Taman Negara Usun Apau

Taman Negara Usun Apau is a protected area in Malaysia.

Taman Negara Usun Apau at a Glance

Location
Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
2.938642, 114.667020
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Taman Negara Usun Apau

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 288 km away.

Big Five in Taman Negara Usun Apau

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Weather & Climate in Taman Negara Usun Apau

The warmest temperatures in Taman Negara Usun Apau occur in May, averaging 21.5°C (up to 25.3°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 20.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 283.7mm. Average humidity: 87.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.5°C (rainfall: 448.6mm)
  • February: 20.6°C (rainfall: 428.3mm)
  • March: 20.9°C (rainfall: 471.1mm)
  • April: 21.1°C (rainfall: 365.0mm)
  • May: 21.5°C (rainfall: 354.7mm)
  • June: 20.9°C (rainfall: 321.0mm)
  • July: 21.1°C (rainfall: 283.7mm)
  • August: 20.9°C (rainfall: 380.5mm)
  • September: 20.8°C (rainfall: 369.9mm)
  • October: 20.8°C (rainfall: 362.9mm)
  • November: 20.7°C (rainfall: 462.3mm)
  • December: 20.6°C (rainfall: 351.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Taman Negara Usun Apau

The best months to visit Taman Negara Usun Apau are April, May, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 20.51°C, rainfall 448.6mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 91.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature 20.65°C, rainfall 428.3mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 90%
  • March: Poor, temperature 20.87°C, rainfall 471.1mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.15°C, rainfall 365mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 21.5°C, rainfall 354.7mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 90.6%
  • June: Poor, temperature 20.92°C, rainfall 321mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 90.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 21.12°C, rainfall 283.7mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature 20.89°C, rainfall 380.5mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 89.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 20.84°C, rainfall 369.9mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 89.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature 20.79°C, rainfall 362.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 89.7%
  • November: Poor, temperature 20.68°C, rainfall 462.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 91.5%
  • December: Poor, temperature 20.59°C, rainfall 351.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 91.1%

Wildlife in Taman Negara Usun Apau

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Taman Negara Usun Apau

Based on average temperature of 20.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 90%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 21°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Taman Negara Usun Apau FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Taman Negara Usun Apau for the best experience?

Taman Negara Usun Apau experiences a tropical climate, so the drier months from March to October are generally recommended for easier trekking and wildlife spotting. During this period, rainfall is less frequent, making trails more accessible and improving visibility for observing the park's unique biodiversity.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Taman Negara Usun Apau, and what kind of safari experience does it offer?

As a protected area in Malaysia, Usun Apau is home to diverse Bornean wildlife, including various primate species, clouded leopards, and a rich array of birdlife. Given its extremely low crowding level (1/5), visitors can anticipate a highly immersive and tranquil jungle experience, focusing on deep nature exploration rather than typical vehicle-based game drives.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Taman Negara Usun Apau, including permits and guided tours?

While specific costs can vary, expect to pay a conservation fee for park entry, which is standard for protected areas in Malaysia. Engaging a local guide is highly recommended and often mandatory for certain trails, adding to the overall expense but enhancing safety and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Besides the moderate malaria risk, what other safety precautions should I consider when planning a trip to Taman Negara Usun Apau?

Due to its remote and wild nature, visitors should be prepared for challenging jungle conditions, including potential encounters with leeches and venomous insects. It is crucial to hire experienced local guides, stay on marked trails, and carry appropriate gear like sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, and a comprehensive first-aid kit.

How does the extremely low crowding level of Taman Negara Usun Apau impact the visitor experience compared to other Malaysian parks?

With a crowding level of 1/5, Taman Negara Usun Apau offers an unparalleled sense of wilderness and solitude, allowing for a deeply personal connection with nature. Unlike more frequented parks, you're likely to have trails and wildlife sightings almost entirely to yourself, providing an authentic and undisturbed exploration of Malaysia's pristine rainforest.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.