Niah National Park
from Batu Niah Bazaar

TAMAN NEGARA NIAH Niah National Park Tel: 085-737450 尼亞國家公園   National Parks Booking Office c/o Visitors Information Centre Lot 452, Jalan Melayu, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 085-434184 no answer to call. Fax: 085-434179 official contect 085 737450

• ACCOMMODATION

A variety of accommodation facilities are available in the park.

Hostels

• Asrama Agathis A

10 rooms (with 4 beds per room)

• Asrama Agathis B

10 rooms (with 4 beds per room)

• Jungle Lodge

2 rooms (with 2 beds per room)

• VIP Chalets

Camping

Campsite 200-300 campers

Niah National Park

On the way from Bintulu to Miri, 109km south-west of Miri, you will pass the gorgeous Niah National Park (3102 hectares). Together with Gunung Mulu National Park this is one of the most beautiful parks in Sarawak. The park is especially famous for the many limestone caves in which people used to live. It is said that Niah NP is the birthplace of civilization in Southeast Asia, as the oldest modern human remains discovered were found in the caves. Unlike Mulu NP, the caves within Niah Park can be visited without a tour guide. The Niah caves are also known for the swiftlet nests. In Hong Kong and Singapore swiftlet nests are sold for extremely high prices; sometimes over US$1,000 per kilogram. These nests get regulated and harvested under supervision. Climbers will look for the nests in the higher sections of the enormous caves, and risk their lives standing on stepladders made of bamboo. Visitors can witness the swiftlets flying back into the cave at the end of the day, and more spectacular, millions of bats flying out around sundown to go on their nightly hunt for food.

Three hundred miles up the coast from Kuching, hidden in the forests of Miri are the Niah Caves and the surrounding park, spread over 3/140 hectares of peat swamp and dipterocarp forests and the massive limestone outcrops within which the caves are concealed. The caves consist of one big cave (the Great Cave) and some smaller caves. At the centre of the park/ is Gunung Subis, 394 meters above sea level.

• FLORA AND FAUNA

The limestone vegetation is predominantly represented by the Balsaminaceae and Begoniaceae species. Peat swamp vegetation and dipterocarp forests dominate the lowlands with fig plants Picus. found in abundance. The crown of these plants shades the tiny seedlings on the forest floor and keep them moist to ensure their survival.

The mischievous and opportunistic long-tailed macaques, ever on the look-out for food to forage, are conspicuously to be seen and heard in the forest. Birds such as the Bulbuls, Tailor birds. Crested wood partridge, Trogons and Hornbills are easily spotted by their exotic and brightly colored plumes. Look out for the

nocturnal Barred eagle owl and Bay owl which also inhabit the forest. The great Woolly Horse shoe bat can be found in the caves and crevices in which they roost. Another interesting inhabitant is the Bornean tarsier, a Nocturnal primate which feeds on insects and small vertebrae animals. There are also squirrels and Flying lizards and a large population of Swiftlets.

• PLANNING AN ITINERARY

Aside from visiting the caves the visitor can find a lot of interesting things to do and see.

'Exploring' The Caves  : The caves are accessible via a 3km pathway, part of which consists of a raised plank walk through lowland forest. The walk to the caves can therefore be an interesting activity in itself if you enjoy observing the variety of plant life and birds and insects along the path.

The Great Cave : The discovery of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia along with other pre-historic relics in this cave, makes this Borneo's most important archeological site. The relics point to the existence of human activity in this area almost 40,000 years ago. However/ the cave is now home to the bats which deposit their droppings or quano, a rich source of fertilizer, on the cave, floor and the swiftlets whose edible nests are greatly favored for their medicinal value.

The Painted Cave : An interesting feature of this cave is the red haematite painting of human-like figures drawn on the rocks. The painting dates back at least 1,000 years. The cave itself seems to have served as an ancient grave site as evidenced by the boat-shaped coffins containing the bodies of the dead.

Forest Trails : Explore the jungle trails and get a feel of the tropical forest- see what makes it tick! There are two clearly marked trails you could follow, namely Jalan Bukit Kasut' and Jalan Madu.  So pack some snacks and drinks and go uncover the secrets of the jungle!

Iban Longhouse : The Ibans are reputedly skilled craftsmen and a visit to their longhouse nearby is bound to fascinate you. See the wide range of fine and beautifully made handicraft and ordinary household items for daily use and you will marvel at the intricate designs and clever color combinations.

Mountain Climbing : Scale the 400 meter high limestone ridge for a bit of adventure! You might not be the first one to reach the summit, but it sure is exciting and exhilarating; and something to tell the others back home.

Collection Of Birds' Nests : Usually carried out between August to December and January to March each year, this is one activity that attracts a lot of interest. Local gatherers climb up tall "ladders" to reach the birds' nests high up in the caves. The nests are valued for the medicinal properties of the bird's saliva binding the nest. Boiled with rock sugar it makes a highly potent, not to mention delicious brew!

Visit To Batu Niah Town : If the fancy takes you/ stroll along the river bank and explore the local haunts in Batu Niah town. You could also rent a boat to get there.

• OTHER FACILITIES

These include the plank walk to the caves and within it, public toilets and washrooms, a canteen, and an information centre.

Applications for permits and reservations for accommodation can be made at the National Parks booking office, Miri or Niah National Park.

• HOW TO GET THERE

The Park is accessible by road from Miri or Bintulu. It takes approximately 2 hours from Miri to Batu Niah and 3 hours from Bintulu to Batu Niah. From Batu Niah it is a short boat trip to the Park Headquarters.

ENQUIRIES

Niah National Park
98200 Batu Niah
Tel: 085-737450
Fax: 085-737454

National Parks Booking Offices
Sarawak Visitor Information Centre
452 Jalan Melayu
98000 Miri
Tel: 085-434180

INDEX of Kuching City  May 08, 2015 07:33:49 PM