Malaysia - The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex, Sarawak

"In terms of archaeological contribution, the Niah Cave Complex is of international significance given that it is one of the most important places in Southeast Asia with evidence of continuous human occupation during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. In addition, the discoveries in the West Mouth of Niah Caves, which included 25 human burials dating to the Early Holocene and over 200 burials with Neolithic material culture, are respectively the largest Mesolithic and Neolithic cemeteries in Island Southeast Asia.

From the wider perspective the Niah Caves goes beyond the discovery of the globally significant archaeological artefacts. From a global standpoint, numerous eminent archaeologists and anthropologists believe the site contains some of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia in relation to the Southern Dispersal Route as well as the interaction of prehistoric people with the environment and surrounding which has led to the establishment of cultural tradition in managing and stewardship of indigenous tree crop resulted from experiments and experiences."

Source: UNESCO Tentative List

Postcard 1
Niah Cave is located south of Miri, Sarawak.

Postcard 2
Archaelogical site of stone age human habitation in Niah Caves.



Postcard 3
A shaft of sunlight beam in the Moon Cave of Niah Cave.