The Meritam Volcanic Mud, locally called the ‘lumpur bebuak’, brings visitors from near and far to bathe in the warm bubbling mudpots. Some of the mudpots can fit up to five people, and as the mud bubbles and hardens along the rim, which overtime forms a mud volcano. It is located in Limbang, northern Sarawak.
A child plays in a mud pool at the Pesta Lumpur Bebuak. Photo credit: Borneo Talk.
While the origins of these mudpots are not confirmed, research into the mud have found it to be free of bacteria and to be safe for humans. Locals also swear by the mud’s healing and cosmetic properties as well, bringing many people to take long dips in the relaxing warmth of the bubbling mud.
A festival centered around these mudpots was started in 2016, with activities like mud futsal and dodgeball, a masking competition and ‘Mr. Bebuak’ competition. The festival occurs around November every year.
Locals engage in a game of futsal in the mud during Pesta Lumpur Bebuak Meritam 2018. Photo Credit: Borneo Talk.
Visitors come from near and far to lumpur bebuak to cover themselves in mud and emerge invigorated and with noticeably smoother skin afterwards. Photo Credit: Borneo Talk.
The Meritam volcanic mud pools sit on a 4ha site about 35-km from Limbang. The site takes its name from the Kampung (village) it is on. There are approximately twenty five mud volcanoes there. This number will change as nature takes her course as some mud pool dry up and new ones bubble through.