Similajau National Park

The Similajau National Park situated in Bintulu Division (about 30 km from Bintulu Town) the national park provides recreational ground for the people within the central region of Sarawak. It has one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Malaysia with miles of unspoiled white and golden sand and rocky beaches facing the South China Sea.

First gazetted on 1 December 1976 and published to public on 20 April 1978 with and areas of 70.64 km² of virgin forest, starting from Sungai Likau in the south and as far as 30 km stretch to Sungai Similajau to the north. Another 19.32 km² of areas was extended to the park on 17 February 2000 this made the total areas to 89.96 km². Even though it?s a small area of strip land running from North-South direction, approximately 30 km, but it is rich in flora and fauna that provided nature lovers with rich experience and activities.

Flora and fauna

The flora consist of three main types namely; Beach, Kerangas and Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, which provide Home to various species of plants, trees and wildlife. Among the well-known plants found here are the Tongkat Ali ("Eurycoma longisolia") and Bintangor trees ("Barringtonia Asiatica"). The terrestrial fauna of the park boasts 24 Recorded species of mammals, such as gibbons, banded langurs and long-tailed macaque. The Park records the presence of 185 species of birds, which include hornbills and migratory water birds like Storm's Stork. A very noteworthy reptile found here is the Saltwater Crocodile. Lucky visitors may be able to sight dolphins out amongst the waves. Occasionally, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Visitors are advised that turtles are totally protected animals and that it is an offense to disturb them or their eggs.

Interesting flora

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack)

Common tree species found in the park. Belong to tree family of Simarubaceae, it is a small and slender tree and can grow as high as 15 metres in height. It produces a cluster reddish fruits of finger-sized and test bitter. On maturity it?s fruits turn black similar to coffee berries. No other national parks in Sarawak, Tongkat ali are found abundantly grown. It is also known as ?Malaysian Ginseng?. Possesses medicinal value for curing high blood pressure and also good for kidney problems. Researchers reveal that it can be used as an aphrodisiac especially for male. The tap-root parts are essential and often extracted.

Bintangor (Calophyllum Linn.)

Belong to a tree of Guttiferae and can be found at both hill and swamp forest of Sarawak. Plenty of species but only two species are to be found to possess the medicinal value ?calanolide? for curing of AIDS. The two species are "Calophyllum langigerum" and "Calophyllum desmannii".

Interesting fauna

Ikan Lumba-lumba (Dolphin)

12 out of 20 marine mammals recorded in Malaysia occur in Sarawak. These include Whales, Dugongs and Dolphins. Five species of dolphin recorded in Bintulu waters. They are;

i. Irrawanddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)

ii. Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiop trancatus)

iii. Indo-Pacific humpback Dolphin (Sousa cinensis)

iv. Finless porpoise Dolphin (Neophocaena phoacaenoides)

v. Pantropic spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuta)

Dolphins occur during the months of March to September every year. They are often sptted in groups of four or more during early morning of the day.

Penyu (Turtle)

Three common species so far recorded landing at the park beaches. These turtles are landing to lay their eggs. Three known localities are the Golden Beach, Turtle Beach I and Turtle Beach II. They come during the month of March to September annually. The three species are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelyes coriacea), and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate).

Buaya (Crocodile)

There is a signboard that reads BE AWARE OF CROCODILE. This indicates there are crocodile in the Likau River. Even though such warning sign are put, till today no crocodile attacked are reported in the park. There are two species of riverine crocodiles exist in the park. They are False Gharial (Tumistoma schlegii) and an estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porousus). The former is harmless while the latter is dangerous.

Belangkas (Horseshoe crab)

This king crab often occurs during the dry season starting from early May to October. They usually come in pairs, being the males on top of the females. The males are smaller in sizes as compare to the females. They come to the shore to lay eggs. During this breeding season we are to see plenty of catfishes (Ikan belukang) around feeding on the eggs.

Burung Kenyalang (Hornbill)

There are eight species of Hornbill recorded in Sarawak. Wildlife survey shows only few species are found at the park forests. Only solitary species, the Black hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) is found roaming in the park compound. Early notice during the early morning and late afternoon.

Places of Interest

Batu Mandi

About 4 kilometers of the shore of Kuala Sungai Likau. Can be reached only by boat. Noticeable from the Park only during low tide.

View Point

Located at the headlands of Kuala Sungai Likau. It is a shelter, sited strategically for nature lovers to view the Marine life, birds and other creature around the park.

Batu Anchau

It is a black bare rock surface situated at the end reach of the Batu Anchau trail and about 2 km walk from the Park Office.

Selunsur Rapid

It is a rapid that exist at the end reach of the Selunsur Rapid trail. It is about 6.8 km from the Park Office. The rapid can be noticed clearly after a heavy down pour and fast flowing of high volume water on the steep rock surface.

Turtle Beach

There are 2 units of Turtle Beach namely Turtle Beach I and Beach II. They are located about 6 and 7 km away from the Park Office. These are the places where Turtles land for laying eggs. This occasionally happens during the month of March till September annually.

Golden Beach

It is a ?Beach of Wonders?. The splendid long stretch of golden sand gives it name ?Golden Beach?. From the Park Office to the beach is about 10 km walks. It is again the suitable place for the turtles to land and lay eggs.

Sebubong Pool

It is a natural pool at the sebubong River. It can only be reached by mean of fast boat as there is no existing rail connecting from the Park Office.

Nature trails

Main Trails (Red mark)

This trails cover a total distance of 9.8 km reaching the Golden Beach can be reached by jungle trekking of about three to four journey (single trip) and about 7 to 8 hours return trip. Can also be reached by fast boat of about forty minutes

Education Trail (Green mark)

Consists of 2 parts. One is 450 m plankwalk along the mangrove forest and another is 600 m jungle trail. It is so called Education trail because it is nearby the Park Office and suitable for any interest Parties especially students to know more about tree species.

Circular Trail (Red/Whites mark)

This trail start from the end of the mangrove plankwalk with a loping shape and later meet the main trail at 0.5 km with a total distance of 1.7 km.

Batu Anchau Trail (White mark)

With a total distance of 2.1 km and ends up at the Batu Anchau (Bare Rock Surface).

View Point (Red/Yellow mark)

It is about 280 km length where the view point is sited. It can be reached about 20 minutes walk from the Park Office.

Selunsur Rapid (Yellow mark)

With a total distance of 5 km from the Park Office and another 1.9 km to the end of the trail to reach the Selunsur Rapid. It takes about 2 hours journey (single trip) and 4 hours for the return journey.

Sebubong Pool (Red mark)

This trail starts from the sebubong River mouth and ends at the Pool. Iy can only be reached from the Park office by fast boat.

Interesting Activities

Jungle Trekking

For nature lovers, Similajau National Park provides nature trails. As you trek along the trail you will feel the tranquility of the forest. You are not lonely but are entertained by the music from the friendly insects and beautiful whistling of the birds. The thick forest canopies provide you with fresh air and shades as you walk along.

Bird Watching

If you love watching, please bring along a pair of powerful binoculars, zoom-lens cameras and pocket guide book

There are plenty of birds (both small, medium and large birds) around the park. Notably the black hornbills are always around.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be carried out along the shore line of the Park beaches. There are plenty of rocks where we can see different kinds of marine life such as Lobsters, shells, Crab, Fishes. Do not forget to bring along your own equipment as Pak Office does not provide any.

Barbecuing

There are 20 units of concrete barbecue sets to cater the visitors who love barbecuing. You have to bring along a wire mesh and charcoal / briquette to do the barbecue. The canteen is available to cater foods and drinks.

Crocodile sighting

Crocodile sighting can only be carried out at night. A chartered boat is required to sneak the crocodile along the Likau River. Please use a powerful torch or spot light the eyes of the crocodile. If you?re lucky you might be able to see the whole reptiles figure.

Sea and river cruising

Fast boat can be arranged privately. The charges for the cruise depend much on the distance and time taken during the trip. At the moment river cruise usually carried out along Likau River and Sea cruise to Batu Mandi and as far as Golden Beach.

Education & research

Nature lovers need to know more about Similajau National Park. The Park possesses unique rock features along the shorelines and also at least 7 Forest Types. At the moment we have established one unit of Education trail whereby students & nature lovers learn to know more about forest type, flora and fauna as well.

wimming & picnicking

Swimming and picnicking and also family gathering are usually carried out at the beach in front of the Park Office.

Other facilities

Other facilities include jungle trails, public toilets and washrooms, canteen, information centre and 24- hour electricity. There are four types of accommodation available at the Park.

Accommodation & other charges=

Booking of accommodation can be done direct to the Park Office or through visitors information Centres in Miri or Kuching. Advanced bookings are always encouraged as to avoid disappointment especially during festive seasons, school holidays and weekends.

http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/similaj.htm

External links

* [http://www.sarawakforestry.com/ Sarawak Forestry]
* [http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-siminajau.asp Similajau National Park]