SARAWAK is the world’s most exotic island, with a reputation for its wealth in culture, wildlife and greenery. The Bornean state has grown to become a popular location for adventurers as there is much to explore amongst its 124,450 square kilometres filled with mountainous landscapes and forestry.
In this article, we would like to take the opportunity to introduce a few national parks for travellers who would like to come over for a relaxed retreat and make the most of their time with nature during their time in Sarawak.
Gunung Mulu National Park
The land of hornbills hosts one of the four Malaysian UNESCO heritage sites called Gunung Mulu National Park in the city of Miri. One of the activities that is highly recommended for visitors is to take a boat ride through the Clearwater Cave and the Deer Cave of the approximately 60-million-year-old park.
As the most studied tropical area in the world, which is incredibly wealthy in biodiversity, visitors should expect to encounter Sarawak’s iconic bat exodus and other incredible flora and fauna around the area. This park also houses the Sarawak Chamber, the largest known cave chamber in the world.
With the hot weather, it is highly suggested that travellers consider dividing their exploration over a span of two to three days. The various accommodations available within the vicinity make it extremely convenient for guests to make reservations, with options ranging from a five-star hotel to authentic longhouse experiences offered by the locals.
Niah National Park
Another park you can trek through while in Miri is Niah National Park, which has been labelled as one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. This national park was nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage Site on January 30, 2023, with the results expected to be announced in 2024.
This park has the backstory of being the regional birthplace of civilisation and the site of discovery for the most dated human remains in Southeast Asia. When you visit this treasured heritage, be sure to allocate some time for the Niah Cave Complex to see ancient artefacts that have been preserved for over 50,000 years, as well as the evolution of relationships between humans and its lush rainforest. You would also get close-up views of cave paintings and the archaic wooden boat-shaped coffins that have been left behind by Niah’s prehistoric inhabitants.
If you are touring through the southwest regions of Sarawak, take a chance to roam through the Sarawak Delta Geo Park, the sixth national geopark, under the National Geopark Development Programme. The alluring nature of this geopark has also granted it consideration to receive a nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2025. You are sure to be entertained as the park is filled with attractions spanning across Kuching, Siburan, Bau and Padawan.
There is no need to rush as you observe the various architectural heritage, musical instruments, weapons and foods that have been nurtured by the current multicultural society of Sarawak. Have a small road trip around the grounds of the geopark to attractions such as gushing waterfalls, wildlife centres, mountains, caves and beaches. Visitors can also anticipate sightings of Bornean endemic creatures such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys and fairy rock geckos at some of these stops.
You will find countless destinations around the geopark, but here is a list that we believe you should include in your route.
For locations such as beaches, waterfalls and chances of encountering the seasonal bloom of the Rafflesia, you should visit Santubong National Park, Kubah National Park and Gunung Gading National Park.
If you have the intention to have animals as your main focus, there are several wildlife centres spread out around the geopark, such as Matang Wildlife Centre, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Talang Satang National Park, and Borneo Happy Farm. Additionally, you may visit educational centres such as the live museums of Sarawak Cultural Village, Borneo Tribe Village, or the Borneo Cultures Museum, which is known as the second largest museum in Southeast Asia. However, if you are looking for a one-stop destination for all of these features, our best recommendation would be Bako National Park.
Sarawak has much to offer, especially for those who find comfort in serene nature. The state is consistently making efforts to preserve and sustain natural habitats that hold national importance and value.
You can lend a hand now in the mission to protect the unique flora and fauna of Sarawak by helping Niah National Park reach its petition goal at https://campaign.niahnationalpark.my/ or discover other national parks around the state at https://sarawaktourism.com/.
