will see a main resting point as you will see a toilet for both gender and the locals will also selling drinks, foods, equipment and so on. There is also a seating area.

We decided to walk in a bit more because we were a bit curious. We all know that in our Malaysian history books, we will see a house in a cave. We want to see it. After that we saw two roads and we decided to go right. Continuing forward, we saw a small cave. We saw some digging and the fence circle around it, they called it a “new excavations” which was very interesting. The cave is big and beautiful. I have been thinking about how our loving God created this cave. Truly a beautiful place that I just discovered. There is a staircase at the back that you can walk up. Inside was a house we had seen in Malaysian history books. I was really happy and tired because before, when I was in school, I just wondered what I would look like in this picture. Now that I'm here, I feel great.

The most wonderful experience of my life. Things start to change as we see a path from light to dark areas. Really challenging moments that I have experienced. You need to have a torch to move forward. I mean like a torch that can shine really far away. That kind of flashlight, don’t bring a cute little flashlight like us, only God can see it. It was really dark and slippery inside. If you have nyctophobia, I think you can see the house enough and you can turn around, that's just my suggestion, no offence intended. I figured once we got to the resting point at the beginning we could buy a flashlight as well. As soon as I entered, it was dark and we were choosing the right path. We helped each other and finally saw the light. I'm very tired, but I don't regret the decision that I made.

We moved on, climbing onto the slippery mud. I was so tired at the time that I didn't even know the photo existed. You can see the drawing on the wall. When I saw it, it was really cool. After entering, it was already 12 noon. It had taken us two hours to get out again. It takes 4 hours in total. Really worth it. I'm so happy to have had this wonderful experience here. I said it was really worth the time.

The lesson my friend and I learned was that we needed to bring shoes that suitable for the slippery floors and a third point of support. This means sticks that could help us support certain core and dangerous point. So that we could had a better stability. What can be concluded is that going to this place requires better equipment. I heard one of my friends mention that they have a further platform that we need to discover. I think the next time will be soon. I would recommend it. I can assure you that the time and effort you spend at Niah Cave will...

We visited this niah national park with my 3 children age 16,13 and 11 last week. Arrive early in the morning around 8:30 am and started our trekking to cave at 9 am. After crossing the river by boat at rm1 perpax petrip, we walk about half an hour to reach the rest place where snacks and drink are available with price higher than normal and toilet is available with rm 0.50 per entry. Souvenir and simple headlight is sold. We continue our walk to the Great cave and move on until Painted cave for 2.5 hours as we reached Painted Cave at 12 noon. It was an exhausting and tiring walk especially for my wife with no regular excise, for the 3 kids and I myself it was fine. Within this 3 hours of walk, we took photographs, videos, 5 minutes of rest and drink water. For my kids, snacks is out of the question as thirst causing them to be not in the mood for snacks, moreover the birds and bats pools is a bit smelly. Of cause before the walk they took their early breakfast. Coming out of from the Painted Cave to the boat we took about 2 hours.. Inside the trader cave before reaching Painted Cave, some part is really dark with slippery walk plank really require headlamp for safe and smooth trekking. My 3 kids got headlamp and myself and wife using hp light. My advise is at the entrance of the painted cave, 1)use left route (an dark opening near the north starting point) to ENTER and coming out towards high and long staircase on the right side (easily seen, in front of the long house). 2)For those who wish to take photo, use dslr camera or better, not hp, dark environments inside the cave. 3) the painted picture have 2 spot, most up to painted cave and the other one is just in front of the closed gate which is guard by fences. 4) definitely need trek shoes for the slippery dark walking plank inside the dark area and 5)gloves especially in this rainy season, the water is dripping from the top of the cave at some point of the cave and holders of the stairs is full of pools. Overall we enjoy the trip and I managed to took few photos of the painted picture 🖼. Might revisit as Chalets is available there with canteen *This Google Maps niah national park headquarters leads you to the park entrance more precisely...

Did it as a couple + 1.5year old and stayed at the on-site chalet. Very doable so don’t be afraid to bring your young adventurers. We called in the morning to check accommodation availability (online site not working) and arrived about 5pm to check in. The counter was officially closed but a staff was on stand by to receive us. The chalet was clean but very basic - bring your own towels, toilet paper, toiletries, tea and coffee, snacks. There’s a kettle and fridge.

Next morning got breakfast at 8am at the cafeteria and started hiking about 9am. We managed to comfortably explore all the caves including the pitch dark ones but skipped the last (and furthest) painted caves. The museum was closed when we went. Got back to the chalet about 2pm. Did a late check out at 3pm.

Very enjoyable and would rate it as easy. We went on a Monday public holiday and saw only a handful of other visitors. Bring a torchlight and insect repellent. We are both very experienced hikers, but think it’s fine for beginners. We had our toddler happily seated in a backpack carrier most of the time, and had plenty of breaks and time for photos. Not accessibility friendly and strollers are not suitable. If your baby drinks milk, bring your own as the souvenir shops don’t sell it.

Would highly recommend for adventurous young families. But make sure you’ve got a good carrier and your kid...