Page 104 - Sarawak-Visitors-Guide-2014v1
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Travel Connecions Aciviies
Lambir is only 32 km from Miri. Syarikat Bas Suria and During dry spells it is possible to stroll across the dried-
Syarikat Bas Baram have frequent bus services to Batu up lake bed, but visitors must be accompanied by a
Niah, Bakong and Bekenu, all of which stop directly local guide for safety reasons. More permanent trails
opposite the park HQ. The journey ime is 30-40 mins. include the Hydrology Trail (2km) which provides a
If you take a taxi (approx. RM 50 each way), arrange a close-up view of the peatswamp ecosystem. The 260m
pick-up ime for the return journey. The last bus back to Tapang Trail showcases the towering tapang tree
Miri leaves at 1730 hrs. Note: The bus marked ‘Lambir’ (Koompassia excelsia), the world’s third tallest tree,
does not go the Naional Park. whose heavy, dense wood is claimed to be the best for
LOAGAN BUNUT NATIONAL PARK making blowpipes. The Belian Trail (720m) features
the belian tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri, also known as
Introducion Borneo ironwood) which produces one of the world’s
hardest, and most valuable imbers.
Loagan Bunut features a unique ecosystem based on Boat trips can be arranged at the Park Headquarters.
Sarawak’s largest natural lake (65 ha). The shallow lake Early morning is the best ime to appreciate the mist-
usually drains completely when the water in the nearby shrouded scenery, midday is best for viewing wading
Tinjar river is low (normally February and late May birds feeding on trapped ish, and late aternoon ofers
or early June/July). As the water level subsides, huge superb sunsets and more bird watching possibiliies.
locks of wading birds gorge themselves on ish and The boatmen usually drive the narrow boats right
other aquaic creatures trapped in the mud. When the
lake is dry, plants sprout from the mud and are eaten by into the forest, amongst huge silted tree roots where
insect larvae. When the rains come and the lake ills up, monkeys and squirrels can oten be seen. A boat trip
returning ish feed on the larvae, breed in the lake, and will usually include a visit to the fascinaing Selambau
the whole cycle starts again. scoop nets, and during ish migraions visitors can watch
the ishermen at work and buy freshly caught ish. The
Fishermen from the local Berawan tribe have developed boatmen will also point out an ancient Berawan burial
a unique method only found at Loagan Bunut, known as plaform, or Klirieng, supported above the lake by
Selambau. They use huge scoop nets mounted on large sturdy belian pillars.
rats to catch migraing ish, which are kept alive in
submerged bamboo cages unil they can be transported The boats are operated by local Berawan ishermen
to market. who have a great deal of local knowledge and usually
speak acceptable English. The charter rate is RM 60.00
The surrounding terrain features a variety of forest per boat per hour for up to 4 passengers, with an
types, ranging from mixed peatswamp forest with addiional RM 15.00 per hour for every extra passenger.
huge silt-rooted trees at the water’s edge, to towering
Alam forest with a canopy height of over 60 m, and Accommodaion: The Forest Hostel at the Park HQ
helps to make Loagan Bunut a birdwatcher’s paradise. (Tel: 085-779410) has 4 rooms with 7 double-decker
Permanent residents include eagles, swallows, bunk beds each (RM 15.75 per person). There is a
malkohas, stork-billed kingishers, magpies, robins, small canteen serving simple cooked meals, snacks
doves, bulbuls, racket-tailed drongos, pied hornbills and and drinks. A generator supplies electricity during the
kites, while darters, egrets, herons, biterns, storks and evenings. Contact the Naional Parks Booking oice in
broadbill arrive during dry spells to feed on the trapped Miri or Kuching for reservaions.
ish. Other animals found in the park include barking Muiara Homestay, Tel: 013-5781396, Email:
deer, bearded pigs, sambar deer, long-tail macaques, muiarahomestay@live.co.uk. Operated by a local
black banded langurs, lesser mouse deer, small-tooth Berawan family, ofers 9 twin-bed rooms plus a
palm civets, giant squirrels, provost squirrels, Bornean 15-person dormitory with sleeping mats. Self catering
gibbons, many species of frogs and small lizards, dog- (Band A-B) or full board.
headed water snakes and a variety of tree snakes.
Estuarine crocodiles are occasionally sighted. Travel Connecions: Loagan Bunut is approximately
120 km or 3 hours by road from Miri. Travel agents in
Miri operate tours to the park. Independent travelers
can take public transport (bus or 4wd) to Long Lapok,
about 15 km from the Park Headquarters. The cofee
shops near the bus stop can arrange onward transport
to the park. Muiara Homestay meet and transport
their guests from Lapok Bridge. Check with the Naional
Parks Booking Oice in Miri for the latest imetables
and fares.
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