Here’s how you can have the best time at Lambir Hills National Park! [2024 Guide]
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend stopping by Lambir Hills National Park during your visit to Malaysia. We’ve seen our fair share of national parks over the years, but we’ve got to say, this is easily among the top five.
It boasts one of the most impressive biodiversity in the country, which for nature lovers like us, is a lush wonderland. However, a trip to this lush rainforest can easily go south, especially if you don’t know what to expect—that’s where we come in!
To help you avoid making the same rookie mistakes we did, we’ve curated a guide consisting of the things we wish we knew the first time we visited this national park. From weather conditions to places to stay and things to do, here’s everything you need to know!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Lambir Hills National Park depends on your preferences and what you aim to get out of your adventure. For instance, if you’re aiming for clear skies and little to no rain showers, we recommend visiting during the dry season (February to April).
Most people consider this the best time to explore the park since hiking would generally be easier. This is because the trails will be much easier to see and traverse through unlike when it rains, when the trail becomes muddy.
The dry season is also considered the peak season though, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season. This runs from May to June, and September to October, and it’s the perfect blend between good weather and fewer crowds.
Meanwhile, if you want to experience a bit of a challenge, you can visit during the wet season (November to January).
There will be more chances of rain showers during these months, which makes hiking tougher but more rewarding since this is when the rainforest is at its most lush state. Plus, you’ll get the park to yourself!
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: 1-76, Bintulu – Miri Hwy, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-6572 9433
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lambirhillsnp/
Entrance fees:
- Malaysian:
- Adult: RM10
- Senior citizen: RM5
- Disabled: RM5
- Student (6 to 18 years old): RM3
- Children (6 years old and below): Free
- Non-Malaysian:
- Adult: RM20
- Student (6 to 18 years old): RM7
- Children (6 years old and below): Free
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Things to Bring
- Water
- Mosquito Repellent
- Light snacks
- Rainwear
- Long socks
- Durable shoes
- Towel and swimwear (optional)
How to Get There
Bus: Riding the bus is the cheapest way to get to the national park, and fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest if you’re already coming from Miri. All you have to do is head to Pujut Corner Bus Terminal and there will be a bus there going to Lambir Hills National Park.
Plane: If you’re coming from anywhere else but Miri, the best and fastest way to get to the city is by riding a plane. Upon landing in the city, you can then choose to either ride a bus, book a ride through Grab/Maxim, or hail a taxi.
Taxi/Grab/Maxim: There are tons of taxis in Miri, and you can easily hail one to get to the national park. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Maxim, the latter of which is the more famous option in the city due to its cheaper rates.
Car: You can also rent a car if you’re up for a nice scenic road trip! This is the perfect option if you’re looking for the utmost convenience and comfort during your trip.
Plus, renting a car lets you easily store your stuff without having to worry about it being mixed up with other people’s luggage. Most hotels in Miri also offer car rentals, so be sure to check this before booking a place to stay in the city.
Where to Stay near Lambir Hills National Park
Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort
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Address: KM36, Jalan Bintulu – Miri, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-885 8593
Pricing: $$
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Aside from being one of the best places to stay near Lambir Hills National Park, Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort is hands-down one of the best nature retreat spots in Malaysia. Here, you’ll get to stay in a charming room, with the lush rainforest of Lambir Hills as your backdrop!
Speaking of rooms, the ones they have here are spectacular, boasting clean facilities, comfy beds and of course, a complete set of amenities! They also offer a nice hostel, which is great if you’re visiting with a huge group.
Heading outside, you’ll be greeted by their serene outdoor pool that overlooks the aforementioned rainforest. The combination of these peaceful views as well as the cooling temperature of the water makes for a great therapeutic experience!
Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment
Address: Lot 14735, Airport Commercial Centre, Jalan Airport, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-638 555
Pricing: $$
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If convenience is at the top of your priority list, then you should consider staying at Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment in Miri. It’s a stone’s throw away from the airport as well as other essential establishments like restaurants, stores, cafes and more.
Its prime location isn’t everything it offers, however, as the hotel also features some modern and comfy rooms, complete with all the amenities you need for a memorable stay. These rooms come with large beds, flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms—the works.
It’s also one of the few luxurious options you can stay in Miri, featuring modern facilities including a sauna, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. There’s even a small putting green where you can put your mini-golfing skills to the test.
Emart Hotel Miri (Riam)
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Address: 1st Floor, Lot 8556-8557, Block 1, 98000 Miri, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-326 961
Pricing: $$
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Emart Hotel Miri is another conveniently located accommodation that we highly recommend if accessibility is your top priority. Nestled in the heart of the small city, it’s within walking distance to various points of interest including other attractions like Taman Awam Miri.
The hotel itself is worth highlighting too, as it’s one of the best bang for your buck options in Miri, featuring high-quality rooms at half the price of what you’d usually spend. These rooms are more than capable of providing you with a good night’s sleep after a full day of hiking!
Lastly, this hotel is perfect for those looking to immediately rest after a long flight, as it’s a short walk away from the airport.
Miri Marriott Resort & Spa
Address: Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai, 28, Jln Geikie, Brighton Area, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-421 121
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re planning on splurging on your accommodation, one of the best places to stay in the city is Miri Marriott Resort & Spa. It’s a fancy 5-star hotel that comes with all the bells and whistles of a place of this calibre, from premium rooms to modern resort-like amenities and more.
Starting with the rooms, the ones featured here are lavish sweets that come with huge beds, spacious areas, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, etc. Also, if you’re lucky, you can book a room that overlooks the glistening sea!
We have a feeling that you’ll spend most of your time outside though, as the hotel features a spectacular outdoor swimming pool. Lastly, if you want to pamper yourself, you can spend time in their in-house wellness spa!
Dynasty Hotel Miri
Address: Lot 683, Block 9, Jalan Pujut-Lutong,, C.D.T. 20, 98009 Miri, Sarawak. Malaysia., 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-421 111
Pricing: $$
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Meanwhile, if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on accommodation but don’t want to settle for anything less, the best place we can recommend is Dynasty Hotel Miri! It’s a 3-star hotel that offers deluxe suites that can easily pass as 5-star rooms.
Aside from its value-for-money rooms, the hotel also features a solid set of facilities. One of these facilities is the sauna, which we can see being appreciated by those who want to alleviate some stress during their vacation in Miri.
It’s a bit of a drive away from the national park, but personally, it’s worth the travel time because of its affordability. Plus, its accessible location in the heart of the city will allow you to explore its surroundings and discover some hidden restaurants and cafes!
Where to Eat near Lambir Hills National Park
Ming Cafe Miri Borneo
Address: Borneo, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-422 797
Pricing: $-$$
Once you’ve returned to Miri from your adventure at Lambir Hills, one of the best places you can refuel your energy is Ming Cafe Miri Borneo. What we love about this place the most is its reasonable price point, which is more impressive once you see the serving portions in person.
It offers a wide variety of Western classics like steak and mashed potatoes that are sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger! Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more green, you can order one of their leafy vegetables.
Come nighttime, this place transforms into one of the bustling nightlife hubs in the city! With strobing lights, live performances and an impressive selection of alcoholic drinks, this restaurant is the ideal spot to cap off your day if you want to end it spectacularly.
Apollo Seafood Centre
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/apolloseafoodcentre/
Address: Jalan Yu Seng, 98000, Miri, Sarawak, 98000, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-420 813
Pricing: $$
Being this close to the ocean, it would be impossible not to crave seafood. For the freshest, most delicious and most affordable seafood, Apollo Seafood Centre is the best place to go in Miri.
It’s a no-frills restaurant, so don’t expect any kind of fancy decor while you’re here, and we personally think that it’s part of the authenticity. The good news is that we can say with confidence that this interior design, or lack thereof, is made up for by the dishes themselves!
Whether you’re craving shrimp, crab, squid or anything in between, you can expect this restaurant to offer them—cooked in different styles! If you’re not big into seafood, they also serve a delicious plate of sweet and spicy pork.
Hilltop Little Kitchen 山顶风味小馆
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Address: Lot 505, Q290, 98000 Miri, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-878 7505
Pricing: $$
Website
If you want breathtaking views to go along with your equally amazing food, then Hilltop Little Kitchen should be right up your alley!
As you may have gleaned from its name, this restaurant is located at the hilltop, so it’s a bit chilly, but worry not! Your soul will be perfectly warmed up by the various local delicacies being served here such as tomyam soup, ayam goreng and more!
They also serve a wide selection of amazing seafood dishes, ranging from prawns to crabs, different kinds of fish and even stingrays! You can either have them grilled or cooked in a broth but don’t worry because there are no wrong options.
Ming Xin Cafe
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Address: 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-438 739
Pricing: $$
Website
Ming Xin Cafe is a solid spot if you’re looking for a more laid-back dining experience and of course, delicious meals! The meals we’re talking about here come in the form of delicious and authentic Chinese dishes, ranging from dumplings to dim sums, kolok mee and more.
The serving size is also perfect for one person, and for its price, you’re getting the best value for your money! Plus, the overall ambience of this restaurant has this nostalgic feel to it, partly because it doesn’t feature anything fancy, which isn’t a complaint at all.
It’s also worth noting that this restaurant is halal-friendly! So if you want to get your tummies filled and taste buds satisfied without consuming unhygienic elements, consider stopping by here with your loved ones!
Dragon Seafood Restaurant
Address: Lot 7682, Bakam Road, 98000, Miri, Sarawak, 98000, Malaysia
Phone: +60 85-414 189
Pricing: $$
Website
Dragon Seafood Restaurant is another great place to check out if you’re craving some of Miri’s best prawns, fish and crabs. This seafood haven serves these delicacies at their freshest state, as they’re taken out of their fish tanks once you order them.
You can’t go wrong with anything from their menu, but if you want our advice, we recommend ordering their salted egg crab! The combination of the salty seasoning and the sweet and tender crab meat is a match made in heaven.
The ambience here is worth highlighting as well! Not only will you be able to enjoy a laid-back dining experience, but you’ll also have the pleasure of admiring the glistening sea while you’re feasting on fresh seafood!
What to Do in Lambir Hills National Park
Hike through its many trails
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Lambir Hills National Park is the ultimate hiker’s paradise, boasting several trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, beautiful views and interesting wildlife. It’s always an adventure to go on one of these trails, as you’ll always have something to admire by the end or during the hike itself.
Furthermore, what’s great about hiking here is that it caters to hikers of all levels of expertise, so whether you’re an expert or an amateur, you’ll have plenty of fun here! Plus, the trails themselves are well-maintained, so you won’t have to worry too much about beaten paths.
For instance, there’s a 15-minute trail that will lead you to Latak waterfall that’s perfect for beginners, while there’s also an all-day trek that will take you to the summit of Bukit Landir.
Discover hidden waterfalls
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Lambir Hills National Park doesn’t fall short of majestic cascading waterfalls, and the best part is that you can even swim in some of their naturally-formed pools!
The main waterfalls you’ll find here include Latak Waterfall, Dinding Waterfall, Tengkorang Waterfall, and Pancur Waterfall. Each of them features a unique charm and a different trail that leads to their discovery.
Once you arrive at these waterfalls, you are free to take a refreshing dip and of course, capture stunning photos!
Experience the park overnight
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If you want to experience a different kind of adventure, we recommend camping overnight to experience the park after dark. The park features a dedicated campsite for all its guests, where they can pitch up their tent and sleep soundly underneath the stars.
If you’re travelling with kids and/or elders, however, you may want to opt for their chalets, which are your more traditional rooms that come with beds. Regardless of which one you choose, however, you’ll still be staying amidst nature!
The night also puts the park in a different light, as the forest becomes more mysterious and more exotic wildlife creatures start to come out of their homes. If you’re a fan of exotic insects and reptiles, then exploring the park during your visit should be on your itinerary!
Spot some amazing wildlife
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It’s impossible to visit this massive national park without checking out some of its amazing wildlife. For starters, it’s the ultimate birdwatching haven, as there are over 300 species of majestic birds flying around the park such as hornbills, eagles, pheasants and more.
You can also spot some interesting land animals like gibbons, wild boars and deer! Also, keep your eye on the branches of the several towering trees, as you may occasionally spot some monkeys swinging across.
Climb the Bukit Pantu Summit
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One of the best challenges that this park offers is the climb to the Bukit Pantu Summit. Only those with the strongest determination can conquer this tough trail, but trust us, it will be worth it once you see the beautiful panoramic views up top!
Don’t worry though, as you’ll be guided by colour-coded paths and signs to help you get to the summit! Overall, it will take you around 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to the top and cover an estimated distance of 6.3 kilometres.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Lambir Hills National Park
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
iOs | Android
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
iOs | Android
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
iOs | Android
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
iOs | Android
Maxim: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
iOs | Android
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
iOs | Android
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app
iOs