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Loagan Bunut National Park Area: 10,736 ha Locality: Miri Division Year gazetted: 1990

Description
Gazetted on 1st January 1990 and published to public on 29th August 1991. This National Park is located in the upper reaches of the Sungai Bunut where Sarawak's largest natural lake is found. The local Berawan fishermen call this lake 'Logan Bunut'. At approximately 650 hectares, Loagan Bunut may not be large by most world standards, but, it is not an ordinary lake. The water level in the lake is totally dependent on the water level of Sungai Bunut, Sungai Tinjar and Sungai Baram. The water levels of these rivers fluctuate throughout the year and as a result, the water level at Loagan Bunut also fluctuates. The water levels at Loagan Bunut are usually lowest in the months of February and May or June. These periods of low water last for about 2 to 3 weeks. For more information regarding the water level in the lake, visitors can contact the Visitor’s Information Centre, Miri (Tel: 085-434184). The fish populations also fluctuate as a result of this unique situation. When the dry periods are at their peak, Loagan Bunut can become a huge expanse of dry cracked mud. You can actually walk on the dry mud.

The lake and its surrounding areas are vibrant and scenic, both during high and low water levels. A major cultural attraction at the lake is the unique and traditional method of fishing ('Selambau') which has been retained by the Berawan fishermen. 'Selambau' was developed to harvest migrating fish during the times of fluctuating water levels. This technique has been used for centuries and has enabled the Berawan fishermen to manage this unique fishery effectively and sustainably for many generations.

The surrounding area is covered with peat swamp forest and Mixed Dipterocarp Forest. The common birds found here are the darters, egrets, herons, bitterns, eagle, swallow, stork, broadbill, malkoha, kingfisher, magpie robin, dove, bulbul, drongo, flying fox hornbills and kites. Animals can be found such as barking deer, bearded pig, sambar deer, argus pheasant, long-tail macaque, black barded langur, lesser mouse deer, small-tooth palm civet, giant squirrel and Gibbons can also be heard doing their morning calls.

Accommodation Facilities

Forest Hostel

Four rooms with seven double decker beds in each room ( can accomodate a total of  56 visitors at

each time)

        Rate; RM15.00 per bed;

Other facilities

i.          Canteen

ii.         Electricity are from 6.00 am to 2.00 am; powered by generator (the operation hours can be change depending              on situation from time to time)

iii.        Water is treated (Tap water from treated tank)

Activities

i.          Boat ride around the lake, the ride will be about one hour ride in the lake

            Boat fare:

a.               one to four persons = RM 60.00

b.               five or more = add another RM 10.00 per person

* (for those who wish to have a boat ride around the lake, are advised to make arrangement in advanced; boat ride are arrange by the boat operators from the local communities of Loagan Bunut) fare are subject to change; last date acquire 19 June 2003

ii.          Birds watching

How to get there?

 The distance from Miri Town to Loagan Bunut National Park is about 130 km, about two to three hours ride by 4W drive.

Alternatives transports available are by public transport bus/taxi or private transport. Buses operated from Miri to Lapok (Lapok Village is about 10 km from Loagan Bunut National Park)

The public transport will only reach Lapok Bridge (Lapok Village) from there visitors can rent a private transport (Private Van/Car).

The fare for the Public Transport and Private Transport

Public Transport (Taxi)

Fare is not available (Location at Taxi Station)

Private Transport (Van/Car)

Fare is not available (Location at Miri Municipal Council Filed)

* Fare are subject to charges; last date acquire 19 June 2003

Operation hours for public transport (Bus)

Food

There is a canteen at the Park, serving simple meals and drinks.
* NO COOKING ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE CHALET/HOSTEL

For booking and further enquiry, please contact us or for On-line booking click http://ebooking.com.my