THE NARRATIVE
Lesser-known trails in Lambir Hills National Park lead to secret cascades and swimming holes that most day-trippers never discover. One of the world's most biodiverse forests hides aquatic rewards for those willing to explore.
HERITAGE & HISTORY
Lambir Hills National Park's hidden waterfalls are among Sarawak's best-kept natural secrets and a must-visit waterfall adventure in the Miri district. While Lambir Hills is reasonably well-known as a national park, most visitors stick to the main Latak Waterfall near the entrance and never venture deeper into what scientists have identified as one of the most biodiverse patches of tropical rainforest on Earth. Those who do push further along the park's network of trails are rewarded with secret cascades, pristine swimming holes, and a genuine sense of discovery. Lambir Hills covers 6,952 hectares of mixed dipterocarp and kerangas (heath) forest. In a single 52-hectare research plot, scientists recorded over 1,175 tree species -- more than in all of North America combined. This staggering biodiversity extends to the park's waterways. Multiple streams and tributaries flow through the forest, creating a series of smaller waterfalls and natural pools that are tucked away along the longer trails, including the Pantu Trail, the Bukit Pantu Summit Trail, and connecting paths that see very few hikers. These hidden waterfalls range from gentle cascades dropping 3-5 metres into sandy-bottomed pools to more dramatic falls flowing over mossy rock faces. The water is tea-coloured from tannins leached from the forest floor but perfectly clean and refreshing for swimming. The surrounding forest buzzes with life -- giant butterflies, vivid kingfishers, and if you are patient and lucky, flying lizards and even slow lorises in the canopy overhead. Lambir Hills is located 32 km south of Miri, about a 30-minute drive. The park entrance fee is minimal and facilities include a canteen and basic accommodation. Bring trekking shoes, plenty of water, swimwear, and insect repellent. The longer trails (3-5 hours) are where the hidden waterfalls are found. Start early and tell park staff your planned route. Lambir Hills is Sarawak's living laboratory of biodiversity -- and its secret swimming pools are the bonus prize.