Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Similajau's waterways are prime crocodile habitat so do not swim or wade in the rivers or
near river mouths, and be careful when walking near riverbanks, especially early or late in
the day.
Because of dangerous undertows, swimming is forbidden at the two Turtle Beaches and
at Golden Beach.
Sights & Activities
The casuarina-lined beach at park HQ, strewn with driftwood but clean, is a great place to
chill out and swim - but watch out for jellyfish (if you get stung, rangers can provide vin-
egar to alleviate the pain).
Similajau's gently undulating
Main Trail
(Coastal Trail) parallels the coast, starting
across Sungai Likau from park HQ and ending at
Golden Beach
(10km, four hours one-
way). En route it passes by rocky headlands, small bays,
Turtle Beach I
(6km, three
hours) and Turtle Beach II (7.5km, 3½ hours). For a view back along the coast towards
Bintulu and its natural gas installations, head to the
View Point
(1.3km from HQ, 40
minutes).
Right after you cross the suspension bridge next to park HQ, a plankwalk to your right
follows the river upstream. Both the 600m
Education Trail
and its continuation, the
1.7km
Circular Trail
(which takes you back to a point near the bridge), pass through bril-
liant estuarine mangroves and mixed dipterocarp forest.
Similajau's trails are easy to follow and are clearly marked (in the case of the Main
Trail, in red) so a guide isn't necessary, though it's possible to hire one for RM30 per hour
(RM40 per hour for a
night walk
). A simple but useful trail map is available at park HQ.
Bring plenty of drinking water.
HQ staff are happy to arrange travel in a national park-owned boat with space for up to
five passengers. Sea conditions sometimes get rough after about noon. Among your cruis-
ing options:
Night River Cruise
(RM150; 7-9pm)
A great way to see crocs. Reserve during office
hours.
Batu Mandi Tide Pools
(RM150)
The tidal pools around this low, rocky island can only
be visited at low tide and when the sea is calm.
Turtle Beaches I and II
(one-way/return RM180/230)
Take the boat out there (it's a half-
hour ride) and you can walk back.
