In the heart of Sibu town, Bukit Lima Forest Park offers a refreshing escape for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This urban park, nestled in the Kampung Sentosa resettlement area, has become a favorite spot for locals seeking a mix of exercise and natural beauty.
A Serene Exercise Haven
Pang Chui Hua, a semi-retired insurance manager, frequents the park twice a week. Living just 4 kilometers away, he enjoys walking and jogging along the park’s trails. “I walk about 5 kilometers at a leisurely pace, which takes me around 90 minutes,” Pang shares. He appreciates the park’s cool atmosphere and the abundance of fresh air, thanks to its surrounding trees and vegetation. Occasionally, he spots monkeys among the tall trees and observes the growth of wild ferns, though picking them is prohibited.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Pang notes that despite its beauty, the park is under-utilized. He advocates for increased health awareness campaigns and more activities to encourage community members to use the park and other local green spaces. “More people in Sibu need to exercise. Local authorities should organize more events to promote the park,” he suggests.
A New Enthusiast’s Perspective
Chua Ching Ming, a retiree who recently began visiting Bukit Lima Forest Park, has quickly grown fond of it. He engages in light jogging four times a week, covering about 7 kilometers per session. Chua, who appreciates the park’s fresh air and wildlife, occasionally encounters monkeys along the trail. “In just a month, I’ve fallen in love with the park,” he says.
Park Features and Facilities
Opened in 2001, Bukit Lima Forest Park spans the peat swamp forest environment, providing a unique recreational space in Sibu. The park features 5.7 kilometers of wooden plank walks that allow visitors to explore the peat swamp forest and enjoy its natural offerings. According to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the park is home to 39 bird species, including barbets, babblers, and sunbirds, as well as eight mammal species such as the Malayan weasel and giant squirrel.
In addition to its wildlife and forest trails, the park offers facilities such as a children’s playground and a reflexology park with pebble paths for barefoot walking. Visitors can also rest at various shelters along the trails. Through a community project with Pansar, SFC has labeled some trees, helping visitors identify timber, fruit trees, and those with medicinal uses.
Visit Bukit Lima Forest Park
Bukit Lima Forest Park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Its combination of natural beauty, fitness-friendly features, and educational elements makes it a valuable asset for Sibu residents and a great destination for anyone looking to combine exercise with nature.
