The Painted Cave (Kain Hitam)
Beyond the Great Cave, a 30-minute walk along a separate boardwalk leads to the most emotionally resonant site in Niah: the Painted Cave, known locally as Kain Hitam (literally "black cloth" in Malay). Here, a series of ochre-red iron oxide paintings adorn the cave walls, depicting boats, human figures, and abstract symbols. The paintings are believed to date from approximately 1,000–2,500 years ago.
The Rock Art
The Painted Cave's artwork was first documented by Tom Harrisson in the 1950s. The images are painted in iron oxide (haematite) on the cave walls at heights suggesting the cave floor was once higher than it is today, or that painters worked from elevated platforms.
The most distinctive motifs include:
- Boats (perahu): Stylised boat or ship figures, interpreted by some researchers as representations of death boats carrying souls to the afterlife
- Human figures: Schematic figures in dancing or ritual poses
- Abstract symbols: Geometric shapes whose meaning remains uncertain
The Boat Coffins
Alongside the rock art, Harrisson found a series of wooden boat-shaped coffins — some still containing human remains — positioned around the cave. These are believed to date from the Neolithic period and represent a sophisticated mortuary tradition. The coffins are now in a state of advanced decay; the most intact examples are displayed in the Sarawak Museum.
Getting to the Painted Cave
The Painted Cave is reached by continuing along the boardwalk past the Moon Cave, then following a separate branch trail. The full round trip from the park HQ to the Painted Cave and back is approximately 8–9 km. Allow at least 4–5 hours for the return journey, or combine it with the night bat exodus experience (overnight guests only).
Important: Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the Painted Cave to protect the fragile iron oxide pigments. Standard photography without flash is permitted.