Pulong Tau National Park

Pulong Tau Overview

Pulong Tau National Park, locally known as Taman Negara Pulong Tau, is a pristine wilderness located in northern Sarawak, Malaysia. Covering an area of approximately 355 square miles (919 square kilometers), the park is a treasure trove of biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Nestled within the heart of the Kelabit Highlands, this remote and relatively untouched national park serves as a vital haven for rare and endemic species while offering visitors a glimpse into the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of Borneo.

The terrain of Pulong Tau National Park is predominantly mountainous, with rugged peaks and valleys carved by time and natural forces. Among its most prominent features are the Tamabo and Batu Lawi mountains, the latter holding spiritual significance for the local Kelabit and Lun Bawang peoples. Batu Lawi, in particular, comprises two towering peaks, affectionately referred to as “Male” and “Female.”

The park’s dense rainforest, interspersed with montane forests and alpine meadows, is a stunning spectacle of greenery. Towering dipterocarp trees dominate the lowland forests, while moss-covered trees, orchids, and ferns thrive in the cooler, high-altitude zones.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an array of wildlife. Keen observers might catch a glimpse of the elusive clouded leopard, Bornean gibbons, or the Malayan sun bear. Other notable mammals include the Bornean pygmy elephant and the endangered pangolin.

Bird enthusiasts are drawn to the park for its impressive avian diversity, with species such as hornbills, pittas, and the striking blue-banded pitta making their homes here. The calls of birds and the occasional rustle of animals are constant companions as visitors traverse the park’s trails.

Pulong Tau is rich in natural attractions that captivate explorers. The trails leading to Batu Lawi are a favorite among trekkers, offering challenging climbs and rewarding views. Crystal-clear rivers meander through the park, and hidden waterfalls add to its enchanting beauty.

Visitors can also encounter the indigenous Kelabit and Lun Bawang communities, who live in longhouses on the park’s fringes and share their rich traditions and knowledge of the land with those who venture into their territories.

Trekking is the most popular way to experience Pulong Tau National Park, with trails that range from leisurely walks to demanding multi-day expeditions. The Batu Lawi climb is a highlight, though it requires experienced guides and physical endurance. Visitors also engage in birdwatching, photography, and cultural tours to better understand the harmonious relationship between the local communities and their environment.

Despite its natural wealth, Pulong Tau faces conservation challenges, including threats from illegal logging and habitat destruction. However, the park management, local communities, and conservation groups are actively working to preserve this gem. Their efforts have resulted in improved protection measures, awareness campaigns, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into conservation strategies, ensuring the park’s resilience against ecological threats.

Park Map

Pulong Tau National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Pulong Tau National Park, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a lush expanse of primary rainforest known for its incredible biodiversity and rich cultural significance. This remote park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including some of the rarest and most unique species found in Borneo. Below are some of the popular animal species found in Pulong Tau National Park.

Bornean Clouded Leopard
This elusive and nocturnal predator is the largest cat found on the island of Borneo. It has striking cloud-like patterns on its coat, which help it blend into its dense forest habitat. The Bornean clouded leopard is an apex predator and plays a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecosystem balance.

Sun Bear
Known as the smallest bear species, the sun bear has a distinctive golden patch on its chest, resembling the rising sun. These bears are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and honey, and are often seen climbing trees in search of food.

Bornean Gibbon
This arboreal primate is famous for its haunting and melodious calls that echo through the rainforest at dawn. With its long arms and strong hands, the Bornean gibbon moves effortlessly through the treetops in search of fruits and leaves.

Bearded Pig
A unique species of wild pig, the bearded pig is characterized by the coarse bristles forming a “beard” on its face. These animals play an essential role in the forest as seed dispersers, rooting through the soil for food.

Malay Civet
This nocturnal mammal is a sleek, cat-like creature with a distinctive striped and spotted coat. Malay civets are highly adaptable and primarily feed on small animals, fruits, and insects.

Bornean Slow Loris
A small, nocturnal primate with large, round eyes, the Bornean slow loris is known for its slow movements and toxic bite, which is used for defense against predators. They are usually found foraging for fruits, tree gum, and insects at night.

Proboscis Monkey
Easily recognized by its large, pendulous nose and potbelly, the proboscis monkey is a unique species found in the wetlands and mangroves of Borneo. These monkeys are excellent swimmers and are often seen near water.

Marbled Cat
A small, tree-dwelling feline, the marbled cat has a beautifully patterned coat that resembles the clouded leopard. It is a rare and shy species, spending much of its time in the forest canopy.

Bornean Tarsier
These tiny primates are known for their enormous eyes, which are perfectly adapted for night vision. Tarsiers are highly agile and hunt insects by leaping between branches in the forest.

Pangolin
Covered in protective keratin scales, the pangolin is a shy, nocturnal mammal that feeds on ants and termites. These gentle creatures are highly threatened due to illegal poaching and habitat destruction.

Birds

Pulong Tau National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a dazzling array of bird species. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the park.

Rhinoceros Hornbill
This iconic bird is easily identified by its large, colorful casque atop its bill. The rhinoceros hornbill is revered in local culture and plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser.

Bornean Banded Kingfisher
A striking bird with bright blue and orange plumage, the Bornean banded kingfisher is often found near streams and rivers, where it hunts for small fish and insects.

Black-and-Crimson Pitta
This brilliantly colored bird has striking black and red plumage and is known for its shy and elusive nature. The black-and-crimson pitta inhabits the dense undergrowth of the forest.

Whitehead’s Broadbill
A jewel of the rainforest, this bird has a vibrant green body with contrasting black and white markings. It is a canopy dweller, feeding on fruits and insects.

Storm’s Stork
One of the rarest storks in the world, Storm’s stork is characterized by its stark black-and-white plumage and bright orange face. It is typically found near wetland habitats.

Bornean Bristlehead
This peculiar bird, with its bright red head and black body, is a monotypic species endemic to Borneo. It is known for its unique calls and preference for the canopy.

Blue-headed Pitta
Another stunning pitta species, the blue-headed pitta is small and vibrantly colored, with its namesake blue head and a fiery orange belly. It thrives in the dense forest floor vegetation.

Helmeted Hornbill
Distinguished by its heavy casque, the helmeted hornbill has a unique appearance and a call that resembles laughter. This bird is highly endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Chestnut-crested Yuhina
A small bird with a chestnut-colored crest, this yuhina is social and often seen in mixed-species flocks, foraging in the forest canopy.

Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker
This tiny bird is known for its bright yellow rump and its role as a pollinator and seed disperser in the rainforest ecosystem. It primarily feeds on fruits and nectar.