Exploring Batu Niah and the Comfort of Hotel Wawasan: An Unforgettable Experience

The elegance and cleanliness of the Lobby at Hotel Wawasan, Batu Niah.

Our grueling 14-hour journey from Kuching had finally come to an end.

Although the 740-kilometer distance is usually covered in 9 to 10 hours, we had to be patient. 

Our Hillux, driven with Clemence Joy's relaxed style, made the trip feel even longer. We passed through several major towns like Saratok, Sri Aman, and Sibu, stopping briefly at each, and only reached our destination by nightfall.

After spending the whole day in the car, even with occasional breaks at the rest stops along the way, Arbain and I were exhausted. That night, we slept soundly. In the morning, around 8 o'clock, we finally woke up. 

After showering and having breakfast at a place across the street from Hotel Wawasan, we went back to the hotel.

It was Thursday, August 8, 2024. 

The weather was clear, with the sky painted in azure blue. Meanwhile, white clouds drifted slowly through the air above the small town of Batu Niah.

Oasis en Route to Niah Caves

Borneo is truly rich with its natural beauty. As far as the eye can see, Sarawak is still a green expanse. The Sarawak state government is very skilled at managing its natural resources. There are many national parks in Sarawak, like Niah Caves and Mulu Caves. However, Niah Caves are especially significant because they've been scientifically proven to have been inhabited by humans for over 40,000 years.

Read Niah National Park: A world-renowned tourist destination

That’s why, that morning, we decided to start our historical tour with Niah Caves. First things first — just like Al Ries advised in his book published in 1996.

Our main objective was to explore the Niah Caves, a historic site inhabited by humans for over 40,000 years. This cave is not just a tourist spot but a window into the past, where human history is etched in ancient caves.

After the long journey, we arrived at Hotel Wawasan, where we would rest for two nights. Although the hotel was modest and situated beneath the limestone hills of Niah, it had its own special charm.

Beautiful: The stunning interior design of Hotel Wawasan’s Lobby broadens the mind and calms the Spirit.

Arbain Rambey, a writer and photographer from Jakarta, was given a room on the second floor with a view of the highway. 

From our room, we had a clear view of Niah Hill and the bustling shops and stalls in front of the hotel. Each morning, this view provided a beautiful backdrop to start our days here.

Comfort at Hotel Wawasan

Hotel Wawasan offered exceptional comfort. The cleanliness of the room, the bathroom amenities, and the towels were all in excellent condition.

The well-maintained, clean, and orderly bed ensured a restful sleep. Despite its simplicity, every detail was designed to provide a sense of comfort and tranquility.

Surprisingly, the hotel rate was very affordable—only RM178 per night. In fact, if you request a discount, they are more than happy to accommodate it.

During our two-night stay, time flew by. The hotel staff seemed to know that we were writers and photographers from Jakarta, as they frequently asked to take photos with us. We felt like special guests here.

Stay tuned, I'll be back again!

The interior and lobby decor of Hotel Wawasan had a very artistic and intellectual ambiance. We saw intriguing bookshelves, mystical angel statues, and an azure blue sky that completed the atmosphere. All of this provided inspiration and comfort unlike anywhere else.

Without a doubt, when we return to Niah someday, Hotel Wawasan will be our top choice.

At the pinnacle, that's the crown of the hotel.

From the photos I reviewed, many "celebrities" have stayed at Wawasan, including the legendary Iban singer Ricky El.

Hotel Wawasan is indeed comfortable. I look forward to coming back again!

-- Masri Sareb Putra