Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Cat Cat Village was founded in the nineteenth century during the assembly of families from several ethnic groups living in the hilly parts of northern Vietnam. This popular cultural village in Sapa is known for its stunning landscape, cascading waterfalls, water mills, and rice terraces. In this article, you can discover the best things to do during your visit to Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam!

Discover the things to do at Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Best Things to Do at Cat Cat Village

You can experience many things at Cat Cat Village. The most exciting feature that you should look forward to seeing is the amazing views. The village offers a beautiful landscape with a line-up of spellbinding rice terraces, large waterfalls, water mills, and streams. Be prepared to be impressed by the extraordinary surrounding that will surely captivate you.

Discover the best things to do at Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Cat Cat Village features gorgeous rice terraces, waterfalls and water mills.

Trekking Routes & Duration

If you are planning to trek, keep in mind that the routes can get challenging. Make sure you bring along suitable hiking boots and put on comfortable attire. There is a lot of climbing up and down and steep steps to negotiate. In addition, when it rains, the land becomes muddy and certain parts get slippery.

Trekking from Sapa to Cat Cat Village takes approximately 3 to 4 hours or across 2.5 km. It is recommended to hire a guide to save time. During the journey, you will get a chance to see with your own eyes the manner of life of the ethnic minority population, including the Hmong people. Domestic animals such as pigs, roosters, ducks, and even buffalos will make their appearances along the way.

Trekking from Sapa to Cat Cat Village takes approximately 3 to 4 hour with plenty to see.

Try on Hmong Ethnic Costumes

During your trip to Cat Cat Village, you can try on the Hmong ethnic clothes as you explore the area. You can easily find local vendors renting these beautiful handsewn ethnic costumes in different sizes and designs. The rental fee for each set is between 50,000 to 100,000 VND.

Put on the Hmong ethnic costumes at Cat Cat Village for a complete experience

Shop for Traditional Handicrafts

You can purchase traditional souvenirs and handicrafts directly from the talented craftsmen at Cat Cat. Some vendors will also offer you unique local snacks when you make your way up the hill. When you explore the village, you will notice women sewing and crafting, with a particular interest in making brocades with nature-inspired patterns such as flowers, birds and leaves. On top of that, silver and gold jewelleries of high quality are also sold here.

When you arrive at the Si Bridge en route to the Tien Sa waterfall, you will come across stalls selling specialty Hmong handicrafts, delicious homemade corn wine, as well as naturally and colourfully dyed clothes.

Shop for traditional handicrafts at Cat Cat Village

Other Must-do Activities

Another exciting thing you can do is to watch or even participate in local dance performances. Don't forget to check out the cultural shows which are performed regularly at the Nhà Hàng Dũng Thu center. Additionally, you can also make your way to the Rose Garden which is the most Instagrammable spot in the village.

Another must-see popular attraction is the Tien Sa Waterfall. Be prepared to be swoon over the beautiful and thundering cascading falls as you fall in love with the beauty of nature.

Entrance fees

To enter the Cat Cat Village, visitors must pay an admission fee. The ticket prices, as of 2022, are as follow:

Adults: 70,000 VND per person.

Children: 30,000 VND per person.

How to get to Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat village is located only about 2.5 kilometres from Sapa. It's a downward trek through the rice fields with a lot of steps. It is advisable for you to get a local tour guide as this will not only save your time but also ease your journey. Alternatively, you can hop onto a taxi from Sapa to get directly to the ticket booth at Cat Cat Village for around 100,000 VND.

Cat Cat Village makes the perfect short one-day trip from Sapa, Vietnam

Contact Information

Address: San Sả Hồ, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam

Opening hours: 6am–6pm

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing short getaway, a trip to Cat Cat Village in Sapa is highly recommended for you! Beautiful scenery, traditional customs, and a breath of modern life coexist in harmony on the outskirts of this Sapa town, leaving a lasting impression on its visitors. A trip here will easily melt your stress away!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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8 Must-try Traditional Food in Myanmar

Monday, June 20, 2022

Myanmar is quickly becoming a treasured tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Curious foreigners visit this country not only for the culture and arts, but also for its fares. Burmese people have a long heritage of preparing dishes in their own unique style. Hence, Myanmar's traditional food may just be as ancient as its oldest civilisation.

In this article, let's explore the must-try traditional food in Myanmar during your trip!

8 Must-try Traditional Food in Myanmar

Rice Noodle & Fish Soup - Mohinga

Waking up in a bustling city of Burma, the only meal you should have for breakfast is Mohinga! This dish is made from round rice noodles served in a herbal-based broth. Topped with fried bean fritters, boiled eggs, and onion, it also makes a very comforting meal to kick off your day. You can also add fish sauce, dry chilli powder, lime juice, or beans to suit your preference. Although this is commonly known as a breakfast dish, the locals also have it as a soupy snack throughout the day.

Mohinga is a type of rice noodle & fish soup in Myanmar

Shan-style Rice - Nga Htamin Chin

Also known as Nga Htamin – this regional specialty is a traditional food of the Shan ethnic group, hence the name. This unique dish is actually fermented rice kneaded into round balls after being combined with tomato, potato, and fish. As for the toppings, you can find anything from fried onion and garlic to tangy fresh tamarind sauce.

Nga Htamin Chin or the Shan-style Rice in Myanmar

Thick Rice Noodle Salad - Nan Gyi Thote

When travelling to Myanmar, one thing that you must try is the Burmese noodle salad known as Nan Gyi Thote. This is also one of Myanmar's most popular breakfast dishes. The thick round noodles are served with chicken curry and garnished with boiled egg, lime, onions, coriander, and crispy fritters. The heavenly combination of the flavourful sweet and sour curry with the saltiness of the noodles is definitely not something you should miss out on.

Thick Rice Noodle Salad or Nan Gyi Thote is a famous breakfast dish in Myanmar

Tea Leaf Salad - Lahpet Thoke

The Burmese enjoy eating Tea Leaf Salad as a light snack, as an appetiser, or as a meal with a plate of rice. The dish consists of slightly bitter leaves mixed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, spicy pepper, garlic, nuts, and peas. The texture is interesting as you will get a bit of the crunch from the nuts and peas, crispy cabbage and leaves, and soft chunks of tomatoes. You should give it a taste so you will understand the pleasure of snacking on this salad!

The popular Burmese Tea Leaf Salad or Lahpet Thoke

Fritters - A Kyaw Sone

A Kyaw Sone are assorted fritters sold as street food in Myanmar. They are generally savoury and come in many variations such as potatoes, tofu, onions, pakora, shrimps, bananas, and peas - served with chilli sauce as a delicious dipping. The locals usually enjoy these with rice but many also have them as snacks. Every type of fried food is undoubtedly addictive, and A Kyaw Sone is no exception!

A Kyaw Sone is the incredible range of golden, crispy fritters sold on the streets of Myanmar

Burmese Curry

Burmese curry is a collective term used to describe the variety of dishes in the Burmese cuisine that consist of proteins or vegetables stewed in a fragrant curry base. The staple food of Myanmar is rice with an equal portion of dishes such as fish, chicken or pork curry. Despite the proximity and influences of neighbouring India, the versions of curry that you will discover in Myanmar are generally milder and are prepared with lesser ingredients compared to their Indian counterpart.

There are many types of Burmese curries, thanks to its proximity to India.

Shan-style Noodles - Shan Khao Swé

The regional Shan-style Noodles might just the simplest yet most comforting dish you will ever come across! Thin, flat rice noodles are served in a transparent, spicy broth with perfectly seasoned chicken or pork in tomatoes. It comes with pickled mustard and fresh coriander to further elevate the taste. This simple and delicious meal originated from the state of Shan which borders China, Thailand and Laos.

Shan-style Noodles or Shan Khao Swé is a must-try regional specialty dish of Myanmar.

Pancakes - Bein Mont

These beautiful Myanmar-style pancakes can easily be spotted and you wander on the country's busy streets. It is made of rice flour, palm sugar, coconut chips, peanuts, and occasionally topped with poppy seeds. Isn’t it fulfilling to discover an ancient city while munching on this chewy, fluffy, and nutty traditional snack? Be sure to buy some if you spot them on the street!

The beautiful Burmese pancakes or Bein Mont which are filling and absolutely gratifying.

As you can see, most of the amazing local food in Myanmar can be enjoyed as a main dish and simply as a snack. These are absolutely simple and comforting meals that will make your tummy happy. We hope you can give them a try when you are travelling to Myanmar in the future!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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Food Sweden

Surströmming: Fermented Herring in Sweden

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Surströmming is a Swedish delicacy made from fermented Baltic herring. Translated as "sour herring", it is Sweden’s most infamous food. This unique canned fish could also be one of those controversial foods just like durian – some may like it and some may hate it. Keep reading to know more about this stinky fermented fish!

Surströmming: Fermented Herring in Sweden

History of Surströmming

The history of Surströmming (pronounced "soor-stroh-ming") is a fascinating one. There are several stories about how it came to be, but the most intriguing one is related to Finland. Its origins may be traced back to the 16th century when Swedish seafarers ran out of salt. According to folklore, they sold a barrel of herring at a Finnish port which could only be lightly-salted due to the shortage. Because salt was a key ingredient in food preservation, their barrel of herring started to turn bad.

Some of the locals at the Finnish port bought the fermented fish from the Swedish sailors. However, as the year progressed and sailors returned, the Finns surprisingly wanted more herring as they loved the taste so much. They persuaded the Swedish sailors to try the fish for themselves and make even more. This practice is still being carried out today, but with contemporary food processing methods.

Surströmming was created when brine was too expensive, and a weaker brine was used instead in the fermentation process. While the intention was to minimise expenses for preservation, it ended up giving life to a whole new delicacy. In the olden days, it was fairly common to keep and ferment the fish in wooden barrels.

However, it wasn't until the nineteenth century that Surströmming became a marketable product. It was traditionally eaten as a delicacy by the Swedes with a tunnbröd, which is the Swedish version of a flatbread that is cut into slices to create a sandwich.

Surströmming is a Swedish delicacy made from fermented Baltic herring

Smell of Surströmming

Surströmming has an unforgivably strong rotten egg smell. It is said that upon opening the can, the overwhelming odour will linger in your house for up to three days. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you crack open the can outside. It is up to you to enjoy the herring outdoors or in the comfort of your home.

Surströmming gives out a strong rotten egg odour

How is Surströmming Made

The best Surströmming is prepared by capturing herring during the spawning season in spring, and keeping them in barrels for two months in a salty brine. The partly fermented herring is then placed in tin cans to finish the fermentation process. When the cans begin to bulge owing to the build-up of gases from the fermentation process, they are then ready to be delivered to stores throughout Sweden for sale. This entire process takes time, possibly around six months to a year.

How to Eat Surströmming

Just like canned tuna, the Swedes usually enjoy Surströmming in a sandwich which they call surströmmingsklämma. The locals typically wrap the Surströmming fillets with buttered tunnbröd (flatbread), along with sliced potato and red onion. You can also add some crème fraîche or gräddfil (similar to sour cream) along with chives, tomato and chopped dill, which is the southern Swedish way of enjoying surströmmingsklämma.

Surströmming wraps are generally served with Västerbottensost (a type of hard cheese), snaps, and lager, while some argue that milk is the ideal beverage to complement Surströmming sandwiches.

Surströmming can be eaten as sandwiches or simply with potatoes and herbs.

Where to Buy Surströmming in Malaysia

It is easy to find Surströmming in Sweden as it is produced there, but you can also get it conveniently shipped to you. The price for a can of Surströmming is approximately $99.00. If you want a complete experience, simply include the Swedish sweetened flatbreads too. It might take up to 30 days for your order to reach you from Sweden. For those residing in Malaysia, you can purchase Surströmming online or through Shopee for RM170 per can.

Surströmming is commonly sold in cans

Every country has their own version of exotic food that some may love and some may hate. Take durian for example – many foreigners hate the smell but after tasting it, most of them end up liking the stinky fruit. We believe it is the same case for Surströmming. If you have tasted this unique traditional dish, be sure to tell us how you feel about it in the comment section!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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Muslim-Friendly Travel Turkey

Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey

Monday, June 13, 2022

The Galata Tower is without a doubt one of the most recognisable landmarks in Istanbul. It also offers visitors spectacular views over the city and the beauty that surrounds it. In this article, we will be sharing an overview of what to expect when visiting the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey!

History of Galata Tower

The precise time when the tower was erected is unfortunately not known. However, it is thought to have been around 527 AD, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The Genoese called it the 'Christea Turris' or the Tower of Christ, while the Byzantines called it the 'Megalos Pyrgos' or the Great Tower. When a massive earthquake struck Istanbul in 1509, the tower was severely damaged. It was subsequently reconstructed by Hayreddin who was a prominent Ottoman architect. While the origin of the Galata Tower is still unknown, it is thought to have been erected by the Romans or the Genoese Colony.

Galata Tower is claimed to have been constructed during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian

The exact origin of the Galata Tower still remains a mystery today

Facts & what to expect

Standing at the height of 63 metres, Galata Tower is famously known as the eyes of Istanbul. With a balcony at the top, it offers a panoramic view of the city. Galata Tower is a must-see historical treasure of Turkey, located near the end of Istiklal Avenue - Istanbul's most frequented and busiest commercial area. Hundreds of tourists visit the tower every day, therefore you can expect a long queue during your visit.

Things to do at Galata Tower

There are a total of 11 levels and an elevator inside. It is recommended that you take the elevator up and then walk down to get a better view of the city. On the top floor, there is a viewing deck with a spectacular view of the city and the Bosporus, as well as a nightclub and café. In the evening, you may enjoy supper with Turkish folk dances and belly dance performances. Please keep in mind that you must make a reservation in advance and inquire about the performance schedule to avoid missing the show!

Breath-taking views from the top of the Galata Tower

For a full experience, it is recommended that you take the elevator up and then walk down.

Entrance fees

The admission fee to the Galata Tower is priced at 130 Turkish lira per person in 2022.

Nearby attractions to visit

The Galata Tower is located close to a variety of landmarks, museums, and public spaces, including the Istiklal Avenue, St. Antoine Church, Pera Museum, Galata Mevlevi House, and Crimean Memorial Church, all of which are located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Galata. There are also many restaurants and cafés for you to check out as well.

Many popular Istanbul attractions are within walking distance from the Galata Tower

How to get there to Galata Tower

Take the M2 metro line to the Şişhane Metro Station for the quickest access to the Galata Tower. Galata Tower can be seen from the Metro Station exit and is only a five-minute walk away. You may also use a bus, taxi or by renting a car as well to arrive at Taksim, which is a short walk away.

Contact information

Website | Facebook

Address: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening hours: 9am–10pm

Contact number: +90 212 245 41 41

With views of the Bosporus, Golden Horn, Uskudar, Asiatic hills, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Galata Tower is undoubtedly one of the city's best vantage points. Not only do you get to see the eyes of Istanbul with your own eyes, but due to its strategic place, you can conveniently visit other nearby attractions too.

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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Lithuania Travel

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

Friday, June 10, 2022

The Hill of Crosses is a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and liberty. It has now become one of the must-visit destinations for pilgrims in Lithuania. In this article, we will be sharing all the information that you should know about the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and why you should visit this sacred place.

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

History of Hill of Crosses

The tradition of planting crosses at this location started in 1850 or earlier. This purposeful gesture is a way to remember the victims of the Tsarist government's 1831 insurrection. After the second insurrection in 1863, the number of crosses increased. Shortly after, the Hill of Crosses gained a reputation as a sacred site, and pilgrims began to flock the area, notably during the Soviet era.

As the Soviets began to regard the hill as a symbol of resistance to their authority, the crosses were burned, destroyed, or used as scrap metal. Despite that, Lithuanians covertly continued to plant crosses as a show of solidarity until a total of about 500 crosses were erected on the hill by 1973. The Soviets demolished the crosses once again and immediately dispatched soldiers to the hill to prevent any additional peaceful protests. Undeterred by the presence of the soldiers, many courageous Lithuanians continued to visit the hill in the dead of the night, adding fresh crosses every day to show their defiance and resistance to oppression.

The Hill of Crosses were swamped with crosses after Lithuania declared its independence. Today, you can see crosses in all shapes and types: big, small, metal, wooden, stone, and nearly every other material conceivable.

View of the Hill of Crosses from above

Discover crosses in all shapes and types: big, small, metal, wooden, stone, and nearly every other material conceivable.

After Lithuania declared its independence, the Hill of Crosses started to gain popularity.

What to see and expect

The Hill of Crosses is an eerily magnificent destination. The path through the maze of crosses is marked by little trails. The freezing Lithuanian wind whips across the exposed location, and the crosses jingle in the breeze, giving it a surreal appearance. It is understandable when people have a divided view of this place – some will say this place is unique and others might think it's spooky. However, keep in mind that these are just crosses that people plant – and it is not a burial ground. You can even bring your children to explore this place with you. As you discover the smaller, hidden trails, you are allowed to take pictures as well.

It is said that a figure of Jesus sitting under a roof is the most iconic statue at the location. The monument is claimed to represent Jesus worshipping in secret, and it dates back to a time when religion was illegal in Lithuania. When Pope John Paul II visited the site in 1993, he proclaimed it a place of hope, peace, love, and sacrifice, emphasising its religious significance. On the summit, he celebrated mass and dubbed Lithuania the "Country of Crosses."

This figure represents Jesus worshipping in secret during a time when religion was illegal in Lithuania.

Eerie or beautiful? You decide!

Every corner at the Hill of Crosses is a sight to behold

How many crosses are at Hill of Crosses

There are over 200,000 crosses that have been brought to this tiny, sacred hill. Visitors continue to leave crosses at the site to pay homage to their loved ones or to make a plea. Therefore, the number of crosses is constantly increasing until today.

There are over 200,000 crosses at the Hill of Crosses

The number of crosses continues to increase until today as visitors bring new ones from all around the world

Entrance fee

There is no admission fee to enter the Hill of Crosses as it is an open space.

How to get to Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is located approximately 12 kilometres outside of Šiauliai. Šiauliai is easily accessible from Vilnius by train and bus, or Riga and Kaunas by bus.

Contact Information

Address: Jurgaičiai 81439, Lithuania

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Contact number: +370 41 370860

A visit to the Hill of Crosses is a must whenever you are in Lithuania. Here, you can experience the indescribably spooky yet magical feeling of being surrounded by thousands of crosses with thousands of stories that will definitely give you something to think about. This hill is a place of “hope, peace, love and sacrifice" - and it definitely lives up to its claims.

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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Malaysia Travel

Batu Caves at Gombak, Selangor

Malaysia's renowned Batu Caves is one of the most important Hindu holy sites outside of India. It is a must-see while you are in Kuala Lumpur. There are three primary attractions here, including the Temple Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave. The Temple Cave, also known as the Cathedral Cave, is devoted to Lord Murugan - the Hindu God of War.

Batu Caves at Gombak, Selangor

History of Batu Caves Temple

Batu Caves is a limestone hill in Selangor featuring three large caves and several colourful cave temples. Experts estimated that the limestone that formed the caverns is approximately 400 million years old. In the past, the Orang Asli or the indigenous people used the caves as dwelling quarters and refuges.

When biologist William Temple Hornaday wrote about the caverns in 1878, they immediately became popular. K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader, was captivated by the grandeur of the cave and built Batu Caves' first cave temple in 1890. This very temple is now one of the most prominent Tamil temples outside of India, hosting large-scale Thaipusam festivities on an annual basis.

K. Thamboosamy Pillai was an Indian trader who constructed the first temple cave in Batu Caves.

Batu Caves Murugan Statue

The first thing you see as you approach the caverns is a towering golden statue of Lord Murugan. Erected in 2006, it is the world's largest monument devoted to a deity which matches the height of the 272 steps leading to the cave openings. As you make your way up the flight of stairs, you will be greeted by a troop of fearless monkeys which are inhabitants of the area. Remember to keep an eye on your valuables to prevent the monkeys from snatching them. If you wish to catch your breath, there are resting spots along the way that provide beautiful views of the surrounding suburbs.

The golden and majestic Batu Caves Murugan statue

Inside Batu Caves Temple

Three major caves are located within the jagged limestone hills of Batu Caves.

Temple Cave is the largest and most popular, with a ceiling over 300 feet high. Inside the illuminated cave, you'll discover Hindu shrines and beautiful renditions of tales. Dark Cave is the wildest of the three, which entrance is located right under Temple Cave. The 6,500-foot subterranean section has stunning limestone formations and is home to several cave critters, including the endangered Trapdoor Spiders.

The Dark Cave can only be explored by pre-booking a spelunking tour. The trips need a reasonable degree of physical fitness because crawling is involved. Please be reminded to bring an extra set of clothes. Lastly, the Cave Villa features Hindu carvings and wall paintings depicting Lord Murugan and other Hindu deities.

Beautiful caves within the Batu Caves limestone hills

The colourful cave temple found inside Batu Caves

Kumbhakarna - a giant sleeping god statue in the Ramayana Cave

Depictions of Hindu deities found within Batu Caves

Inside the Batu Caves temple in Gombak, Selangor

How Many Steps in Batu Caves

At first glance, it looks almost impossible to make it to the top with the seemingly endless stair. You will be surprised to know that there is only a total of 272 steps.

There are a total of 272 steps in Batu Caves

Batu Caves Entrance Fee

Admission fee is free for the main temple which is the Temple Cave or also known as the Cathedral Cave. However, the entrance fees for Malaysians and non-Malaysians to the Cave Villa are priced at RM7 and RM15 respectively. For the Ramayana Cave – the admission fee is only RM5, regardless of nationality.

Tips for Visitors

Batu Caves is often teeming with a sea of tourists! Please keep in mind that although this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia, it is a religious site and place of worship. Please dress appropriately such as long pants to cover your legs. Additionally, pick clothes and footwear that are comfortable enough for you to climb the stairs.

Opening Hours

Batu Caves is open every day from 6.30am–8.30pm

Management Office Contact Number

You may contact them at +603-6189 6284

Address: Batu Caves 68100 Gombak, Selangor.

Batu Caves remains as Malaysia's top attraction for many years now. Most of the visitors are either Hindu devotees who come to pray and perform rituals, or curious tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the sacred Hindu way of life. See with your own eyes the beauty of this temple and the surrounding caves at Batu Caves!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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Malaysia Travel

Best Things to Do in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Batu Niah is a small town located about 3 kilometres from the world-famous Niah Cave with a population of under 1,900 people. It is a common stopover for visitors who are on the way to the Niah National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia. Listed below are the top attractions in Batu Niah to help you plan your journey.

Best Things to Do in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Visit the Niah National Park

Niah National Park allows visitors to roam freely within the caves and hiring a tour guide is not mandatory. There are two well-marked wooden walkways here, which are the Batu Kasut Trail and Madu Trail. The first optional stop at the Niah National Park is the Archaeological Museum that tells the history of the Niah Cave and its former inhabitants.

Visit the Niah National Park in Batu Niah, Sarawak

The beauty of Batu Niah is raw and pristine, making it an unforgettable destination for city dwellers.

Explore Gua Niah

The trail begins at the Traders Cave or ‘Gua Dagang’ where there are wooden structures resembling scaffolding. These are the actual remains of the temporary workplace of bird's nest collectors during the harvesting season.

Next, you will arrive at the Great Cave, which has an enormous entrance measuring 60 metres high and over 250 metres wide. At the back of the Great Cave, there is a passage leading to an area called ‘Padang’, which connects to another popular cave. Known as the Painted Cave, it showcases cave wall paintings estimated to be older than 1,200 years old formed during the Iron Age.

Another main highlight at the Niah Cave is the remnants of “death ships” or boat-shaped coffins which were Palaeolithic and Neolithic burial chambers. As with most caving activities, you will also get to marvel at the various limestone outcrops, boulders, stalactites, stalagmites and its living creatures such as spiders, bats and gecko lizards.

For lucky visitors leaving the Niah Cave around sunset, you may experience an event known as the “changing of the guards”. There will be two huge black clouds intermingling at the cave ceilings as hundreds of thousands of swiftlets return to their nests while equal numbers of hundreds of thousands of bats exit the cave. And as the night approaches, several luminous fungi will start to shed their lights. It will take approximately 5 hours to complete your tour here.

Explore the historical Gua Niah in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Book a Homestay

Affordable but basic accommodation options such as chalets and hostels are available. Those who are looking to understand the local culture better can opt for a dedicated homestay program at the Iban Longhouse Village of Rumah Patrick Libau. It is only a short 15-minute walk away from the magnificent Niah Caves.

Book a homestay at the Iban Longhouse Village in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Drink Bird's Nest Soup

Batu Niah town greets its visitors with unique and rare offerings such as bird's nest soup. Depending on the grades, bird's nest soup can be very expensive. The market price for this exotic dish ranges between RM3,500 to RM5,000 per kilogram. These soups are prepared in multiple ways and either be served warm and fresh, or chilled and bottled! Other interesting local products from Batu Niah are rattan handicrafts and also organic fertilisers made from bat poops known as “guano”.

Drink the local bird's nest soup when visiting Batu Niah, Sarawak

Try the Exotic Ikan Betutu

Apart from bird's nest soup, another expensive dish in Batu Niah is the Ikan Betutu or Marble Goby fish. The local Chinese community of Cantonese origins call this the Soon Hock fish. This type of fish is seasonal and is loved for its decadent and juicy white flesh. It is also said to have healing properties when consumed. The fish is rather rugged and has almost no bones. The most common way to prepare this fish in Batu Niah is by steaming it with garlic paste and eaten with white rice.

Try the exotic Ikan Betutu at Batu Niah, Sarawak

You can also try other kinds of exotic fishes in Batu Niah, such as hammerhead sharks.

Pray at Tua Pek Kong Temple

Tua Pek Kong is known as the God of Prosperity among the Chinese community around the world. Surprisingly, there is a temple dedicated to this deity in almost every town in the state of Sarawak. While traveling through Batu Niah, you will definitely come across this vibrant and beautiful temple located just a stone's throw away from the river.

Visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple at Batu Niah, Sarawak

Taste the Local Sarawakian Dishes

Most of the dishes found across Batu Niah is influenced by Chinese-style cooking. There are many must-try dishes here, including freshwater prawns which are delicious when served in the local Big Head Prawn Laksa. This dish is similar to Sarawak Laksa, but with gigantic freshwater prawns replacing the typical boiled shrimps. Another famous prawn dish in Batu Niah is the Coconut Tom Yum Prawn. This tom yum dish is cooked with fresh prawns and coconut water in a coconut shell.

Other simple and enjoyable comfort food loved by the locals is the Kampua Mee. Unlike Kolok Mee, the noodles used are straighter and less springy. This dry-style noodle dish is served with soy sauce, slices of meat and wanton. Fun fact: In Sarawak, Kampua Mee is served on plates while Kolok Mee is usually served in bowls.

These huge freshwater prawns are a hit in Batu Niah

Traditional Kampua Mee in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

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What Are You Searching For? e.g. Langkawi, Food, Hiking

Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Best Things to Do at Cat Cat Village

Trekking Routes & Duration

Try on Hmong Ethnic Costumes

Shop for Traditional Handicrafts

Other Must-do Activities

Entrance fees

How to get to Cat Cat Village

Contact Information

8 Must-try Traditional Food in Myanmar

Rice Noodle & Fish Soup - Mohinga

Shan-style Rice - Nga Htamin Chin

Thick Rice Noodle Salad - Nan Gyi Thote

Tea Leaf Salad - Lahpet Thoke

Fritters - A Kyaw Sone

Burmese Curry

Shan-style Noodles - Shan Khao Swé

Pancakes - Bein Mont

Surströmming: Fermented Herring in Sweden

History of Surströmming

Smell of Surströmming

How is Surströmming Made

How to Eat Surströmming

Where to Buy Surströmming in Malaysia

Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey

History of Galata Tower

Facts & what to expect

Things to do at Galata Tower

Entrance fees

Nearby attractions to visit

How to get there to Galata Tower

Contact information

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

History of Hill of Crosses

What to see and expect

How many crosses are at Hill of Crosses

Entrance fee

How to get to Hill of Crosses

Contact Information

Batu Caves at Gombak, Selangor

History of Batu Caves Temple

Batu Caves Murugan Statue

Inside Batu Caves Temple

How Many Steps in Batu Caves

Batu Caves Entrance Fee

Tips for Visitors

Opening Hours

Management Office Contact Number

Best Things to Do in Batu Niah, Sarawak

Visit the Niah National Park

Explore Gua Niah

Book a Homestay

Drink Bird's Nest Soup

Try the Exotic Ikan Betutu

Pray at Tua Pek Kong Temple

Taste the Local Sarawakian Dishes

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