Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

In My Hands Today…

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Our Moon: How Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are – Rebecca Boyle

Far from being a lifeless ornament in the sky, the Moon holds the key to some of science’s central questions, and in this fascinating account of our remarkable satellite, award-winning science journalist Rebecca Boyle shows us why it is the secret to our success.

The Moon stabilizes the Earth’s tilt toward the Sun, creating reliable seasons. The durability of this tilt over millennia stabilizes our climate. The Moon pulls on the ocean, driving the tides. It was these tides that mixed nutrients in the sea, enabling the evolution of complex life and, ultimately, bringing life onto land.

But the Moon also played a pivotal role in our conceptual development. While the Sun helped humans to mark daily time, hunters and gatherers used the phases of the Moon to count months and years, allowing them to situate themselves in time and plan for the future. Its role in the development of religion—Mesopotamian priests recorded the Moon’s position to make predictions about the Moon god–created the earliest known empirical, scientific observation.

Boyle deftly reframes the history of scientific discovery through a lunar lens, from Mesopotamia to the present day. Touching on ancient astronomers including Claudius Ptolemy; ancient philosophers from Anaxagoras to Plutarch; the scientific revolution of Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler; and the lunar fiction of writers like Jules Verne–which inspired Wernher von Braun, the Nazi rocket scientist who succeeded in landing humans on the Moon–Boyle charts our path with the Moon from the origins of human civilization to the Apollo landings and up to the present.

Even as astronauts around the world prepare to return to the Moon, opening up new frontiers of discovery, profit, and politics, Our Moon brings the Moon down to Earth.

The Tyranny of the Inner Critic: Silencing the Voice that Holds You Back

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We all have an inner voice that whispers in our ears, offering commentary on our thoughts, actions, and decisions. For some, this voice is a gentle guide, nudging us towards growth and self-improvement. But for many, this inner voice takes on a more sinister form – the inner critic. This relentless, negative self-talk can be a formidable foe, undermining our confidence, sabotaging our efforts, and holding us back from reaching our full potential.

What is the Inner Critic? The inner critic is the voice of self-doubt, self-judgment, and self-criticism that resides within each of us. It’s the nagging voice that tells us we’re not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. It’s the voice that magnifies our flaws, minimizes our accomplishments, and perpetuates a cycle of negative self-talk. This inner critic is often rooted in our past experiences, societal conditioning, and the internalization of external criticism. It can stem from childhood experiences, where we may have been criticised or made to feel inadequate, leading to the development of a harsh inner voice that echoes those early messages. While the inner critic may have initially served as a protective mechanism, helping us to conform to societal norms or avoid potential dangers, it can quickly spiral out of control, becoming a relentless tormentor that undermines our self-worth and hinders our personal growth.

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The inner critic’s negative influence can manifest in various aspects of our lives, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The constant barrage of self-criticism can erode our self-confidence, making us doubt our abilities and question our worth. This lack of confidence can prevent us from taking risks, pursuing opportunities, or stepping out of our comfort zones. The inner critic’s voice can be so overwhelming that we become paralyzed by fear of failure or criticism. This can lead to procrastination, avoidance of challenges, and a reluctance to put ourselves out there, ultimately hindering our personal and professional growth. The inner critic often sets unrealistic standards and demands perfection, leading to a constant state of dissatisfaction and self-criticism. This perfectionism can be crippling, preventing us from taking action or celebrating our achievements. The inner critic’s negative self-talk can become a vicious cycle, where we ruminate on our perceived flaws and shortcomings, perpetuating a negative mindset and limiting our potential. The inner critic’s influence can extend beyond our personal lives, impacting our relationships with others. When we constantly doubt ourselves and engage in negative self-talk, it can create distance, mistrust, and communication breakdowns with those around us.

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How do you identify and recognise your inner critic? Notice the critical, negative self-talk in your mind. Pay attention to thoughts that are harsh, judgmental, or demeaning towards yourself. The inner critic often uses words like “should”, “never”, and “always”, and makes overgeneralised negative statements. 2. Observe when the inner critic gets triggered. It may arise after making a mistake, receiving criticism from others, or when you are feeling insecure or vulnerable. Identifying the situations that activate the inner critic can help you recognise its voice. Listen for absolute, black-and-white thinking. The inner critic tends to view things through an all-or-nothing lens, with no room for nuance or grey areas. It makes blanket statements like “You’re a total failure” or “You’ll never succeed.” Note if the voice is from a critical person in your past. For some, the inner critic is an internalised voice of an authority figure, parent, teacher or someone else who was harsh or demeaning. Check if the voice is focused on particular insecurities. Different inner critics may hone in on insecurities about your worth, abilities, appearance, productivity etc. Identifying the themes can reveal which type of critic it is. Observe if it triggers intense negative emotions. The inner critic often provokes feelings of shame, anxiety, insecurity or low self-worth when it pipes up. See if it’s resistant to contradictory evidence. The inner critic tends to dismiss or explain away any facts that contradict its negative judgments.

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Silencing the inner critic is not an easy task, but the rewards are immense. When we quiet this negative voice, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and personal growth. By quieting the critical voice, we create space for self-acceptance and self-compassion. We learn to embrace our flaws and imperfections, treating ourselves with kindness and understanding. Without the constant barrage of self-criticism, we can cultivate a healthier sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. This newfound confidence empowers us to take risks, pursue our dreams, and embrace new challenges. When we silence the inner critic, we free ourselves from the shackles of self-doubt and fear of failure. This liberation allows our creativity and innovation to flourish, enabling us to explore new ideas and approaches without the weight of self-criticism holding us back. By quieting the critical voice, we become more present and authentic in our relationships. We can communicate more effectively, build deeper connections, and foster a greater sense of trust and understanding with those around us. The constant self-criticism and negative self-talk can take a toll on our mental and emotional health. By silencing the inner critic, we reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, paving the way for greater overall well-being and a more positive outlook on life.

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Silencing the inner critic is a journey, and it requires a multifaceted approach. The first step in silencing the inner critic is to become aware of its presence. Practice mindfulness and observe your thoughts without judgment. When you notice the critical voice arising, acknowledge it, but don’t engage with it. Challenge the inner critic’s negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic, and compassionate self-talk. Question the validity of the critical voice and reframe your perspective to a more balanced and constructive one. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a loved one. Practice self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, and cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and self-love. Counter the inner critic’s negative messages with positive affirmations and self-talk. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and inherent worth. Surround yourself with positive reminders and mantras that reinforce a more compassionate inner dialogue. Share your struggles with trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional. Talking about the inner critic can help diminish its power and provide you with valuable perspectives and coping strategies. Recognise that perfection is an unrealistic and unattainable goal. Embrace your imperfections and celebrate the unique qualities that make you who you are. Strive for progress, not perfection. Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of a compassionate friend or loved one. Express understanding, kindness, and encouragement, offering the support and reassurance you need to silence the inner critic.

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Silencing the inner critic is a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. It requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to cultivating a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself. By quieting the critical voice within, you open the door to a life of authenticity, confidence, and limitless possibilities. You should remember, that the inner critic is not who you are; it’s a voice that has been conditioned by past experiences and societal pressures. By recognizing its presence and actively working to silence it, you reclaim your power and pave the way for a life lived on your terms, free from the shackles of self-doubt and self-criticism.

Being mindful of the inner critic’s tone, content, triggers, and your emotional reactions to it can help you recognize when that critical inner voice is active. With awareness, you can then apply strategies to challenge and quiet it down. So, embrace the journey of self-discovery, and embark on the path to silencing the inner critic. The rewards are immeasurable – a deeper sense of self-acceptance, improved mental and emotional well-being, and the freedom to pursue your dreams without the weight of self-criticism holding you back.

2024 Week 23 Update

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Dale Carnegie is an American writer, lecturer and developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. He is best known for his groundbreaking book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” first published in 1936, which has become one of the best-selling self-help books of all time. Carnegie’s quote emphasises the power of perseverance and determination to achieve significant accomplishments. The quote highlights that many of the world’s greatest achievements have been made by individuals who persisted despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and hopeless situations. It underscores that success often comes from a relentless commitment to one’s goals and a refusal to give up, even when the odds are against them. Carnegie’s words serve as an inspiration to keep striving and maintaining hope, suggesting that unwavering determination can lead to remarkable outcomes, regardless of the difficulties encountered.

India finally finished its dance with democracy with the results declared earlier this week. Like many Indians or people of Indian origin both within the country and abroad, I too was hooked to the results coming in. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), retained power, albeit with reduced numbers. The BJP won 240 seats, down from 303 in 2019, losing its singular majority but maintaining control through coalition support. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA, a coalition led by the Indian National Congress (INC), significantly increased its representation, securing 234 seats, with the Congress alone winning 99 seats. This marked a substantial improvement for the opposition, which will now hold the status of the Official Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Voter turnout was remarkable, with over 642 million people casting their votes, including record participation by women voters. The election process was the largest in history, surpassing previous records and involving extensive phases across the country. Despite BJP’s victory, the elections were marred by controversies, including allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions and suppression of political opponents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having completed two terms, will now lead a coalition government for his third term, supported by key allies such as the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United). Simultaneous state legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, along with by-elections for 25 legislative assembly constituencies, also took place.

BB is at the tail end of his current course before he joins his unit for on-the-job training later this month. This means that for the next 10 days, his course will be stay-out, meaning that he comes home each night. BB is thrilled with this, as according to him, he sleeps best in his bed! GG is enjoying her holidays, as she didn’t manage to secure any internships. She is doing one course in summer school and she is busy with that in addition to crocheting and going out with friends. As for me, I am still where I was last week, with no change in status.

And that’s all from me this week. Keep smiling!

In My Hands Today…

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On the Map: A Mind-Expanding Exploration of the Way the World Looks – Simon Garfield

Simon Garfield’s Just My Type illuminated the world of fonts and made everyone take a stand on Comic Sans and care about kerning. Now Garfield takes on a subject even dearer to our fanatical human hearts: maps.

Imagine a world without maps. How would we travel? Could we own land? What would men and women argue about in cars? Scientists have even suggested that mapping—not language—is what elevated our prehistoric ancestors from ape-dom. Follow the history of maps from the early explorers’ maps and the awe-inspiring medieval Mappa Mundi to Google Maps and the satellite renderings on our smartphones, Garfield explores the unique way that maps relate and realign our history—and reflect the best and worst of what makes us human.

Featuring a foreword by Dava Sobel and packed with fascinating tales of cartographic intrigue, outsize personalities, and amusing “pocket maps” on an array of subjects from how to fold a map to the strangest maps on the Internet, On the Map is a rich historical tapestry infused with Garfield’s signature narrative flair. Map-obsessives and everyone who loved Just My Type will be lining up to join Garfield on his audacious journey through time and around the globe.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 49 – Sarawak Part 6

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Bako National Park
Malaysia’s oldest national park, Bako National Park has beaches, cliffs and rock formations. Covering an area of 27 sq km, it envelops the peninsula of Muara Tebas. The wildlife of the park is exceptional with long-tailed macaque monkeys, proboscis monkeys, squirrels and monitor lizards. Proboscis monkeys, unique to Borneo, are a major highlight of this park. It is said that one can witness all the Borneo’s vegetation at Bako.

Bako is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak. However, it features multiple biomes (including rainforest), abundant wildlife, jungle streams and waterfalls, secluded beaches, and trekking trails. A network of 16 marked walking trails of different lengths allows visitors access. In addition, various beaches are accessible by boat from Kampung Bako or Teluk Assam, as well as a geologically interesting sea stack rock formation. The range of attractions and activities in a compact area has made Bako one of the most popular parks in Sarawak.

A distinctive feature of Bako National Park is its picturesque coastlines and bays offering a unique combination of forest by the beach. The sea stack rock formations at the beaches are also among the most visited and renowned places in Bako. Trek by the well-marked trails, wildlife sighting, birding and overnight camping expeditions are some of the most popular activities here, though if one is attempting the longer trails, they have to inform the Park Headquarters before setting out.

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Early mornings and just before dusk are the best times for bird sightings at Bako. Guided night walks cost RM 10 per person and let the visitors witness the incredible nocturnal wildlife of the park. Pulau Lakei is a small beautiful island located at the northern tip of the park on the Muara Tebas Peninsula and can be reached by a short boat ride from Kampung Bako.

Bako is famous for the rarely found, but endangered Proboscis monkeys which can be spotted along a few trails like Telok Paku and Telok Delima. It has an incredible variety of birds, with about 150 recorded species. Bako consists of mainly dipterocarp trees and mangrove forests. Carnivores pitcher plants along the Lintang trail are also a major component of the forest.

The Telok Pandan Kecil Trail is a one-hour trail to the Telok Pandan Kecil beach. The beach has several limestone and sandstone cliffs including the geologically famous Sea Stack. Most tourists spend their time in the cool waters at the beach after a tiring walk. However, saltwater crocodiles have been spotted in the waters lately, and swimming on the beach is not recommended. Located near the park headquarters, Telok Assam Beach is very famous among its visitors for its tranquillity and the sight of the swifts that it offers at sunset. These two beaches are also accessible by the boat service provided at the Bako village market.

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Proboscis monkeys can be sighted on the Telok Paku and Telok Delima Trails. Several tourists visit the park to spot the rare and indigenous Proboscis monkey. The mangroves of Teluk Assam and the trails of Telok Paku and Telok Delima are the famous trails where these are spotted. The best time to go to these places is early morning or late afternoon. Telok Paku is an 800-meter trail that takes about 45 minutes while Telok Delima is a 250-meter trail taking about 30 minutes. The Tanjung Sapi Trail is a 30-minute 800-meter steep trek through the cliff vegetation which gives a mesmerising view of Teluk Assam and the South China Sea. The Ulu Assam Trail is about 1.4 km long from the headquarters which takes about 90 to 120 minutes to trek. The trail passes through the swamp forests and gets steep towards the end. At the end, witness a picturesque view of Bako’s Coastline. Serait is a secluded trail that is 1.2 km long and takes more than an hour to reach the end of the park’s boundary. Bukit Gondol is a 2 km long semi-circular trail that passes through the highest point of Bako, Bukit Gondol hill at 2660 meters. The Ulu Serait Trail connects the Serait Trail and the Bukit Gondol Trail and covers the area consisting of swamp forests and scrub vegetation. To take a shortcut and not climb the Bukit Gondol, switch to Paya Jelutong which consists of several softwood Jelutong trees that are used to make pencils. Lintang is one of the most famous and longest trails covering a distance of 5.5 km in about 3 to 4 hours. The trail passes through the forest, letting the visitors witness all the vegetation in one trail itself. Tajor Trail is a 2.75 km that can be covered in 2 to 3 hours. It covers the Tajor Waterfall and ends at a steep climb to a small beach. Telok Pandan Besar is a 750-meter trail that can be covered in 45 minutes, that ends at a cliff top with a hypnotising view of the beaches. Tanjung Rhu is a 1.8 km trail that diverges from the Tajor Trail towards the Rocky Formations of the Rhu peninsula. Bukit Keruing is a 2.25 km long trail that connects Bukit Gondol to Tajor Waterfalls passing through the slope of the second-highest peak in Bako, Bukit Keruing. Telok Sibur is a 5.3 km trail from the park headquarters, this trail ends at the longest beach of Bako. It passes through the Tajor Waterfall and is very steep at the end. Telok Limau is the longest trail of Bako covering around 6 km one way and 10 km from the headquarters. This trail has incredible vegetation passing through the scrubland, swamp vegetation, small hills and rainforest. Camping is allowed at Telok Limau Beach with prior permission. The Telok Keruin trail is 1.5 km but from the headquarters, it is 10 km. It is one of the rarely taken trails as it is further away from other trails. It is known for scrub vegetation and pitcher plants that come through its way. It also leads to a deserted beach which is secluded and peaceful.

After reaching Bako, tickets to the park and the boat ride have to be purchased. The boat ride from Bako Village to Bako National Park takes about 20 minutes. The Boat Service is open from 9 am to 3 pm and return from the Park has to be planned accordingly. The boat ride costs RM 40 for a return fare for foreigners and RM 30 for Malaysians. It’s RM 200 for a chartered boat return fare. The park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and non-Malaysian adults pay RM 20 while children pay RM 7 and Malaysian adults pay RM 10 and children pay RM 3. A permit is required for professional photography or filming.

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Batang Ai National Park
A national park that can be accessed by the largest man-made lake, Batang Ai, the Batang Ai National Park is where the Iban made their first settlements. The park covers an area of 24 sq km of extensive tropical rainforest with many rare and protected animals surrounding the 24 sq km artificial lake created by the Batang Ai hydroelectric reservoir. The park was proclaimed in 1991 and has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists despite the lack of facilities with the Iban longhouses a big draw here that gives an insight into the life and history of Iban.

Access is possible by chartering a boat, a traditional boat called a Longboat, as water is the main method of transportation in the area. The ride takes approximately about 40 minutes to the Batang Ai National Park headquarters. The lush dipterocarp forests are home to the orangutan, gibbons, and hornbills. The lake creates a beautiful environment and gives a sense of peace and tranquillity. The local inhabitants are mostly Iban, and tours to nearby Iban longhouses are also a tourist diversion. This national park takes strong steps in having the local communities involved in its management. The communities have formed a cooperative called Kooperasi Serbaguna Ulu Batang Ai and are helping to conserve the park.

The Padlai Trail starts at the Nanga Lubang Baya Longhouse. It follows a 30-m climb to an old burial ground which is referred to as Pendam Sepetang. Then, it passes through the ridge between Nanga Lubang Baya, a crocodile pool, and pig wallows to reach the highest point of the Batang Ai River. Then the trail descends to the Wong Padalai Rapids reaching the picnic spot. The Bilitong Trail is a difficult trail that goes through the Tuchong Bilitong Iban burial site where six tribal leaders are buried. Then it follows the Ulu Sengai Serekong, a 320 m elevated platform. From there, Tuchong Inggai at an elevation of 420 m is an optional climb said to be protected by the spirit of Tugang. It ends at Batang Ai and Lelayang stream where boats pick up trekkers. The Sium Trail is the most difficult in Batang Ai National Park. It is a steady trek for 2.5 km followed by a ridge climb of 415 m. It crosses the Iban burial ground to reach Bukit Sium Ukap, with an elevation of 704 m. On a clear day, the Indonesian lake of Sentarum can be seen. On the way back, one can follow the Berikut River to reach the Tapang tree which is respected among the Iban for its height, white wood and broad branches. The Iban do not cut it as it is believed that cutting Tapan brings bad luck and death. A must-do is the boating in the lake to longhouses. When visiting Batang Ai National Park, one can stay at the Iban longhouse.

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Though Batang Ai National Park is famous for Orangutan sightings, there are many more species of wildlife to be found. Several trails pass through the Orangutan habitation area and ensure an Orangutan sighting. Other than orangutans, one gets to witness Gibbons, Bearded Pigs, Langurs and Hornbills.

A permit is required for professional photography and filmmaking. It is to be arranged in advance from the National Park’s Booking Office. The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm on all days, including Sundays and public holidays.

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Similajau National Park
Similajau National Park or Samalaju National Park is located about 30 km from Bintulu. The national park, facing the South China Sea, contains rainforests, beaches, and rocky shores. Initially, the park covered an area of 70.64 sq km, extending from Sungai Likau in the south to Sungai Similajau in the north over a distance of 30 km. On February 17, 2000, an additional 19.32 sq km was incorporated into the park, expanding its total size to 89.96 sq km along a narrow coastal stretch.

The park’s flora consists of three main types: beach, kerangas, and mixed dipterocarpaceae forest. The park has 24 recorded species of mammals, including primates such as gibbons, banded langurs, and long-tailed macaques. A total of 185 species have been identified in the park including hornbills and migratory water birds like the Storm’s stork. There are 8 species of hornbill recorded in Sarawak including the rhinoceros hornbill and the black hornbill, which can be found in the park. Occasionally, green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

12 out of the 20 marine mammals recorded in Malaysia can be found in Sarawak. These include whales, dugongs, and dolphins. Five species of dolphin have been recorded in Bintulu waters: the Irrawaddy dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, finless porpoise, and pantropical spotted dolphin. Dolphins can be seen in the park from March to September every year. They are often spotted in groups of four or more during the early morning.

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The crocodiles in the Likau River consist of two species of riverine crocodiles in the park: the false gharial and saltwater crocodile. The saltwater crocodile is very dangerous and has been responsible for many fatal attacks in Sarawak. The false gharial is generally shy and passive, but on rare occasions, fatal attacks have been confirmed in Central Kalimantan and Sumatra.

The horseshoe crab often appears during the dry season from early May to October. They usually appear in pairs. The males are smaller in size compared to the females, who come to the shore to lay eggs. During the breeding season, Sagor catfishesSagor Catfishes can be seen feeding on the eggs.

Batu Mandi lies about 4 km off the shore of Kuala Sungai Likau and can be reached only by boat. It is noticeable from the park only during low tide. Batu Anchau is a black rock surface situated at the end of the Batu Anchau trail about 2 km from the park office. The Selunsur Rapids can be found at the end of the Selunsur Rapid trail, about 6.8 km from the park office. They can be seen clearly after a heavy downpour. There are two units of Turtle Beach, Turtle Beach I and II. They are located about 6 and 7 km from the park office. They are where turtles go to lay eggs from March to September annually. Sebubong Pool is a natural pool at the Sebubong River that can only be reached by boat.

The Main Trail which is marked in red covers 9.8 km and is towards Golden Beach, and can be reached by hiking or boat. The Education Trail, marked in green consists of two parts: one is a 450 m plank along the mangrove forest and another is a 600 m jungle trail. Here, park office staff teach about the various tree species. The white/red trail, the Circular Trail starts from the end of the mangrove plank walk and meets the main trail at 0.5 km with a total distance of 1.7 km. The Batu Anchau Trail marked in white has a total distance of 2.1 km and ends up at the Batu Anchau rock surface.

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Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park
The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is a protected area of coral reefs, off the island of Borneo and a popular dive destination. The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, lying at depths ranging from 7 to 50 metres at the seaward edge, has an average visibility of 10 to 30 metres. The best time to dive is from late March through November each year. Popular diving sites include Anemone Garden, Grouper Patch Reef, Atago Maru Wreck and Seafan Garden. There are also some wreck dives. It is one of Malaysia’s most recently discovered diving locations and the largest offshore national park created in the state.

The reefs house a wide diversity of marine creatures including soft corals like leather corals, sea whips, Bubble corals, staghorn corals, Dendronephthya and Gorgonia sea fans, as well as sponges including elephant ear sponges. Fish species include clownfish, yellow and blueback fusiliers, angelfish, butterflyfish, sea perch, lizardfish, batfish, jackfish, barracudas, Napoleon wrasse and sharks. Other creatures include feather stars, giant clams, nudibranchs, sea anemones and sea horses.

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Usun Apau National Park
Usun Apau National Park was designated in 2005 and covers the Usun Apau Plateau in the highlands of central Borneo. Usun Apau is a volcanic plateau covering an area of approximately 1,550 sq km, and averaging 1000 meters in elevation. There are three extinct volcanoes in the centre of the plateau – Selidang at 1,370 m, Kenawang at 1,280 m, and Mabun at 1,280 m. The northern, eastern, and western edges of the plateau end in steep escarpments nearly 300 meters high. Three rivers drop from the northern edge of the escarpment, including the Julan River, which forms the Julan waterfall almost 245 meters high. Streams from the plateau form the headwaters of the Rajang and Baram rivers.

The plateau is covered by montane rain forests, including kerapa, a stunted forest of small trees with gnarled trunks which forms on poor soil with bad drainage, and kerangas forest, made up of tall trees with thin trunks growing on infertile volcanic soil.[2] Hill dipterocarp forest covers the lower slopes of the plateau. The plateau is home to several vulnerable and near-threatened bird species and is designated an Important Bird Area. The gracile slender toad or Ansonia teneritas is known only from the plateau and one other locality. The plateau is relatively inaccessible, with access to the base of the plateau on logging roads, and only trails and no roads on the plateau itself.

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In August 2022, Sarawak’s premier announced that the Government of Sarawak would improve road access to the national park, and Julan Waterfall in particular, to open it to tourism, as part of the state’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy through 2030.

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Bukit Tiban National Park
Bukit Tiban National Park is a national park near Bintulu that encloses the headwaters of the Sungai Nyalau and Sungai Timong Rivers in Miri and Sungai Sigrok, a tributary of Sungai Similajau in the Bintulu. While the forest in the park was logged before 1985, most of the surrounding land has been converted to palm oil plantations, making the area an important refuge for remaining wildlife. Much of the eastern half of the park has however been converted to palm oil in the years since the park was established.

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Loagan Bunut National Park
Loagan Bunut National Park is located in Miri. The park was named after the Loagan Bunut Lake nearby, which is connected to the Sungai Bunut, the Sungai Baram and the Sungai Tinjar. This park occupies a space of 100 sq km and is well known for its rich biodiversity and unique aquatic ecosystem. The national park was gazetted on January 1, 1990, and was opened to the public on August 29, 1991

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Santubong National Park
Santubong National Park is located 35 km north of Kuching. It contains the 810 m peak of Mount Santubong and the surrounding rainforested slopes. There are several jungle treks in the park, including to the peak. Wildlife in the park include proboscis monkeys and rhinoceros hornbills. This is one of the best places in Sarawak where one can observe the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, which chooses rivers, estuaries and shallow coastal areas as its habitat.

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Rajang Mangroves National Park
Located in Sarikei, Rajang Mangroves National Park is home to species such as proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, lesser adjutant storks, Irrawaddy dolphins and hornbills. It has a very important role in preserving the coast, from the occurrence of erosion, tidal floods and salt intrusions.