Loagan Bunut National Park
Sarawak Forestry Corporation
Loagan bunut National Park
Loagan Bunut, a name given by the local Berawan community to Sarawak’s largest natural lake, encompasses 650 hectares of land mostly covered by peat swamps. The lake’s uniqueness lies not by its size, but its disappearing features during the drought season.
During the dry months, the lake will disappear and be replaced with a vast dry muddy flat land; an opposite sight compared to the wet months, where we can see fishing boats gracing the still waters of Loagan Bunut. This phenomenon will occur mainly during the months of February till September yearly.
Exploring its riverbank and dense forest by boat ride, visitors will be able to catch glimpses of barking deer, bearded pigs, tiny mouse deer, the Langur monkey, Long-tailed macaque and Flying Fox that inhibit the surrounding peat swamp forest.
The lake’s unique phenomenon influenced the Berawan’s way of life and this is clearly seen through their fishing method, where they had invented a way called Selambau, in which the Berawan would literally scoop up the migrating fishes as the water level changes.
Another notable sight to be seen is the ancient Berawan burial platforms or Lejeng. The sacred Lejeng poles comes in pair and were carved on two mighty Belian tree poles that were erected to support the coffin placed on top of the Lejeng.
The disappearing and appearing of the lake never once disrupt the balance of nature of Loagan Bunut, but in turn, it complements and add the enchanting aura to its surroundings.
The swampy terrain is generally difficult to walk on but several jungle trails have been established at the park overcome this. A 2km Hidrology Trail passes directly through the peat swamp forest and provides a unique close up view of this important eco system. The traditional Selambau scoop nets, one of Loagan Bunut most fastinating attractions can be visited by boat.
Trails
If you visit Loagan Bunut during the dry month, you’ll be able to experience strolling across the dried-up lake bed and it is advisable to tag along with a local guide. The swampy terrain is generally difficult to walk on, but several jungle trails have been established at the park to ease visitors during their visit. A 1.5km Hydrology Trail passes directly through the peat swamp forest and provide a unique close up view of this important ecosystem avenue.
Concurrently, the 260m Tapang Trail showcases two of Sarawak’s most interesting and important tree species. Visitors should be awed with the sight of the majestic, smooth-barked Tapang (Koompassia excelsa) tree which is known to be the world’s third tallest tree. Its extremely heavy wood is used in making high quality blowpipes. Local craftsmen only uses damage trees that have fallen through storm or natural causes. The local belief that it is a taboo to cut down the Tapang tree and concurrently, this tree is known as the nesting place of bees and a main source of wild honey.
The Belian (Eusideroxylon zwageri) is a medium-sized tree which produces one of the world’s hardest, most durable and most valuable timbers. It is also known as the Borneo Ironwood as it is extremely resistant to weather changes and damages caused by termites.
Boat Trips
The howling of the gibbons in the wee hours of the morning is part of the jungle symphony and is pleasing to the ears. Avid bird watches can easily spot the likes of darters, egrets, herons, bitterns, hornbills, and kites as well as a host of smaller birds swooping through the skies of Loagan Bunut.
To visitors eager to explore Loagan Bunut, the park’s headquarters is able to arrange boat trips for visitors to explore the lake and its surrounding forests. Early morning trips are advisable as it would be the best time to enjoy the magnificent surroundings with mists rising from the lake as the sun rises slowly above the forest background. Spending the afternoon in Loagan Bunut would be and ideal time for birdwatchers as they could experience the sight of waders feeding on trapped fish.
Whilst riding on the narrow longboats along the river, visitors are will be enthralled with the close-up view of the intricate stilted tree roots along with the playful monkeys and squirrels perching on top of the trees. To end the day, visitors can unwind and enjoy the spectacular sight of the flock of birds flying back to their nests with the setting of the sun as the backdrop as the day comes to a close.
One the other hand, The traditional Selambau’s scoop nets, one of Loagan Bunut’s most fascinating attractions can be visited by boat from here is reachable by the boat trip.
During the fish migration periods, visitors may watch the local fishermen at work, and even buy fresh fish for your evening’s dinner. At other times of the year you are likely to see local fishermen using more conventional fishing methods, such as casting nets and pole nets to harvest the lake’s abundant supply of fish.
Getting There
Loagan Bunut is located approximately 130km or 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Miri. A number of travel agents in Miri operate tours to the park and if you wish to travel independently, you can opt to rent the slightly pricey 4WD services from Miri to Long Lapok; a small town located around 11km from the park’s headquarters. It is advisable to travel in a small group as you’ll be able to share the transportation fare. However, if you opt to travel solo, you’ll need to charter the whole vehicle at your own expenses. If you had booked your accommodation at the Mutiara Bunut Homestay, they arrange for a meet-up and transport you from the park’s headquarters. Kindly check with the National Park’s Booking Office in Miri by contacting 085-434184 for the time-tables and fares.
Private Transportation Fare:
- Miri to Loagan Bunut National Park : RM60.00 per pax
- Loagan Bunut National Park to Miri : RM60.00 per pax
Contact Person for the Transportation:
Aci at (+6) 019-8459932 / John Chong at (+6) 019-8055746
Important Note:
Kindly contact the Loagan Bunut National Park personnel before making ANY boat / transportation reservation(s). Generator supplies electricity for Loagan Bunut National Park is from 6.30am to 1.00pm and 5.00pm to 11.00pm daily.
Accomodation
Two types of accommodation are open for booking via https://www.eBooking.sarawak.gov.my
Forest Lodge Type 5 (1 House) with 2 rooms:
Room 1 – 1 double bed and 1 single bed
Room 2 – 3 single beds
Facilities: Living room, air-conditioning, refrigerator, attached bathroom and toilet.
Forest Hostel (1 House) with 4 rooms:
9 single beds in each room
Facilities: Living room, fan, refrigerator, shared bathroom and toilet.
Others
- Camp Site: 20 Camp Sites available (Facilities: Public bathrooms and toilet)
Note: Camping equipment are not provided - Mutiara Bunut Homestay – Contact Person: Roland Ayu: (+6) 019-8917100
Park Opening Hours:
8.00am to 5.00pm
Monday – Sunday including Public Holidays
Contact:
Loagan Bunut National Park
Tel: 019-8610994
Fax: (+6) 085 431975 (Miri office)
Maps
Park Opening Hours:
8.00am to 5.00pm
Monday – Sunday including Public Holidays
Contact:
Loagan Bunut National Park
Tel: 019-8610994
Fax: (+6) 085 431975 (Miri office)