Similajau National Park

Introducing Similajau National Park

A 45-minute drive northeast of Bintulu, this park’s deserted, sandy beaches, ‘where the rapids meet the sea’, are among the best in Sarawak. Similajau does not have the habitat variety of Bako National Park but it’s perfect if you want a quiet, relaxing natural getaway. It’s easy to spend a day or two walking in the coastal rainforest or lazing on the beach. Permits for the park can be obtained on arrival; if the gatehouse is abandoned just sign your name and go on in. The gatekeeper will find you later to give you the permit and collect fees. Access to the park is by car or taxi only.

Similajau occupies a narrow coastal strip 30km long but only a few kilometres wide, flanked by logged forest. Its hemmed-in position makes the park a haven for wildlife; a recent survey recorded 230 bird species, making it one of the most diversely inhabited areas in Sarawak. The forest is also home to 24 species of mammal.

The park headquarters occupies the south bank of the mouth of the Sungai Likau, though most of it lies north of the river, and is accessed by a suspension bridge. The river crossing is a bit Tarzanesque – saltwater crocodiles occasionally lurk around the mouth of the river, especially in the early morning and evening. Swimming in the river is not recommended as crocodiles killed three locals in 2002. A warning sign is posted.

You might be able to arrange a boat up the mangrove-lined Sungai Likau for RM50 per hour (one hour should be enough). If you go in the early morning, you’ll see a range of birds, including hornbills, and maybe mammals or even crocodiles. Dolphins can occasionally be spotted out at sea, and marine turtles lay their eggs at certain points along the beach.

There are pavilions along the casuarina-lined beach, as well as decent accommodation and an information centre at the park headquarters (086-391284; admission RM10; 8am-noon & 2-5pm). Accommodation for the park can be booked through the park headquarters or the National Parks & Wildlife Office (085-434184) in Miri.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009