Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary spans a vast area of dense, lowland tropical rainforest in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It forms part of a larger transboundary conservation landscape shared with Indonesia’s Betung Kerihun National Park, together creating one of the largest contiguous blocks of protected rainforest in Southeast Asia. The sanctuary features hilly terrain intersected by numerous rivers and streams, providing a variety of habitats that support an abundance of biodiversity. Its primary ecological significance lies in its role as habitat for endangered wildlife including the Bornean orangutan, clouded leopard, and the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant. The sanctuary’s forests exhibit rich flora diversity, including many dipterocarp species, which are major components of Borneo’s rainforests. Established in 1983, the area has been a focal point for conservation efforts, especially as an important orangutan conservation site. Despite its remote location and limited infrastructure for tourists, Lanjak Entimau offers wildlife enthusiasts a rare opportunity for guided jungle trekking and observation of some of the region’s most threatened species in their natural environment. The sanctuary's difficult accessibility and protected status help maintain its ecological integrity, making it a critical refuge where poaching and deforestation pressures are being actively managed. Visitors with permits and organized guides can explore riverine routes and forest trails, often experiencing pristine landscapes and exceptional wildlife sightings. The sanctuary remains essential for international conservation partnerships and serves as a core protected area within the Heart of Borneo initiative.
