KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Niah National Park in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This award highlights the park’s extraordinary cultural and natural significance, honoring its unique prehistoric sites as well as its impressive biodiversity. This honor represents a major milestone for the protection and preservation of Sarawak’s cultural and natural heritage.

In addition to the Niah National Park, Malaysia already has five other UNESCO sites that emphasize the country’s rich heritage.

A Window into the Past

Niah National Park covers an area of 3,138 hectares and impresses with its lush rainforests, dramatic limestone formations, and diverse ecosystems. The highlight of the park is the Niah Caves, a complex of eight main caves within the Niah-Subis limestone massif, which are among the most significant prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia. Notably, the Painted Cave offers fascinating insights into ancient times, featuring ancient rock paintings and coffins shaped like wooden boats.

A particularly remarkable find is the skull of a Homo sapiens that is at least 40,000 years old, considered the oldest evidence of human habitation in Southeast Asia. Additionally, numerous signs of habitation such as tools, cooking utensils, and ornaments made from bone, stone, and clay have been discovered in the area, indicating a long history of settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. These rich archaeological deposits, prehistoric rock paintings, and boat-shaped graves at the northern edge of the massif illustrate the biological and human life of that time and significantly contribute to the understanding of human development, adaptation, and migration in Southeast Asia and in a global context.

Currently, further excavations are underway, making Niah National Park a focal point for scientists and researchers from around the world who seek to study the prehistoric finds and the unique biodiversity of the area.

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

The caves of Niah National Park are surrounded by dense jungles that host an impressive variety of animal and plant species. The park is home to a total of 75 mammal species, including 23 species of bats, 16 of which are endemic to Borneo. Notably, the remaining population of the rare naked bat in Sarawak deserves special mention. In addition, there are 241 bird species, 104 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 224 tree species from 100 families.

Visitors can explore the park’s fascinating flora and fauna along five marked trails while enjoying the pristine nature. A special experience is a night walk through the park, where the sounds of the rainforest create a unique symphony.

Another unique feature of the national park can be discovered in the Trader’s Cave. Over 70 years ago, this cave housed a market where food was traded using bird nests as currency.

Niah Caves

These nests come from around half a million swiftlets, which build their nests exclusively from their own saliva. These nests are the main ingredient in bird’s nest soup, a Chinese delicacy prized for its supposed health benefits. Nowadays, the collection of nests is strictly regulated to avoid disturbing the birds’ breeding seasons. Local nest collectors, who have practiced this profession for generations, earn their livelihoods while providing insight into the evolving relationship between humans and nature in this region over the centuries.

Sleep Like the Locals: Homestay Experience in Niah National Park

Travelers wishing to explore Niah National Park over several days can either stay in various lodges or embark on a camping adventure right in the park. However, those who want to experience how the local population lives in this region should try a homestay. The Rumah Patrick Libau Homestay program offers visitors the unique opportunity to stay in a traditional Iban longhouse and participate in the daily lives of the locals. The Iban are one of the 27 ethnic groups native to Sarawak. Guests stay with their host families, cook together, and engage in daily activities.

The Rumah Patrick Libau project is exceptional as it combines the traditional hospitality of the Iban with one of Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological wonders. Moreover, this community-based tourism project serves as an additional source of income for host families, helping them supplement their income from traditional activities such as farming, gardening, fishing, and harvesting bird nests.

Photo: Tourism Malaysia