A walk through Sibu’s precious peat swamp forest

Spanning some 301ha, the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve is a large tract of peat swamp forest on the fringe of the city. Although logged decades ago, it retains some sizeable trees, while regenerating vegetation gives the reserve a lush feel under the protection of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

More than 40 species of forest trees are said to thrive here. The reserve also supports 39 species of birds and eight species of mammals, although they must all have been taking a nap during this writer’s visit!

The reserve is located approximately 20 minutes by road from Sibu town centre, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors.

An information board explains why this patch of forest is so precious: peat swamp forest once covered 12% of Sarawak’s landmass, but only a small proportion of that original area remains naturally forested.

Two wooden boardwalk loops, totalling 5.7km, allow visitors to observe the trees and plants up close while protecting the vegetation and wildlife from tramping feet. The main loop runs for 3.2km, with a further 2.5km extension for those who fancy more exercise.

Building and maintaining more than 5km of boardwalk is no small undertaking. During this writer’s visit in the middle of the year, replacement planks showed the work involved in keeping the route in order.

The management deserves credit for attending to the timber as it deteriorated.

The routes have been described as jogging trails, although signs encountered by this writer instructed visitors to walk rather than run. No matter – walking will provide sufficient exercise in the heat and humidity, with plenty of reasons to slow down and look around.

Distance markers attached to the planks every 50m make it easy to keep track of your progress. For those working towards a particular distance, they also offer a little encouragement along the way.

The viewing tower provides another reason to pause. From the top, the view stretches across the greenery towards buildings in Sibu’s town centre – a reminder that the city is never very far away.

A little preparation makes your outing more comfortable. The stretch between the car park and viewing tower is particularly exposed, so sun protection and plenty of drinking water are useful, along with insect repellent.

An umbrella or raincoat is worth packing if showers are likely, while footwear with a good grip will help on wooden planks that can become slippery when wet.

The forestry corporation has also added a One Stop Centre at the northern entrance of the reserve, with a common area and enhanced toilet facilities.

With these essentials covered, there is little need to hurry – even if the wildlife decides to sleep through your visit.

Learn more about the Bukit Lima Forest Reserve here and on Facebook.

This article was originally published in Malaysia Traveller. Read more articles here.

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