Niah’s Great Cave reopens, and the flood detour has become an attraction in itself

Miri, October 5 — Niah National Park's Great Cave has recently reopened with a new access trail that provides visitors with fresh perspectives of its limestone and rainforest landscapes. Miri MP and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chiew Choon Man, announced the reopening as a significant milestone in enhancing Niah's sustainable heritage tourism appeal.

The new route was constructed following severe flooding in 2025, which necessitated the rerouting of the access path between Traders' Cave and the Great Cave. Chiew personally encountered the trail and is convinced that it has inadvertently become an attraction in its own right, offering visitors new vistas of the limestone massif, rainforest, and mountainous terrain, including previously unseen panoramic views.

He emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Great Cave, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Caves Complex of Niah National Park. This cave complex encapsulates centuries of human history, archaeology, indigenous cultural practices, rainforest biodiversity, and monumental limestone formations. Chiew stressed that investing in park infrastructure is a long-term strategy aimed at fostering sustainable tourism and preserving heritage.

The next priority is to restore access to the Painted Cave, which remains inaccessible due to soil erosion. Assessments for a safe, permanent solution are expected, potentially including extending the new trail to the Painted Cave, forming a circular route that connects Traders' Cave, Great Cave, and Painted Cave. An estimated cost for this project ranges between RM2 million and RM3 million, contingent on the final design and technical specifications.

Chiew highlighted that the reopening of the Great Cave arrives at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign. Chiew extended his gratitude to Sarawak Forestry Corporation, the Sarawak government, Sarawak Museum, and other agencies involved in the restoration and reopening processes.