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Malaysia Travel Guide

Turtle Volunteering in Sarawak

Turtle Volunteering in Sarawak

turtle-volunteering-talang-island

For those who are into volunteer tourism, the Talang Satang National Park in Sarawak offers a unique Sea Turtle Volunteer Program that is managed by Sarawak Forestry. This eco-tourism initiative has been around for a number of years and is only available from May to September.

A four day turtle volunteer program lets you experience beach patrols, marking turtle nests, digging up and collecting the turtle eggs, burying them again in the hatchery, tagging and measuring of turtles, data recording and even releasing of baby turtles.

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The Sea Turtle Volunteer Program Center on Talang-Talang Besar Island

This program is open to locals and foreigners, but you must apply from the Sarawak Forestry department. It is also not suitable for just about anyone, as the conditions on Talang Besar Island are very basic.

It also is not your resort style concept, and volunteers are expected to cook, clean and adapt to the back-to-basic conditions on the island.

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Volunteers checking the turtle hatchery on the island

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Freshly dug up turtle eggs from the beach

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A sign post shoes the Talang Satang National Park of Sarawak

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The white sand beaches are untouched and only turtles come up to lay their eggs after dark. There are only three buildings on the island, the main office, the sleeping quarters and the shower room.

More information 4D/3N Sea Turtle Adoption Programme here.

Contact Sarawak Forestry (link: https://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-satang.html) for any inquiries or booking for the turtle volunteering.

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Photos by David Hogan Jr

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Aiman Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

Aiman Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

aimanbatangai

One of the most unique and exclusive resorts found in Sarawak is no other than the Aiman Batang Air Longhouse Resort, which is located at the Batang Ai National Park. This special resort Is one of a kind, as it emulates the traditional Iban longhouse.

The beautiful thing is that there are no other resorts found in the national park, making this the only luxurious resort here. Those looking for a pure nature and adventure getaway, this resort is one of the best to experience in Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo.

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One of the rooms at Aiman Batang Ai Resort

Activities at the Aiman Batang Ai Resort include nature walks, hiking, a canopy walk, visiting an authentic Iban longhouse, bird watching, kayaking, traditional spa treatments and even learning how to use a traditional blow pipe. The rustic yet contemporary designed rooms complete your staying experience in a peaceful and quiet environment surrounded by pure nature and the centuries old rainforest.

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Photos by David Hogan Jr

 

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

Miri is a resort city located in the northwest of Sarawak which borders the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam and also the gateway to Sabah. While many may have not head of this resort city in Borneo, Miri is home to some amazing national parks of Sarawak.

The charm of Miri lies in the location where it is also one of the gateways to the Mulu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors need to fly to Mulu from Miri or Kuching. Other parks in the vicinity of Miri include four national parks which are:

  • Niah National Park (1 hour drive)
  • Lambir Hills National Park (45 minutes drive)
  • Loagan Bunut National Park (2 hours drive)
  • Bukit Tiban National Park (2.5 hours drive)

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

Inside the Niah Caves

Most visitors have heard of the Mulu Caves or the national park here due to worldwide publicity over the years.

However, the other national parks mentioned above provide amazing adventure tourism, flora and fauna, and a true Bornean rainforest experience.

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

A beautiful sunset view from one of the many beaches at Miri

In total, Sarawak offers 30 national parks, a wonderland for nature lovers. Out of that 30, four of them are wildlife sanctuaries and 10 nature reserves. Just in the Miri area, there are a total of six national parks. More more information, visit the Sarawak Forestry website (https://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp.html)

Miri, A National Park Gateway in Sarawak

Miri’s ethnic market known as ‘Tamu Khas’ or Special Market

Miri’s resort city also offers visitors a wide range of activities including scuba diving, authentic Sarawakian food, entertainment, beaches and local markets. Miri is also home to the world class Borneo International Jazz Festival which is held in the month of May and the Miri Country Music Festival held in February.

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Photos by David Hogan Jr

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

In the outskirts of Sibu in central Sarawak lies one of the interesting ethnic lodges of the Melanau tribe in Sarawak Borneo.  Called Lamin Dana, this unique lodge is located in the village of Kampung Telian, which is in the Mukah district.

Built traditionally to resemble the Melanau Tallhouse, the owners have converted this lodge into one of central Sarawak’s must-visit places. The lodge sits along the Telian River, which is in the heartland of the Melanau people.

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

The Lamin Dana Lodge, based on the Melanau traditional house

Traditional homes are build along this river which serves as the main source for everything. Staying at Lamin Dana lets you experience how the Melanau people go about their daily lives along the river.

Tours include taking a wooden boat down river, visiting Sago processing homes and seeing the river life along the way.

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

A view of the Melanau Village at Kampung Telian

 

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Traditional Melanau heritage inside Lamin Dana Lodge

 

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Life along the Telian River

While staying here, you will be introduced to the history and life of the Melanau people, explained by the lodge operators. Rooms are simple yet cozy, and very affordable.

As for cuisine, you will be treated to traditional Melanau food which includes the unique Sago worm as a delicacy. Definately an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves exploring different cultures and food.

___________________
Photos by David Hogan Jr

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

In the outskirts of Sibu in central Sarawak lies one of the interesting ethnic lodges of the Melanau tribe in Sarawak Borneo.  Called Lamin Dana, this unique lodge is located in the village of Kampung Telian, which is in the Mukah district.

Built traditionally to resemble the Melanau Tallhouse, the owners have converted this lodge into one of central Sarawak’s must-visit places. The lodge sits along the Telian River, which is in the heartland of the Melanau people.

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

The Lamin Dana Lodge, based on the Melanau traditional house

Traditional homes are build along this river which serves as the main source for everything. Staying at Lamin Dana lets you experience how the Melanau people go about their daily lives along the river.

Tours include taking a wooden boat down river, visiting Sago processing homes and seeing the river life along the way.

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

A view of the Melanau Village at Kampung Telian

 

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Traditional Melanau heritage inside Lamin Dana Lodge

 

Lamin Dana, a Melanau Heritage Waiting To Be Discovered

Life along the Telian River

While staying here, you will be introduced to the history and life of the Melanau people, explained by the lodge operators. Rooms are simple yet cozy, and very affordable.

As for cuisine, you will be treated to traditional Melanau food which includes the unique Sago worm as a delicacy. Definately an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves exploring different cultures and food.

___________________
Photos by David Hogan Jr

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