Bukit Tiban National Park

Bukit Tiban Overview

Bukit Tiban National Park, known locally as Taman Negara Bukit Tiban, is a captivating nature reserve in Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Spanning approximately 82 square miles (213 square kilometers), this park is nestled within the tropical lowlands and is part of the globally significant Borneo rainforests.

Its location near the coast in northern Sarawak provides a vital ecological corridor, linking forested landscapes and coastal ecosystems. Bukit Tiban is especially notable for its role in protecting primary and secondary rainforests, which are increasingly rare in this part of the world.

The terrain of Bukit Tiban National Park is characterized by rolling hills, rugged ridges, and dense lowland rainforest. The park’s namesake, Bukit Tiban, is a prominent hill covered with lush, green vegetation, rising above the surrounding lowlands. Its landscape includes rivers that meander through the forest, creating wetland habitats crucial for biodiversity.

Swamp forests, peatlands, and areas of mixed dipterocarp trees dominate the vegetation, with towering trees, thick undergrowth, and climbing vines creating a multi-layered canopy that supports rich biodiversity. Some of the iconic tree species found here include the Shorea and Dipterocarpus, which are important not only for their ecological value but also for their role in carbon storage.

Bukit Tiban is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities to encounter rare and endangered species. Mammals such as the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), and clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi) can be found within its dense forest.

The park is also home to a wealth of birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Species such as hornbills, kingfishers, and pittas are commonly spotted. The rare rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), with its striking appearance, is one of the park’s iconic avian residents. Reptiles, amphibians, and an array of insects further enrich its ecological diversity.

Popular features of the park include its pristine rainforest trails, which offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Borneo’s untouched wilderness. The scenic hilltops provide panoramic views of the surrounding forest, while rivers and waterfalls offer tranquil spots for exploration and relaxation. Wildlife observation, nature photography, and guided eco-tours are among the most rewarding activities for visitors. The park’s remoteness enhances its appeal, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

Bukit Tiban National Park faces several conservation challenges, including the pressures of deforestation, illegal logging, and habitat fragmentation. However, concerted efforts by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and local communities have led to significant conservation successes. The park plays a critical role in protecting endemic species and serves as a buffer against the environmental impacts of nearby plantations and development projects. Continuous initiatives aim to bolster its biodiversity, preserve its ecosystems, and educate visitors about sustainable practices.

Park Map

Bukit Tiban National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Bukit Tiban National Park, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a lesser-known yet biologically rich area, home to a variety of species that thrive in its tropical rainforest environment. The park features peat swamp forests and mixed dipterocarp forests, making it a vital refuge for wildlife. Below are some of the notable species found in Bukit Tiban National Park:

Bornean Clouded Leopard
This elusive and solitary big cat is native to Borneo and thrives in the dense forest habitats of Bukit Tiban. Known for its striking cloud-like markings, it is a skilled climber and primarily hunts small mammals and birds.

Sun Bear
Also called the “honey bear,” this small bear species is the world’s smallest bear. It has a distinct U-shaped mark on its chest and is known for its love of honey, which it extracts from hives using its long tongue.

Bornean Orangutan
An iconic species of Borneo, these great apes are intelligent and arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees. They play a critical role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.

Proboscis Monkey
Famous for its large, pendulous nose and potbellied appearance, this monkey is endemic to Borneo and often found near rivers and mangroves. It is known for its swimming abilities and distinctive vocalizations.

Sunda Pangolin
A unique mammal covered in protective keratin scales, the Sunda pangolin is a nocturnal species that feeds on ants and termites. Its specialized diet and behaviors make it highly vulnerable to habitat loss and poaching.

Malay Civet
This small carnivore is known for its slender body, pointed snout, and spotted coat. Nocturnal by nature, it feeds on small animals, insects, and fruits, contributing to seed dispersion in the forest.

Leopard Cat
A small wild cat resembling a domestic cat, the leopard cat is highly adaptable and found in various forest habitats. It is a nocturnal predator that feeds on rodents, birds, and reptiles.

Flying Lemur (Colugo)
Despite its name, this species does not truly fly but glides from tree to tree using a membrane of skin. It is arboreal and nocturnal, feeding primarily on leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Binturong
Often called a “bearcat,” the binturong is neither a bear nor a cat. This arboreal mammal has a prehensile tail and is known for its musky odor resembling buttered popcorn. It feeds on fruits, small animals, and insects.

Bearded Pig
Characterized by its distinctive beard of coarse hairs, this wild pig is an important part of the forest ecosystem, dispersing seeds and rooting for food, which helps aerate the soil.

Birds

Bukit Tiban National Park is home to a diverse array of bird species, many of which are endemic to Borneo. These birds play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance of the park. Below are some of the popular bird species found here:

Bornean Bristlehead
This distinctive bird is endemic to Borneo and known for its bristle-like feathers on the head. It inhabits the forest canopy and feeds on insects and fruits.

Rhinoceros Hornbill
A striking bird with a large casque on its bill, the rhinoceros hornbill is a symbol of Sarawak. It is known for its loud calls and plays a key role in seed dispersal.

Black-and-Red Broadbill
Recognized by its vibrant plumage, this bird is a resident of lowland forests and is known for its distinctive calls and unique nest-building techniques.

White-crowned Hornbill
A large and striking hornbill species with a distinctive white crest, it inhabits dense forests and feeds on fruits and small animals.

Buffy Fish Owl
This nocturnal bird is known for its piercing yellow eyes and diet that primarily consists of fish and small aquatic creatures, often hunted along forest streams.

Chestnut-capped Thrush
A small and colorful thrush species, it is known for its melodic songs and preference for dense undergrowth in the forest.

Blue-banded Pitta
This elusive and beautifully colored bird is often found on the forest floor, foraging for insects and small invertebrates.

Storm’s Stork
An endangered stork species, it is closely associated with peat swamp forests and wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small reptiles.

Crested Serpent Eagle
A medium-sized raptor, it is often seen soaring above the forest canopy. It preys on snakes, small mammals, and birds.

Bornean Falconet
One of the smallest birds of prey, this tiny raptor is know