The Niah Great Cave, where human remains have been found dating back at least 40,000 years.
THE inscription of Niah National Park on the Unesco World Heritage List is a significant boost for tourism in Sarawak and Malaysia, aligning perfectly with the state’s goal of attracting four million visitors this year.
Officially recognised at the 46th Unesco World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi in July, the park’s listing comes 14 years after its initial nomination by the state government.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo said this recognition will raise Malaysia’s visibility on the global stage, positioning it as a top destination for international travellers.
“The Niah Great Cave will not only draw tourists from around the world but also bring more visitors to Miri and other parts of Sarawak,” Teo noted.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo.
“Tourists are always eager to explore new attractions, and this designation will undoubtedly entice them to visit.”
Teo also highlighted how local communities in Miri stand to benefit from the improved infrastructure that will follow.
“A well-planned road network, waste management systems, and visitor centres can help manage tourist flow and minimise damage to the site,” he said.
WWF-Malaysia Sarawak Conservation Programme head Cynthia Chin congratulated the state government, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), and Niah National Park on the achievement.
Trader’s Cave, one of the smaller caves in Niah National Park.
“We hope this recognition will further bolster conservation efforts in an area rich in biodiversity and human history,” she said.
Chin also pointed out that Niah is the second totally protected area in Sarawak, after Mulu, to receive Unesco recognition, which underscores the state’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
SFC, the custodian of national parks and wildlife in Sarawak, expressed its excitement over the park’s recognition, emphasising the global significance of Niah’s cultural and natural heritage.
“Niah is home to one of South-East Asia’s oldest human settlements, dating back over 40,000 years. It is a treasure trove of ancient cave paintings, archaeological artefacts, and stunning limestone formations,” it said on social media.
Niah National Park, the latest Unesco World Heritage Site in Malaysia, is renowned for its archaeological importance.
SFC also pledged to promote sustainable tourism and conservation to ensure Niah remains a source of pride for future generations.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg revealed plans to launch a state airline by year’s end to enhance tourism and business travel to the region.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the Unesco listing would attract visitors keen to experience the prehistoric murals and natural beauty of the site.
“This will boost Sarawak’s tourism and energise the local economy,” Tiong said, adding that the preservation of heritage must be a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
Fungi found in Niah National Park.
Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Sarawak’s Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Unesco recognition enhances both the state’s and Malaysia’s standing internationally.
“This demonstrates the Sarawak government’s dedication to protecting our natural and cultural treasures for future generations,” he said.
Len Talif led the Sarawak delegation at the Unesco meeting in New Delhi, where the park’s inscription was finalised.
Niah National Park is renowned for its archaeological significance.
Former Sarawak Museum curator Tom Harrisson discovered human remains in Niah Cave in 1958.
In 1958, Tom Harrisson, curator of the Sarawak Museum, discovered human remains in Niah Cave, including a 40,000-year-old skull at the Great Cave’s west mouth.
Additional artefacts, such as tools, cooking utensils, and ornaments, were found, providing evidence of early human settlement in the region, dating back to the Palaeolithic era.
Although one of Sarawak’s smallest national parks, spanning just 3,138ha, Niah’s claim as the birthplace of civilisation in South-East Asia makes it one of the region’s most important heritage sites.
Malaysia now boasts five Unesco World Heritage Sites, including Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Kinabalu Park in Sabah, the historic cities of Melaka and George Town, and Lenggong Valley in Perak.
