Kalamuku National Park
Kalamuku National Park: A Hidden Conservation Treasure Awaiting Its Time
Tucked away in the remote interior of Lawas Division in northern Sarawak, Kalamuku National Park remains one of the State's least-known protected areas. Undisturbed for nearly a decade since its gazettement, this pristine landscape continues to safeguard invaluable forests, rivers, wildlife, and water resources while awaiting the right time to welcome visitors.
A Protected Landscape of National Importance
Kalamuku National Park was gazetted as a Totally Protected Area (TPA) under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998, effective 31 March 2016.
Covering an extensive expanse of tropical rainforest, river systems and critical water catchments, the park plays an essential role in conserving biodiversity while supporting Sarawak's long-term commitment to sustainable natural resource management.
Beyond its ecological significance, Kalamuku also safeguards one of the region's most important water catchments, providing environmental services that benefit both nature and surrounding communities.
Forests That Power Communities
One of Kalamuku's unique features is its close relationship with renewable energy generation.
The Kalamuku Mini Hydroelectric Scheme was completed in October 1984, followed by the Sungai Kota Mini Hydroelectric Scheme in 2000, supplying renewable electricity to the isolated Lawas power system.
Unlike large reservoir dams such as Bakun or Murum, the Kalamuku facilities are run-of-river hydroelectric schemes, which divert river water through turbines with minimal impoundment. This significantly reduces environmental impacts while producing clean and renewable energy.
The protection of the surrounding forests has become equally important in ensuring the long-term success of these facilities. Healthy forest catchments regulate streamflow, minimise soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality, and reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.
By maintaining intact forests around these hydroelectric schemes, Kalamuku National Park contributes significantly to climate regulation, water security, and the sustainable supply of clean water for Lawas and neighbouring communities.
A Haven for Wildlife
Kalamuku National Park protects a rich diversity of wildlife typical of the interior forests of northern Sarawak.
Its forests provide suitable habitat for iconic mammals including bearded pigs (babi berjanggut), sambar deer (rusa sambar), barking deer (kijang), civets (musang), clouded leopards (harimau dahan), sun bears (beruang matahari), and several species of primates.
The park also supports numerous bird species, including hornbills, pheasants and birds of prey, while its rivers sustain native freshwater fish and diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Protecting these habitats ensures the continued survival of threatened and endemic species while maintaining the ecological balance of one of Sarawak's most intact forest landscapes.
Benefits for the Local Murut Community
The establishment of Kalamuku National Park provides long-term environmental, social and economic benefits for the local Murut community.
These include:
Looking Ahead
Nearly ten years after its gazettement, Kalamuku National Park remains one of Sarawak's best-preserved natural landscapes.
For now, its forests continue to thrive in quiet isolation, safeguarding biodiversity, protecting vital water resources and supporting renewable energy generation. While the park is not yet open to the public, careful planning and comprehensive assessments are underway to ensure that any future opening aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism and responsible conservation.
When the time comes, visitors will not simply discover another national park—they will experience a landscape where pristine rainforests, clean energy, thriving wildlife and indigenous heritage come together as a living example of conservation in action.
Until then, Kalamuku National Park remains one of Sarawak's most remarkable hidden treasures—protected today, so it can be appreciated for generations to come.
While Kalamuku National Park remains closed to the public for now, SFC continues to assess the park's readiness to ensure that any future opening is managed responsibly, balancing visitor experiences with the long-term conservation of its exceptional natural heritage.
Tucked away in the remote interior of Lawas Division in northern Sarawak, Kalamuku National Park remains one of the State's least-known protected areas. Undisturbed for nearly a decade since its gazettement, this pristine landscape continues to safeguard invaluable forests, rivers, wildlife, and water resources while awaiting the right time to welcome visitors.
A Protected Landscape of National Importance
Kalamuku National Park was gazetted as a Totally Protected Area (TPA) under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998, effective 31 March 2016.
Covering an extensive expanse of tropical rainforest, river systems and critical water catchments, the park plays an essential role in conserving biodiversity while supporting Sarawak's long-term commitment to sustainable natural resource management.
Beyond its ecological significance, Kalamuku also safeguards one of the region's most important water catchments, providing environmental services that benefit both nature and surrounding communities.
Forests That Power Communities
One of Kalamuku's unique features is its close relationship with renewable energy generation.
The Kalamuku Mini Hydroelectric Scheme was completed in October 1984, followed by the Sungai Kota Mini Hydroelectric Scheme in 2000, supplying renewable electricity to the isolated Lawas power system.
Unlike large reservoir dams such as Bakun or Murum, the Kalamuku facilities are run-of-river hydroelectric schemes, which divert river water through turbines with minimal impoundment. This significantly reduces environmental impacts while producing clean and renewable energy.
The protection of the surrounding forests has become equally important in ensuring the long-term success of these facilities. Healthy forest catchments regulate streamflow, minimise soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality, and reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.
By maintaining intact forests around these hydroelectric schemes, Kalamuku National Park contributes significantly to climate regulation, water security, and the sustainable supply of clean water for Lawas and neighbouring communities.
A Haven for Wildlife
Kalamuku National Park protects a rich diversity of wildlife typical of the interior forests of northern Sarawak.
Its forests provide suitable habitat for iconic mammals including bearded pigs (babi berjanggut), sambar deer (rusa sambar), barking deer (kijang), civets (musang), clouded leopards (harimau dahan), sun bears (beruang matahari), and several species of primates.
The park also supports numerous bird species, including hornbills, pheasants and birds of prey, while its rivers sustain native freshwater fish and diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Protecting these habitats ensures the continued survival of threatened and endemic species while maintaining the ecological balance of one of Sarawak's most intact forest landscapes.
Benefits for the Local Murut Community
The establishment of Kalamuku National Park provides long-term environmental, social and economic benefits for the local Murut community.
These include:
- Protecting forests and rivers that support traditional livelihoods and cultural heritage.
- Sustainable access to permitted non-timber forest resources for personal use, as provided under Gazette Notification No. 1796.
- Improved watershed protection, ensuring cleaner water for domestic use and agriculture.
- Future opportunities for community-based ecotourism through employment as park guides, homestay operators, cultural performers and handicraft producers.
- Preservation of wildlife and natural landscapes for future generations while strengthening environmental education and conservation awareness.
Looking Ahead
Nearly ten years after its gazettement, Kalamuku National Park remains one of Sarawak's best-preserved natural landscapes.
For now, its forests continue to thrive in quiet isolation, safeguarding biodiversity, protecting vital water resources and supporting renewable energy generation. While the park is not yet open to the public, careful planning and comprehensive assessments are underway to ensure that any future opening aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism and responsible conservation.
When the time comes, visitors will not simply discover another national park—they will experience a landscape where pristine rainforests, clean energy, thriving wildlife and indigenous heritage come together as a living example of conservation in action.
Until then, Kalamuku National Park remains one of Sarawak's most remarkable hidden treasures—protected today, so it can be appreciated for generations to come.
While Kalamuku National Park remains closed to the public for now, SFC continues to assess the park's readiness to ensure that any future opening is managed responsibly, balancing visitor experiences with the long-term conservation of its exceptional natural heritage.