Getting to Know Limbang’s Treasures
Limbang is uniquely situated at the most north-eastern part of Sarawak, bordering not only Sabah, but also both parts of Brunei Darussalam, which makes it a melting pot of many cultures, including Kedayan, Lun Bawang, Bisaya, Murut, Kelabit, Penan, Malay and Chinese.
Limbang town used to be known as Pangkalan Tarap, a riverside settlement where trade activities thrived. However, after the settlement was combined with Trusan district and Lawas district, it was changed to Limbang, after the river it’s situated on.
To get to Limbang, you will need a passport if you’re travelling by land, as you’d need to bypass Brunei. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu via Miri.
1. Limbang Plaza
Check out Limbang Plaza, often dubbed as the town’s centre. The tallest building in Limbang, it is connected to Hotel Purnama, which offers a beautiful view of the town and river. (Click HERE for location)
2. Limbang Tamu building
Nearby is the town’s Tamu, or market. Constantly bustling with sellers selling fresh produce, the market is especially busy on the weekends, especially with Bruneians. It is a hub for fresh seafood like crabs, stingrays and fish, as well as local vegetables like midin. There are also a variety of traditional delicacies like the Kuih Sepit (traditional dry-cakes), smoked Tahai fish with spicy sambal and fragrant Bario rice. (Click HERE for location)
3. Taman Tasik Bukit Mas
If you’re looking for a taller vantage point of Limbang, look no further than Bukit Mas. Famous around locals as a recreation spot, you’ll often see people jogging or simply having a walk around the lake. You can also hike up the Sembiling Nature Reserve to the summit of Bukit Mas, which offers a great view of nearby Brunei. There is also a small Buddhist shrine halfway up the summit road. (Click HERE for location)
4. Kampung Meritam Mud Volcanoes
Located 35km away from Limbang town, Kampung Meritam is one of the only places in Asia where you can see mud volcanoes, caused by increased pressure in the earth’s crust. This results in clay like mud spewing from spots on the ground, some big enough to accommodate 5 adults! On a sunny day, a dip in one of these mud pools will not only cool you off but also smoothen the skin. The Bebuak Meritam Festival is held every November to further promote the site. (Click HERE for location)
5. National Parks
Limbang is an entry into the Headhunter’s Trail to and from Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail follows the ancient route taken by Kayan headhunting parties who paddled up the Melinau River to Melinau gorge. They then dragged their longboats through the forest for 3km until they reached the banks of Terikan River, where they launched headhunting raids against people in the Limbang region.
Limbang is also home to the Gunung Buda National Park, which is rich in wildlife and home to 300 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and 2,500 species of trees endemic to Borneo.
6. Limpaki Wetlands
Located 15km away from town, the Limpaki wetland is a mangrove forest inhabited with rich wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, crocodiles and fireflies. Experience the beauty of the mangrove by taking part in some canoeing, fishing or crab catching! (Click HERE for location)
Limbang’s strategic location makes it a heavenly gateway into the wonders of Sarawak, whether you’re making your way down from Sabah or here for a change of scenery from Miri. Come experience this quaint town for yourself and don’t forget to bring back some Bario rice!
