Bukit Lima Nature Reserve: Sibu’s Green Lung and Malaysia’s Largest Urban Peat Swamp

On July 11 2026, the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu, Sarawak, received official recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records as Malaysia’s largest urban peat swamp forest park. Witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a working visit, the honour places this 301‑hectare expanse firmly on the national stage not just for its size, but for what it represents: a thriving, resilient ecosystem preserved right on the edge of a growing city.

A Remarkable Comeback

Spanning 301 hectares, roughly twice the size of London’s Hyde Park and 15 times larger than KLCC Park, Bukit Lima stands as one of Sarawak’s most significant remaining peat swamp habitats. Decades ago, the area faced disruption from logging, yet nature proved remarkably resilient. Through natural regeneration and careful stewardship by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, the forest has regrown into a lush, dense sanctuary. Today, it hosts more than 40 tree species, including the protected ramin (Gonystylus spp.), listed under CITES Appendix II, a quiet triumph of recovery over decline. Peat swamp forests once covered 12% of Sarawak’s landmass; now only fragments remain, making Bukit Lima’s preservation all the more vital.

Biodiversity Within the Greenery

Beyond its trees, the reserve teems with life. It is home to 39 bird species across 20 families, hornbills, kingfishers, and herons among them, alongside eight mammal species including long‑tailed macaques and giant squirrels. Whether you spot them on your visit is another matter; as one observer noted, the wildlife can be wonderfully discreet! Yet their presence is confirmed in the rustle of leaves, the calls echoing through the canopy, and the quiet vitality of a healthy ecosystem. This richness underscores why Bukit Lima is far more than trees and peat: it is a living, interconnected community of plants and animals, all sustained by the unique waterlogged soil that defines the habitat.

Walking Lightly Through the Forest

To let visitors experience this richness without harm, the reserve features 5.7 kilometres of wooden boardwalks arranged in two loops: a main 3.2‑kilometre trail and a longer 2.5‑kilometre extension. Elevated above the fragile ground, the planks protect sensitive peat and vegetation while bringing visitors face‑to‑face with the forest. Distance markers every 50 metres help pace the journey, and while some describe the paths as jogging trails, signs gently encourage walking the better to savour the surroundings. A viewing tower offers a striking vantage point: green canopy stretching toward the horizon, with Sibu’s skyline visible beyond the trees, a vivid reminder of how close this wilderness sits to everyday urban life.

Practical Guidance for Visitors

Located roughly 20 minutes by road from Sibu town centre, the reserve is easily accessible. The new One Stop Centre at the northern entrance provides improved facilities, including restrooms. The climate calls for preparation: sun protection and ample water for the open stretches, insect repellent, sturdy non‑slip footwear for damp planks, and an umbrella or raincoat for sudden showers. Above all, there is no need to rush the slower you go, the more you will see.

A Precious Balance

Bukit Lima’s recognition is more than an entry in a record book. It is proof that conservation and urban development can coexist that cities can expand without sacrificing their green lungs. As Sarawak continues to grow, this peat swamp stands as both a refuge and a promise: to nurture what remains, to restore what was lost, and to leave future generations a world where the forest still thrives beside the town. For Sibu, it is a treasure; for Malaysia, it is a model, and for everyone who walks its boardwalks, it is simply the perfect place to breathe.