Painted Cave, Niah
Kain Hitam (Gua Kain Hitam)
A small cave behind the Great Cave, with red haematite rock paintings about 1,200 years old and a boat-shaped 'death ship' coffin found here.
The Painted Cave lies behind the Great Cave of Niah. To reach it, you must walk through the pitch-dark Great Cave (about 1 km), then follow a rainforest boardwalk. The cave walls bear red haematite paintings of human figures and boats, depicting the spirits of the dead sailing to the underworld. The boat-shaped wooden coffins found here are known as 'death ships,' and some are displayed at the Sarawak Museum in Kuching. The painted area is protected by railings, so you must view it from behind them. The light is dim, so bring a flashlight or binoculars. It is usually combined with a visit to the Great Cave, and the round trip takes about 5 to 6 hours. Entry into the cave in the afternoon is limited.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Niah National Park (Great Cave)
- Tusan Beach
- Loagan Bunut National Park
- Lambir Hills National Park
- Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park
- Luak Bay Esplanade
- Marina Bay Miri
- Tamu Muhibbah