Niah

Niah is a locality in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is best known for the Niah Caves, a limestone cave system that lies within Niah National Park and forms a central feature of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Niah Caves have a long history of archaeological significance. Since mid-20th century excavations at the Great Cave and the nearby Painted Cave have yielded evidence of early human activity, including stone tools, shells, and human remains. Dating work points to modern human presence in the region tens of thousands of years ago, making Niah one of Southeast Asia’s most important Paleolithic sites. The Painted Cave is noted for ancient wall art and shell ornaments, while the cave complex also serves as a habitat for a large population of bats and other cave-dwelling species.

Niah National Park protects a portion of Sarawak’s tropical rainforest and the surrounding limestone karst landscape. The area supports diverse flora and fauna, including hardwood forest species, primates, a range of birds, and numerous invertebrates. The cave system and surrounding forest are the focus of ongoing scientific research and are an important site for conservation and education efforts.

Access to the caves is aligned with ecotourism, offering guided tours and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the cave interiors and surrounding rainforest with relatively easy access. The park is managed to balance public visitation with the preservation of its archaeological and ecological values.