NIAH NATIONAL PARK

Niah National Park is located in Miri, Sarawak. It was gazzetted as National Park in 1974 but first was gazzetted as a National Historic Monument in 1958. How to reach the National Park? You can either drive or use the public transportation such as bus or taxi from Miri City or Bintulu town. On 29th December 2010, my friend and I make a trip to the National Park. We took an approximately 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Miri town to the National Park which is a few kilometres from a small town called Batu Niah. We are driving along the coastal line during our journey.

Welcome to Niah National Park

Once we got here, we are requested to register our identity at the headquaters. We plan to make a tour to the Niah Caves. Entrance fee of RM10 per adult is paid upon registration.

Registration office / Souvenirs are being sold here



Single Entry Pass

After registration, we walk towards the small jetty at the river bank. We are going to across the river with a small boat. The boat is operating from 0700 to 1730 hours at RM1 per adult and RM1.50 from 1730 to 1930 hours. There are hostels available at the park if you plan to stay here.

Hostel and Chalet

 Boat at the jetty to cross the river

 The other side jetty



Once we are at the other side of the land, we walk towards the museum. Then we begin our walk into the forest and walking on the plankwalk to The Great Cave. It is really fascinating to be amongst the trees, listening to the sound of birds and jungle insects. If you are lucky, you might seen the wildlife passing by during your walk. It is a great time to breath the fresh cool air in the forest.

The Museum


The plankwalk

 Tree

Limestone Forest

The cave is believe to be a place of human settlement and trading activities

Archeological site at the main entrance of The Great Cave

The Life Cycle Black Nest Swiftlet

Local people taking the swiftlets bird nests



The boat use to cross the river - We came out of the cave & walk back to the headquaters before 1930 hours & manage to ride the last boat 

Niah Cave Trail Map

A few other interesting sites are here to be visited instead of The Great Cave such as the Painted Cave and The Large Chamber. You can have a trekking at the park trails such as Jalan Bukit Kasut (a 45 minutes walk) and Jalan Madu (approximately an hour walk).

CROCODILE FARM IN MIRI, SARAWAK

Have you ever thought that crocodile is the scariest animal on earth? Have you seen it anywhere along the river bank or any other places? Have you ever imagined how fierce it looks when its hungry? It's undescribable because crocodile is the most terrifying animal I would have wanted to come across.



Welcome to Miri Crocodile Farm



Miri Crocodile Farm is located at Kuala Baram, a 25 minutes drive from the Miri city.  It is the first and the largest crocodile farm in northern region of Sarawak. I have made a trip to the farm before the new year 2011. I am surprise that there are still more protected crocodiles at the farm. Upon arrival at the farm, we are welcomed by a lizard. I think that is really interesting. It is the first animal seen at the site.



As I step out the car, a lizard is moving slowly on the grass. I don't scare it at all.

The farm is open everyday from Monday to Sunday at 0900 hours until 1800 hours. So, if you are from Brunei, you can make a stop at the farm because it is just a few minutes drive to Sungai Tujoh, Miri-Brunei border. Before we enter the farm, we are requested to show our identity card (I.C) and to pay entrance fee for RM5 per adult and RM3 per child. 

 

Identity Card required before entering the farm



Precautions! Please ensure you do not try to get nearer to the crocodile. Be aware of all sign boards at the site.



Crocodile santuary - Beware

   

Watch out! Do not try to feed the crocodile.



How many species of crocodiles do you know? There are three types of crocodilians known as alligator, crocodile and ghavial. I can't identify or distinguish these three crocodilians but there are physical differences that we can notice. Just look at the crocs head. A Crocodile has a longer snout. An Alligator has a shorter and broader head than the crocodile. A Ghavial has the longest and the thinest snout amongst the the three.

Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus) & Malayan Gharial (Tamistoma Schlegelii)

A mini zoo can be found here too. Do not miss to watch some exotic animals such as Porcupines, Monkeys, Phython, Gibbon, Binturong, Southern Cassowary, Sun Bear and more here.

Gteater Fruit Bat - Large Flying Fox



 

Python

 Crackle or Hill Myna

 Brown Fish Owl

 Peacock





Porcupine



Binturong or Bearcat



Sun Bear



Sheep and goats can be found here too. If you have not seen a deer before, this is just a right place for you to sneak peek on the animal.

 

Sambar Deer





Cassowary Bird

 

A bird with sharp-toed feet and vestgial wings - Recognised as "The World Most Dangerous Bird" by Guiness World Record



Wild Turkey

Wow! It's been an educating short tour inside the mini zoo. There are also cute tiny animals to friend with such as the squirrel, palm civet, rabbit and birds.

The Red Squirrel

Palm Civet

Rabbit - Moving around freely

Little bird

Tiny birds are singing

The farm and mini is well maintained by workers here. Animals are fed according to their schedules. The scenery here is quite interesting too. You can also have a sit for a drink.

If you believe in making wishes, you can throw some coins into the "Wishing Well" at the entrance gate.



The Wishing Well



A mother with her child - Throw a coin to make your wish



Crocodile - The last glance during our trip

 If you can't make a trip to the National Zoo in Peninsular Malaysia, I think you will be able to visit the Miri Crocodile Farm. It only takes approximately an hour to make a tour inside the mini zoo. Do spend some times with your family or friends to visit and learn about these exotic animals.