The Borneo Island which is the third largest island in the world and largest island in Asia has a few renowned national parks with their own distinct feature of which, the Loagan Bunut National Park is one located in Sarawak, Malaysia. This stunning national park was designated in January 1990, and in the very next year it was made accessible to the public. The National Park spans across an area of 10,736 hectares, including the Loagan Bunut lake which occupies 650 hectares of the total area.
About Loagan Bunut National Park
The Loagan Bunut is the biggest freshwater lake, and therefore the name of the National Park remains so, having been named by the local Berawan fishermen. As the Loagan Bunut Lake is well connected to Sungai Bunut, Sungai Baram and Sungai Tinjar therefore it is greatly influenced by them. This is a shallow lake which eventually drains when the water level of the nearby Tinjar river drops. The National Park is a well-known name due to its biodiversity and unique aquatic ecosystem.
Things To Do At Loagan Bunut National Park
1. The Hydrology Trail
The Loagan Bunut National Park boasts a variety of forest type and hence a lot of hiking activities can be experienced here. The 2 kms Hydrology Trail directly leads you to peat swamp forest and presents the insight of a unique ecosystem. Again, the 260m Tapang Trail showcases a unique collection of trees. The smooth-barked tapang is the world’s third tallest tree and the belian is a medium-sized tree that produces one of the world’s hardest, most durable, and most valuable timbers that can be observed in this national park.
2. Selambau Nets
Discover the Selambau scoop nets created by the fishermen of the local Berawan tribe, which is an exceptional method of fishing. Enormous scoop nets mounted on large rafts are utilized to capture migrating fish. Since the bamboo cages stay submerged in water, they assist the fishermen in preserving the fish’s vitality until they can be transported to the market.
3. Birdwatching
This National park is also an paradise for Birdwatchers. Near the lake, one can observe many large and unique species of birds such as the darters, bitterns, egrets, herons, hornbills, malkohas, Stork-billed kingfishers, magpies, robins, doves, bulbuls, racket-tailed drongos, and kites etc. The park also includes animals like barking deer, bearded pigs, sambar deer, long-tail macaques, black banded langurs, lesser mouse deer, giant squirrels, provost squirrels, Bornean gibbons etc which can be easily seen here and there.
Best Time To Visit Loagan Bunut National Park
This part of Malaysia encounters substantial rainfall during the monsoon or the rainy season which commences from mid-November and continues until late February. As the region is heavily flooded and essentially transforms into a swampy land, it is advisable to avoid planning visits during these months. The optimal duration to visit the Loagan Bunut National Park is between the end of May and the end of October, when the weather is rather pleasant.
How To Get to Loagan Bunut National Park
The Loagan Bunut National Park is approximately 130 Kilometres away from Miri and is well connected through a tar sealed road. In Miri, there are various travel agencies that organize trips to the National Park, providing quality service at an affordable price. One can also hire a taxi or take a 4WD service from Miri to Long Lapok, a small town located about 15 km from the Park Headquarters. From the Lapok bridge, you can opt for another bus or a shared taxi (which costs a certain amount per person) that will drop you off at the Park entrance.
The private transportation service costs around RM50 per person for a one-way trip between Miri and Loagan Bunut National Park, passing through Belura town (Pekan Beluran) or Kampung Lapok. Traveling from Pekan Beluran usually takes a couple of hours, while from Kampung Lapok it takes approximately 1 ½ hours by long boat to reach the National Park.
Additional Information About Loagan Bunut National Park
To enter the park, visitors must acquire an authorized permit from the nature reserves, wildlife centers, or the nearest booking offices, which is absolutely mandatory. If you are visiting the park for filmmaking or on an expedition, you must obtain a specific prior permission from the Sarawak State Secretary.
1. Photography Fee/Permit
- For Still Camera: RM5.00
- For Video Camera: RM10.00
- Filming: This can cost RM200.00 or more
2. Entry Fee For Foreign Visitors
- Adult: RM20
- Unable: RM10
- Kids over 6 years old: RM7
- Adult: RM 10
- Unable: RM 5
- Kids over 6 years old: RM 3
3. Admission Fee For Local Residents
Where To Stay At Loagan Bunut National Park
The lodging facility is also available in The Loagan Bunut National Park which includes cabins, dormitory-style rooms, camping site, and Mutiara Bunut Homestay. The rooms can be reserved from the National Parks Booking Office or one can also visit the online portal of the National Park here. There are also many luxury properties available at a reasonable distance from the park like Pullman Miri Waterfront, Meritz Hotel, ParkCity Everly Hotel, and more.
Additional Reading: 6 Villas In Malaysia That Are Perfect For An Escape With Your Loved Ones
Enchanted much? While a full day trip is necessary to unveil the many concealed layers of this distinct national park, make sure you visit the captivating Loagan Bunut National Park on your next journey to Malaysia.
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