Lambir Hills National Park (Bukit Lambir) — Miri's Best Kept Rainforest Secret

The Vibe

Important heads-up before anything else — Lambir Hills is a day-trip destination. Last entry is 2pm, visiting hours are 8am to 3pm. No overnight camping here. So if you're planning a night under the stars, this isn't it. But if you want one of the best half-day hikes near Miri? This place delivers.

Lambir Hills National Park is pure Sarawakian rainforest. Mature trees, thick canopy, proper jungle sounds — the kind where you hear birds and insects more than people. You're walking through actual primary rainforest, not a landscaped nature walk. The trails keep their natural character, which is exactly what makes them feel authentic.

The crowd here is a mix — families with kids doing the easy waterfall trails, solo travellers, and the occasional hardcore hiker going for the summit. It pulls in a fair number of foreign tourists too, which tells you something. When expats and backpackers are making the effort to come out to Lambir, you know the place has something worth seeing.

Getting There

The park is along Jalan Bintulu-Miri, about 30 to 40 minutes from Miri city. If you're driving your own car or a rental, straightforward — just follow the main road out of Miri heading south towards Bintulu and you'll hit the park entrance. GPS works fine getting there.

If you're not driving, here's the smart move: pre-arrange a taxi or private driver to pick you up at a fixed time. Rates for a single trip from Miri run about RM100–120. Sort this out before you go — mobile signal near the park is patchy, so ride-hailing apps aren't reliable for the return journey.

There's also a bus stop near the park entrance. Buses back to Miri run roughly every 30 minutes, so if you miss your taxi or didn't arrange one, that's your backup. Not many national parks in Malaysia have that kind of public transport option.

What to Expect

Trails here cover a decent range. On the easy end, you've got waterfall walks that families with younger kids can handle — Latak Waterfall being the main draw, and it's genuinely gorgeous. There's a swimming area there and it's perfect for a picnic after the hike. On the harder end, there are summit trails that will test your fitness properly. Don't come in flip-flops thinking it's a casual stroll — the trails get muddy and some sections are steep.

One group visited five or six waterfalls in a single trip — Latak, Pantu, Nibong and more. So there's plenty to explore if you push further in. Biodiversity is legitimately impressive. Stay quiet on the trail and you might catch some wildlife. No guarantees, but the chances are real here.

Trail signage is decent — different markers for each path, which helps first-timers not get lost. Still, grab a hand map from the counter when you register. Better safe than sorry when you're in the actual jungle.

This park suits families, first-time hikers, and experienced outdoor people equally — just pick the right trail for your group. Don't bite off more than you can chew on the summit trail if you haven't trained for it.

Facilities

Toilets

Restrooms available on site. Basic — don't expect them to be spotless. Standard national park stuff.

Picnic Tables

Available, especially around the Latak Waterfall area. Good spot to rest and eat after the hike.

Registration Counter

You need to register before buying your ticket. One phone per group is fine for team registration. Bring cash — don't assume there's card payment.

Trail Maps

Hand maps available at the counter. Ask for one. Seriously, just ask.

What Campers Are Saying

Multiple visitors specifically called out the Latak Waterfall swim as a highlight. One traveller who visited with a group summed it up well — hike through tropical rainforest, visit multiple waterfalls, then cool off in Latak. He said to bring a towel. Obvious in hindsight, easy to forget.

A first-timer said the trail markers genuinely helped them navigate without getting lost. They also flagged: bring cash, check the weather, and get a hand map. Good advice from someone who learned it on the day.

One experienced hiker did three waterfalls — Latak, Pantu, and Nibong — and came back talking about the fresh air and how the sounds of the forest alone were worth it. Kalau you're the type who appreciates real jungle ambience, this place scratches that itch properly.

The rawness of the trails is part of the experience — you're in real jungle, not a landscaped park. Manage your footwear and grip accordingly.

Pro tip: last entry is 2pm sharp. Show up early — ideally before 10am if you want to do multiple waterfalls without rushing.

TAHAN Tip

If you're planning to hit more than just Latak, start at 8am when the park opens. Latak alone takes maybe an hour return. Pantu and Nibong will add more time on top of that. Arrive early to go deep, swim at Latak, and make your way back comfortably before the 2pm last entry cutoff.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.

You Might Also Like

• Bako National Park — another Sarawak national park with serious wildlife and proper jungle trails, worth the boat ride out.
• Similajau National Park — coastal rainforest near Bintulu, great for those exploring the Miri-Bintulu corridor.
• EnChant Retreat & Glamping Telok Melano — also in Sarawak and worth comparing before you book.
• Kubah National Park — a solid Sarawak alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Gunung Serapi: A Hiker's Guide (2026) — a Sarawak trail I've written up — good pairing with a camp weekend.
• Sumiran Eco Park & Resort, Kuching — also in Sarawak and worth comparing before you book.
• Our cooler box buyer's guide — keep the drinks cold all weekend.