trails __
bukit kasut trail
The Bukit Kasut Trail is one of many activities to do at the Niah National Park. This short 45-minute trail from Park HQ leads towards the foot of Bukit Kasut and can be recognised by its green and white markings. Along the way to the Kerangas forest at the foot of the hill, admire the fascinating rainforest and magnificent cliff vegetation hanging off the steep limestone slopes. The trail up is steep and difficult, hence extra precautionary measures should be exercised as it can get slippery and muddy as you tread along the irregularly shaped, detached limestone rocks. The tough journey up is rewarded with a breath-taking panoramic view of the blanketing rainforest, surrounding palm oil plantations and the bustling town of Batu Niah. Take a moment here to feast your eyes on the beauty below from atop the hill.
madu trail
This trail also leads towards the foot of Bukit Kasut but is slightly longer—about an hour’s journey—and is through both geotic and floodplain forest. Just follow the red and white markings and appreciate the exotic wild orchids, enormous fig trees, large pandanus plants and unique mushrooms alongside the trail. Crossing a small creek to the base of a cliff after 20 minutes onwards the muddy trail, keep towards your right where the trail divides.
Among the activities in Gua Niah that you can experience is to witness at some remarkable limestone outcrops rising from the ground, covered by the chain of roots from the large trees nearby. Amongst two large caves sitting on the cliff face above, one of which is the Lubang Perintah (Gua Kusat) and are occupied by bird’s nest collectors and secondary burial ground on the exterior limestone wall can also be observed. 40 minutes onwards, the trail leads up an easy slope into mixed dipterocarp forest and ends with the boardwalk. Follow this boardwalk and in a few minutes, you will be back on the main trail with Pangkala Lobang only 10-15 minutes if you head to your left. The encounter gate to Lubong Lelong, being one of the main sustainable swiftlet management.