Tasek Merimbun
Merimbun Lake (Malay: Tasek Merimbun) is the largest natural lake in Brunei. It is located near Mukim Rambai in the Tutong District, about 70 km from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.[1] The S-shaped lake is located 27 km from Tutong Town and it is surrounded by the 7800-hectare Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park.
| Merimbun Lake | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park | |
  Merimbun Lake | |
| Location | Brunei-Muara, Brunei |
| Coordinates | 4.5939749°N 114.6770941°E |
| Basin countries | Brunei |
| Max. length | 500 m (1,600 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 88 m (289 ft) |
| Islands | Jurundung Labi-Labi |
Name
Sources claim that the Dusun people have lived in Merimbun for longer than a few hundred years. The place was allegedly discovered by Imbun, who the Dusuns claimed was the son of a Ketua Kampung from Merangking in Ulu Belait. It is said that he came across this lovely lake while out hunting. He learned that the area had enough of food, including wild animals in the neighboring forest and fish in the lake. He moved there with his family, and several of his village neighbors soon followed. As a memorial to the founder, Imbun, the Tasek and its surroundings have come to be known as Tasek Merimbun throughout time.[2]
The origin of the name Merimbun is intriguing in more than one way, though. As the Dusun people settled the region, it is believed that traders would travel there to provide commodities. Eng Boon, a Chinese person, was one such merchant. According to legend, this Eng Boon is where the name Merimbun ultimately came from.[2]
Physical environment and facilities
Tasek Merimbun is very dark in color; a phenomenon generated by tannin coming from leaves falling into the water. The lake supports a rich variety of fauna including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can hire a boat to take them around to explore the lake and its two islands. There is a small island in the center body of water that can be reached via a wooden walkway. Here, picnic pavilion facilities fashioned from logs enhance the enjoyment of this restful spot. Chalet facilities for researchers are available nearby.[3]
ASEAN Heritage Park
In 1967, the first Director of the Brunei Museums Department suggested Tasek Merimbun as a valuable asset and a potential Wildlife Sanctuary. A survey on Tasek Merimbun's bio-diversity and socio-economic activities conducted in 1983-84 led to the discovery of a rare White-collared Fruit Bat. This discovery was a major reason for the 29 November 1984 designation of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park as the eleventh ASEAN Heritage Park.[4]
Important Bird Area
The park has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because its forest and freshwater wetland habitats support endangered Storm's storks.[5]
See also
References
- Museums Department. (2010). Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park. BSB: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
- Mohd Yunos, Rozan (2013). SEMINAR UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ASIA, SOUTHEAST DIVISION (PDF). p. 17.
- BusinessMirror (March 31, 2019). "ACB: Forests and people intertwined for development".
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - Museums Department. (2010). Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park. BSB: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
- "Tasek Merimbun". BirdLife Data Zone. BirdLife International. Retrieved 4 October 2020.