Similajau National Park
Similajau National Park
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Tags : National Park
Timings : Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee : RM 10 per person
Permit : Permit is required for professional photography and filmmaking which has to be arranged in advance from the National Park Booking Office.
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Similajau National Park, Bintulu Overview
Similajau National Park is located in South China Sea in Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. The prime attraction of the park are the salt-water crocodiles which are the world’s largest crocodiles. It is known for its rich diverse biodiversity with beaches, rocky beds and rainforest.
Similajau National Park is notable for its Sea and River Cruises which offer a night travel ito witness the crocodiles. Apart from this, there are several well-marked trails and jungle treks at the park which end at magnificent long stretched beaches and bays. With 185+ species of birds, it is also an ideal place for birding. The park is crowded on weekends and public holidays and is suitable for picnics and gatherings.
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Similajau National Park Highlights
1. Night Cruise to Sungai Likau
The night cruise to Likau River is the ideal way of enjoying the cool breeze and undulating waves. It is also the ideal way to see the crocodiles in Likau river at night.
2. Cruise to Batu Mandi
A cruise to Batu Mandi is the perfect way to watch dolphins. The best time to see these beautiful friendy creature is March to September.
3. Bird Watching
Being home to 185 plus recorded species, Similajau National Park is a complete fit for bird enthusiasts. The best time to watch these creatures is early in the morning or late afternoon. The park is a (Read More) habitat to several indigenous species like Bornean Bristle Head, Hook Billed Bulbul and Dusky broadbill. Apart from these, several species of Kingfisher, Hornbill, Trogon and Woodpecker can be found here. Some nocturnal species include Buffy fish owl and Brown wood owl.
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Similajau National Park Wildlife
Comprising several ecosystems, the park has an equivalent diverse wildlife. It has about twenty four species of mammals including long tailed macaques, gibbons, banded langurs, shrews, mouse deer, civet cats and wild boars. Apart from these, there are marine mammals: Dolphins, Whales and Digongs. There are about 5 species of Dolphins that can be found here, bottlenose dolphins, finless porpoise dolphin, indo-pacific humpback dolphin, irrawaddy dolphin and pantropical dolphin.
185 species of birds have been recorded at the park including hornbills, storm’s stock and sea eagles. The park is home to Saltwater Crocodiles. Two species of crocodiles can be found: False Gharial and Estuarine Crocodile. There are about three species of turtles that are a part of the park's ecosystem : most common being the green turtles, others rarely spotted are leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles. Horseshoe crabs, commonly known as King Crabs and Catfishes are also common to sight especially during the dry season.
185 species of birds have been recorded at the park including hornbills, storm’s stock and sea eagles. The park is home to Saltwater Crocodiles. Two species of crocodiles can be found: False Gharial and Estuarine Crocodile. There are about three species of turtles that are a part of the park's ecosystem : most common being the green turtles, others rarely spotted are leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles. Horseshoe crabs, commonly known as King Crabs and Catfishes are also common to sight especially during the dry season.
Flora at Similajau National Park
The national park has diverse flora including Kerangas forest, Beach vegetation and Tropical moist forest. It mainly comprises mangrove trees and dipterocarp trees. Other spotted trees and plants include Tongkat Ali and Bintangor. The beaches have long belts of Casuarina and Coconut plantations.
Trekking Trails at Similajau National Park
- View Point Trail: This trail is one of the shortest and most taken trails as it ends at the view point where there is shelter and picnic tables. It is the perfect spot for a picnic amidst the forest by the beach. The trail is marked red-yellow and takes about a 50 minute trek if the normal route is taken and only 30 minutes if the shortcut is taken.
- Trail to Selensur Rapids: It is a 6.8 km long trail to the small rapids and rock pools marked with yellow color. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover one way distance.
- Turtle Beach Trail: There are two turtle beaches at the park which are located at a distance of 6 to 7 km from the Park Office. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours one way but is worth watching the diverse flora and fauna. These beaches are the places where the turtles lay their eggs. To witness the turtles, the best time to visit is March to September.
- Golden Beach Trail: This trail is 10 km and takes about 3 hours one way. The adventure is worth the sight of the picturesque long stretched golden sand beach. This is the beach to spot the saltwater crocodiles. However, look for caution signs and always follow the Park Rules. An alternative to trekking is taking a boat. The boat drops the visitors at the Golden Beach from where the Park Headquarters is a short trek away.
- The Main Trail: This is the main trail which is red marked. It starts with the plank walk which end at the viewpoint which is a picnic spot. From there, passing through the forest, it opens up at beaches and bays ending at Turtle and Golden Beach.
- Batu Anchau Trail: This is a 2 km white marked trail to Batu Anchau which is a bare black surface.
- Trail to Sebubong Pool: A red marked 20 minutes trail along with a boat ride to the pools in Sebubong River.
- Education Trail: A very short Green marked trail with two options: 450 meter plank walk in mangrove forest and a 600 meter trek in the jungle. It is very near to the Park Office and is mostly taken by students.
- Circular Trail: A red white marked 1.6 km trail that starts from Mangrove Forest with Plank walks and loops around to join the main trail.
How to Reach Similajau National Park
The park is located 30 km away from Bintulu. No buses operate to and from the park. The only alternative is to take a taxi which takes about 30 minutes to cover the distance. However, there are no taxis from the park to the city and it is highly recommended to pre book the return taxis. One way taxi service charges RM 70-80 while a Grab Car costs RM 45 one way. Another alternative is to take a boat from Bintulu Wharf which is expensive but worth the money to witness the beauty of the seascape.
What to Eat?
There is a cafeteria and catering service inside the Similajau National Park which provides food and meals. A very interesting activity is barbecued food. There are about 20 Barbecue Units at the park available to be used by the tourists. However, tourists are expected to bring their mesh and coal from the mainland. Cafeteria can be used for self-catering services by the tourists.
Where to Stay?
There are a few accommodation options at the Park: Chalets, Hostel and a Campsite. Booking is to be done in advance through the National Park’s Booking Office or through the Visitor’s Information Center in Miri or Kuching.
Rest House: RM 300/ night
Lodge Type 5: RM 150/unit, RM 100/room
Hostel: RM 40/room, RM 15/bed
Rest House: RM 300/ night
Lodge Type 5: RM 150/unit, RM 100/room
Hostel: RM 40/room, RM 15/bed
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