Frendzy Oasis

Humans have lived off the resources of the Niah Great Cave and the surrounding forest since at least 30,000 years ago, that is during the “early stone age” or Palaeolithic. On the geological timescale this is well into the Pleistocene Period. These people were food gatherers and hunters using crude tools known as choppers. Abundant charcoal shows that they knew the use of fire. Beginning about 20,000 years ago, there is a continuous record of human burials.

The Plank Walkways to the Niah caves

The four-kilometre walk to the caves is not difficult. One-way walking time to the entrance of the Great Cave is about 1.5 hours. The few steep sections near the entrance of the Great Cave, as well as inside the cave, are equipped with stairs. The height at the starting point is sevens metre above sea level. At the entrance of Niah Great Cave, called the West Mouth, the height is 49 m above sea level. This is the principal access route to the Niah Great Cave and is used by about 20,000 visitors annually.

Painted Cave

This trail follows the valley between two limestone hills for a distance of about 600 m (15 minutes). The trail then ascends the side of a small limestone hill up to the entrance of Painted Cave. The cave paintings are protected behind a tall fence.

Rumah Chang

The plank walkway to Rumah Chang (also called Rumah Ugop) branches off from the main walkway at the bridge over the Subis river. This Iban longhouse is about 800 (20 minutes) from the junction and just outside the park. The people here like to sell handicrafts to visitors. For visitors who are unable to visit Sarawak’s interior this is a good opportunity to see a longhouse.

Jalan Madu (or Bermadu)

This trail branches off the main walkway about one kilometre from the Pangkalan Lobang jetty. Walking time from this point to the junction with Bukit Kasut is about 45 minutes. The trail follows the base of the limestone cliff along Gunung Subis’s west side. This trail can be very muddy during wet weather and is occasionally flooded after heavy rain.

The Large Chamber (Padang)

Also known as Moon Cave, the passage at the back of the Great cave leads to the large chamber known as 'Padang' where shafts of sunlight stream down from the large holes in the cave roof to illuminate the bizarre rock formations in the Burnt Cave. A great spot for taking photos. After the Padang, the cave passage becomes pitch black. Armed with a flashlight, you will need to find your way along the plank walk and view the extraordinary shapes and weathering effects found in this cave.