Usun Apau National Park

Usun Apau Overview

Usun Apau National Park, located in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Malaysia, is a lesser-known but remarkable natural treasure. Known locally as “Taman Negara Usun Apau,” the park spans approximately 192 square miles (497 square kilometers) of pristine wilderness in the Upper Baram region.

Situated on the Usun Apau Plateau at an elevation of around 4,300 feet (1,310 meters), the park is an ecologically significant area characterized by rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity. The terrain of Usun Apau National Park is dominated by the volcanic plateau, which features dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and valleys interspersed with dense tropical rainforests.

This unique geological formation was created by ancient volcanic activity, leaving behind fertile soils that sustain the lush vegetation. Rivers and streams crisscross the park, carving out picturesque waterfalls such as the famed Julan Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Malaysia. The forest is a mixture of dipterocarp trees, montane species, and endemic flora, offering a vibrant tapestry of greenery that attracts botanists and nature enthusiasts.

Usun Apau is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, making it a haven for biodiversity. Key mammals found in the park include the elusive clouded leopard, Bornean gibbons, bearded pigs, and the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.

Smaller mammals such as civets and tree shrews also inhabit the area. Birdlife in the park is equally impressive, with species such as the rhinoceros hornbill, black-and-yellow broadbill, and crested serpent eagle gracing the skies. Birdwatchers flock to the area to spot these avian treasures, often considered icons of Borneo’s wild beauty.

Visitors to the park can engage with its natural wonders through guided trekking, wildlife observation, and camping expeditions. The trails lead adventurers through breathtaking landscapes, including moss-covered forests and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys.

Photographers are particularly drawn to the cascading waterfalls and the park’s raw, untouched charm. While infrastructure is minimal, this enhances the sense of adventure and immersion in nature.

The conservation of Usun Apau National Park presents challenges, including illegal logging and poaching, as well as pressures from land-use changes in surrounding areas. However, conservation efforts by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and other stakeholders have achieved notable successes, such as improved patrols and community engagement initiatives to protect the park’s unique ecosystems. These efforts aim to preserve the park’s delicate balance and safeguard it as a refuge for wildlife and a source of ecological research.

Park Map

Usun Apau National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Usun Apau National Park, located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, is a remote and pristine area known for its dramatic landscapes, including highland plateaus, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. This national park harbors an array of fascinating wildlife species, many of which are unique to Borneo. Below are some of the popular animal species found in Usun Apau National Park:

Bornean Clouded Leopard
This elusive and beautifully patterned big cat is the largest predator on the island of Borneo. It is nocturnal and arboreal, with a long tail aiding in balance as it moves through the forest canopy.

Sun Bear
Known as the smallest bear species in the world, the sun bear is native to the forests of Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive golden crescent on its chest and is an excellent climber.

Bornean Gibbon
These primates are known for their powerful calls that resonate through the forest during the early morning. They have long arms and are skilled at swinging from branch to branch.

Malayan Civet
A nocturnal and solitary mammal, the Malayan civet has a unique striped and spotted coat. It is an important seed disperser in the forest ecosystem.

Sunda Pangolin
This critically endangered species is covered in tough, keratin scales and uses its long tongue to feed on ants and termites. It is highly threatened due to poaching and habitat loss.

Bornean Slow Loris
A small, nocturnal primate, the slow loris is known for its big eyes adapted for low light and its toxic bite, which is rare among mammals.

Bornean Tarsier
This tiny primate has enormous eyes for night vision and powerful hind legs for leaping between trees. It feeds primarily on insects.

Proboscis Monkey
Famous for its large nose and reddish-brown fur, this monkey is found in Borneo’s mangrove and riverine forests. It is an excellent swimmer.

Leopard Cat
A small wildcat that resembles a domestic cat but with more vivid markings, the leopard cat is active at night and preys on small animals.

Bornean Pygmy Elephant
Smaller than its mainland counterparts, this gentle elephant species is found in lowland forests. It is known for its rounder face and relatively large ears.

Birds

Birdwatchers visiting Usun Apau National Park are in for a treat, as the park is home to a variety of unique and vibrant bird species. Here are some of the popular bird species found in the park:

Rhinoceros Hornbill
This iconic bird of Borneo is large and colorful, with a dramatic casque atop its beak. It is often seen gliding through the forest canopy.

Bornean Bristlehead
This bright, unique bird is endemic to Borneo and is known for its striking red and yellow plumage. It often travels in small flocks.

Storm’s Stork
A critically endangered stork, it has a distinctive black-and-white plumage with a bright red face. It frequents wetland areas and rivers.

Bornean Ground Cuckoo
This elusive species is known for its secretive behavior and prefers dense undergrowth. It is more often heard than seen.

Asian Fairy-Bluebird
A striking bird with vivid blue and black feathers, the Asian fairy-bluebird inhabits the park’s dense forest canopies.

Black-and-Yellow Broadbill
Small and brightly colored, this bird is easily recognized by its pinkish body, black head, and bright yellow banding.

Buffy Fish Owl
This large owl can be found near water, preying on fish and other aquatic creatures. Its distinct ear tufts and piercing eyes make it a striking sight.

White-crowned Shama
Known for its melodious song, this bird is often spotted in forested areas, flitting between branches in search of insects.

Bornean Spiderhunter
A nectar-feeding bird with a long curved bill, it plays a crucial role in pollination within the forest ecosystem.

Dusky Munia
This small, gregarious bird is brown with a lighter belly and often seen in open areas or at the forest edge, feeding on seeds.