How to get from Miri to Niah Caves.

Someone asked how to get to Niah Caves. I couldn't find his comment so I'll respond here.

How to get to Niah Caves

1. A travel agent provides a bus service directly to Niah Caves. Be at Miri Bus Station by 8am (behind Park Hotel at southern end of town) RM60 per person
2. Take a cab, also from the same place, for the same amount.
3. Take a "pawangchia' or pirate taxi for the same amount. You can see them milling around Park Hotel.
4. Take a bus from the long-distance bus station outside town at Pujut to the little town of Niah, and from there take a cab to the Park HQ (cheapest but full of hassles)

I took a pirate taxi, an old junk of a car. I left at 9 am reaching Niah Park HQ at about 1015am. The driver returned at 4 pm, as instructed, to pick me up for the return trip to Miri.

Hope that helps.

Note: The canteen at Park Hq sells food and drinks. Reasonable prices.

Air Asia to Miri, Sarawak

Air Asia now flies to Miri, gateway to the famed Niah and Mulu caves, from Singapore (no, Air Asia is not giving me free seats for this publicity).

Free wifi with your murah-murah (cheap) kopi-O!

Malaysia Boleh (lit: Malaysia Can)

Niah Caves Part 2

Americans seem to think this entrance to the Great Cave looks like one of their presidents. Can you guess who?
Sunlight filtering down into the cave. What emotion does this give rise in you?
Can you see the ropes hanging down from the roof of the cave? They are used by bird nest collectors.
Wooden scaffolding enables bird nest collectors to reach the roof of the cave.

Niah National Park, Sarawak

The Great Cave, Niah National Park
The well-maintained boardwalk leads all the way to the caves (1 hour leisurely stroll). Terrain is flat throughout so even Grandma can make it.
Niah cave
Niah cave.
Man collecting fertilisers from the caves.

We hired a private car to take us to the Niah caves (102 km from Miri). This is the best way as public transport is not only time-consuming but also full of hassles.

Though the walkway was shady, it was still very hot and humid. The Swedish guy with us sweated buckets.

Tips: bring a powerful torchlight, at least 2 litres of water, a lunch packet, snacks, poncho, face towel, cap (in case of direct hit by bird poop).

Tomorrow I'll post more pictures of the caves and an Iban village (including village girls bathing in a croc-infested river)

Miri Day 2

Today I'll be going to the world famous Niah Caves about 90 mins (102km)drive from Miri. Originally planned as a 3-day trip, it's been changed to a day trip.

It costs RM60 for the return trip.

I'll post pictures tonight.