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Painted Cave, Sarawak
Painted Cave at Niah National Park is a spiritual and archaeological gem. Discover ancient red-hematite drawings, Neolithic boat coffins, and sacred burial practices over 3,000 years old—only an hour from Miri city.
Why Visit
Explore the Prehistoric Echoes of Borneo
Tucked deep within the verdant rainforests of Sarawak, Painted Cave (Gua Kain Hitam) holds clues to humanity’s early spiritual beliefs. With haunting wall art and boat-shaped burial coffins, this Neolithic sanctuary speaks to visitors across centuries.
Art and Archaeological
The Art That Speaks Across Millennia
The Painted Cave’s red-hematite pictographs—humans, animals, abstract forms, and the iconic “death ships”—date back over 3,000 years, believed to symbolize the soul’s passage into the afterlife.
Archaeological Legacy
Excavated and documented by pioneers like Barbara Harrisson, the Painted Cave houses over 100 individual images, guarded behind a simple wire fence. Artifacts have been carbon-dated to 2,300–1,045 BC.
Trail Access
Getting There from Miri City
- Taxi: ~1 hour 30 minutes direct to Niah HQ
- Bus: Take Bus No.33A → Pujut Corner Bus Terminal → transfer to any bus bound for Bintulu, Sibu, or Kuching
- Drop-off: Niah Rest Stop, then travel to Simpang Ngu Niah
Last Stretch to the Cave
- Simpang Ngu Niah to Park HQ:
- Taxi or Tour Bus (fastest)
- Motorized longboat through the jungle
- 45-minute scenic riverside walk
Important: Back gate closes at 6:00pm daily.
Trail Features
Gan Kira Trail Exit
From the Great Cave, you’ll exit into sunlight via Gan Kira, continuing on a wooden boardwalk through jungle scenery.
Arrival
A 450-yard walk from Gan Kira brings you to a 30-meter cave wall adorned with stunning pictographs drawn in red plant dye. Look for the horned beasts, spirits, and boat-shaped coffins that once carried the dead to their spiritual destination.
Quick Info & SEO Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Painted Cave (Gua Kain Hitam) |
| Location | Niah National Park, Sarawak |
| GPS Position | 3.8097° N, 113.7632° E (approx) |
| Historical Period | Neolithic (~2,300–1,045 BC) |
| Art Type | Red-hematite pictographs: humans, animals, abstract, death ships |
| Burials | Boat-shaped wooden coffins (prehistoric graves) |
| Main Symbolism | Death ships believed to carry spirits to afterlife |
| Preservation | Wire fencing; no direct contact with artifacts allowed |
| Access Trail | Via Gan Kira and boardwalk trail (~450 yards) |
| Accommodation | Chalets, hostels, campsites with 24hr electricity & water |
| Permit Required | Yes, for professional filming or photography |
| Gate Hours | Back gate closes at 6:00 PM |
| Counter Hours | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily (including holidays) |
| Best Visiting Time | Early morning or late afternoon (for lighting & bat watching) |
| Wildlife | Naked bats, jungle birds |
| Photography Tip | Use low-light settings; avoid flash |
| Trail Type | Boardwalk, cave passages, partially shaded |
| Safety Notice | Wear sturdy shoes; some surfaces are uneven & humid |
| Nearby Feature | Great Cave & Gan Kira exit |
User Reviews & Testimonials
“I got goosebumps standing in front of those red paintings—3,000 years of belief and spirit etched in stone.” – Lina M., Brunei
“Seeing the death ship drawings in person was incredibly moving. What a peaceful yet powerful place at Painted Cave.” – Thomas K., Germany
“Don’t rush it. Sit quietly and feel the spirit of the Painted Cave. Absolutely worth every step of the trail.” – Aizat R., Selangor
Contact & Booking Information
| Entity | Details |
|---|---|
| Niah National Park HQ | Tel: 085-737450 / 737454 |
| National Parks Booking Office | Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching Tel: +6082-248088 | eBooking |
| Accommodation Info | Contact Niah HQ for chalet, hostel, or campsite bookings |
| Permit Inquiry | Required for professional photography—apply in advance |
| Operating Hours | Counter Open: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Daily incl. Public Holidays) |
Final Thoughts
Painted Cave is more than a historical monument—it’s a sacred timeline carved in crimson across the limestone of Sarawak. Here, the spiritual and scientific merge in a hauntingly beautiful display of ancient wisdom and modern curiosity. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a deep, quiet connection with the past—and perhaps with themselves.
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