Lambir Hills National Park
Sarawak Forestry Corporation
Lambir hills National Park
Spreading across a vast 6,949 hectares of naturally formed hilly terrains, the Lambir Hills is buzzing with bountiful 1,200 species of trees which play hosts to a number of 1,200 insects. Lambir Hills which encompasses of 52 hectares of greenness, is recognised by scientists and researchers worldwide as one of the most ecologically diversified areas to date.
According to ecologists, the Lambir Hills has numerous undiscovered plants and insects species. Visitors will not only be able to spot the 247 species of birds soaring freely in its blue skies, but they might get the chance to encounter the Gibbons, Tarsier and even the Clouded Leopard. Due to its sensitivity to human presence, the chances to stumble upon them is likely higher when you come and visit in a small group.
The intricate yet mesmerising jungle trails, welcome visitors from all walks of life by offering the opportunity to immerse oneself in its pristine rainforest. For first-timers, the 15 minutes stroll to the renowned Latak Waterfall will be an eye-opener to a new adventure; whilst for the seasoned and adventurous nature enthusiasts, the four hours hike to the Bukit Lambir’s 465 metres peak will be a rewarding climb, where you’ll be greeted with its superb view of the rainforest surrounding and below it.. After a long and exhausting journey, a dip in the cooling pool waters from the waterfall cascading from Lambir Hills, will reenergise your mind, body and soul!
Other activities that Lambir Hills National Park offers include:
- Jungle Treking
- Swimming / Recreation
- Nature education
- Research
- Bird watching
- Wildlife Observation
- Photography
- Night walk
This ecological wonderland is easily accessible from Miri, Sarawak’s second largest city. The 30 minutes drive from Miri, makes it an ideal day-trip visit or for nature enthusiasts, the accommodation provided will give you the opportunity to explore and study the park’s wildlife and surroundings in its night life surroundings. The park also provides facilities to cater for official functions such as conferences, meetings, and team building activities. The in-house restaurant provides an array of mouth-watering delicacies.
Trails
Lambir’s major attractions for visitors is its interesting selection of forest walks, ranging from the leisurely 15-minutes stroll to an arduous all-day jungle trekking activity. To date, most of Lambir’s trails are interlinked, thus it is very easy to cover multiple trekking in a day. The following table provides details of approximate trekking times and distances and the colour codes used in the park.
The times displayed are estimated times and solely depend on weather conditions, the hikers’ experiences and fitness level, among others. The starting point of the hikes are from the Lambir Hills National Park Headquarters.
Trail Name | Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance From HQ | Colour Code |
---|---|---|---|
Main Trail | 0.835km | 12 mins | Red |
Latak Waterfall | 0.182km | 20 mins | Red/White |
Pantu | 1.390km | 1 hr | White |
Inoue | 1.25km | 45 mins | Pink |
Bukit Pantu | 2.9km | 1 hr 35 mins | Yellow/White |
Lepoh Ridan | – | 1 hr 45 mins | Yellow |
Pantu Waterfall | 1.8km | 1 hr 10 mins | Red/Yellow |
Oil Well | 3.0km | 1 hr 40 mins | Yellow |
Bakam | – | 2 hr 40 mins | Blue |
Pancur Waterfall | 7.1km | 2hr 20 mins | Yellow/Blue |
Tengkorong Waterfall | 5.4km | 2 hrs | White/Blue |
Dinding Waterfall | 4.7km | 2 hrs | Blue/White/Red |
Summit | 6.3km | 3hr 30 mins | Red/Blue |
This is the shortest, easiest and the most well-known of Lambir’s trails; and is extremely popular with day-trippers from Miri. A visit during the weekdays is recommended for those whom are looking for peace and solitude, away from the weekend crowds. The trail follows a gently sloping path shaded by lush green tree branches, which eventually leads to a clear, fast-flowing stream. There are two beautiful small waterfalls along the way, however, the main attraction will be found at the end of the trail. Visitors will be welcomed by a large pool smacked in the middle of the forest.
The pool is surrounded by steep rock walls surrounding its three corners, and the majestic Latak waterfall, which crystal-clear waters cascading down its 25 metres hilly top, can be seen as the park’s water backdrop at the end of its emerald green pool. There are amenities such as changing rooms, toilets as well as picnic spots for visitors to unwind at the pool area. Swimming and other water activities are allowed, but precautionary measures are to be taken during swimming activities as they are deep ends of the pool that might be hazardous to non-swimmers or children.
Pantu, Nibong, Bukit Pantu and Pantu Waterfall Trails
These are in fact all branches of the same trail. Shortly before Latak Waterfall, the Pantu trail branches off to the left and leads up a series of steep steps. At the top of the steps you will see the tree tower, a 40 metre high wooden construction designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in the forest canopy. Climbing the tree tower is very worthwhile, as you should be able to see many different kinds of birds and insects, epiphytes, ferns and orchids that are not seen at ground level.
Shortly after the tree tower, the trail branches off left to the Nibong waterfall, an ideal place to cool down after climbing the tree tower. A few hundred metres further along the main trail, you can branch out to Bukit Pantu (the nearest peak to the park HQ) and its superb views on the right, or the Pantu Waterfall on the left.
Bukit Lambir, Bakam, Tengkorong, Pancur and Dinding Trails
Not many visitors proceed beyond the Pantu Waterfall turnoff, but those who have the time (and a little stamina) will find these longer trails and their branches the most rewarding. The terrain gradually rises, passing through rugged, dense forest filled with the sounds of Lambir’s wildlife. After 4 km, the trail forks, the left fork leading to the Bakam trail and the right fork leading to the summit of Bukit Lambir. The Bakam trail is not so interesting in itself, but two of its branches, the Tengkorong Trail and the Pancur Trail, lead to delightful, crystal clear jungle waterfalls.
The Summit Trail is quite steep in parts, and can be hard work for the not-so-fit, but it is very interesting to observe the sudden transition from dipterocarp forest to heath forest, and the profusion of wild orchids. The superb view from the top (456m) is fair compensation for the effort. As a reward for tackling the Summit Trail, you can treat yourself to a cool dip in the pool below the Dinding waterfall on the way down.
Getting There
Lambir is only 32km away from Miri. Syarikat Bas Suria and Syarikat Bas Baram/Biaramas/MTC/Eva/Bintang Jaya provides frequent bus services to Batu Niah, Bakong and Bekenu junctions; where the buses would stop directly opposite the park’s headquarters. The journey itself is between 30 to 40 minutes. Visitors coming to the park using the taxi, would need to arrange the return trip journey by themselves. The last bus trip back to Miri is at 5:30 pm or 1730 hrs daily. Rental cars are also available with prior arrangements with your hotel or accommodations in Miri.
Note: The bus marked “LAMBIR” does not go the National Park.
Accomodation
Yes!
The park’s accommodations consist of chalet units and a camp site. Please contact the National Park’s Booking Office in Miri for the latest room rates and reservations matters.
A permit is required for professional photography or filming, which should be arranged in advance with the National Park’s Booking Office.
Park Operating Hours:
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Monday – Sunday including Public Holidays
Contact:
Tel: (+6) 011-6572 9433 || 011-6573 0144