Here’s my Borneo Travel fail story. When you go to less traveled countries, you’re bound to have some nightmare transportation stories. This one was for the Niah Caves.

Borneo travel fail story

Imagine this day. You sit on a 5-hour bus ride to see an attraction. Upon arrival you find out it’s are closed due to flooding. And has been for a few days. With no notice.

They suggested I “try back in a week or so.”  Ahhh!

What is Niah?

The attraction I’m referring to are the Niah Caves, supposedly the most impressive of Malaysia’s natural wonders.

Transportation nightmare

To start the day, we were in Brunei. We ultimately headed to Kuching on the northwest region of Borneo.

Instead of taking a 45min flight, we took a 5-hour bus ride to Junction, a small town near Niah. It’s another 15 hour bus ride afterward to get to Kuching. That’s quite a bit of effort, but people told me it’s worth it!

The plan

We negotiated into our hotel price (that’s right, in Asia hotel prices are often negotiable) a shuttle from Junction to Niah, 45 minutes away.  Our “shuttle” turned out to be space in the back of a flatbead truck, as part of the driver’s errands.

We checked the Niah website and called ahead to confirm the hours.

And here’s where the wheels fall off…

Our plan was to arrive right when it opens. That’s unfortunately not what happened. Upon arrival, we learn it’s closed. I assume we can just wait an hour and regret not sleeping later. Nope, it’s actually worse. They said it’s been closed due to flooding for 3 days. Ahhh!

They apologized and said they were thinking of updating their website to tell people. But they didn’t. They suggested we try back next week. What?? Thanks Malaysia.

Conclusion: Borneo Travel Fail

Malaysian Borneo is simply not set up for travelers on a limited time schedule. That’s my Borneo Travel fail from my (attempted) Niah Caves experience. But that’s traveling – you need to roll with it and make the best of challenges.

Recommendations

For future visits to the Niah Caves, I suggest you call ahead. Call multiple times. Other travelers loved the experience, so I have to assume it’s special.

What’s your worst “travel fail” story?