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Kubah National Park, Sarawak
Introduction
Almost every visitor to Kuching has seen Kubah National Park, whether they realise it or
not. This massive sandstone ridge with its three mountain peaks – the 911m high Gunung Serapi
and the slightly smaller Gunung Selang and Gunung Sendok – is clearly visible from the Kuching
Waterfront. Situated only 22 kilometres from Kuching, Kubah is not only the most visible but
also one of the most accessible of Sarawak’s National Parks.
Kubah National Parkwas established in 1989 because of its exceptionally rich plant life, and only
opened to the public in 1995. The Park covers an area of 2,230 hectares, and comprises
the heavily forested slopes and ridges of the Serapi range. At heights of between
150-450 metres, Kubah’s soft sandstone is punctuated with bands of hardened limestone
which have created a number of beautiful waterfalls.
Kubah’s most famous feature is its palms. Almost a hundred different palm species can
be found in an area of just over 22 sq km, making Kubah probably the richest palm habitat
for its size anywhere in the world. But Kubah’s palms are not only abundant – they are
also historically and ecologically important. Many of Kubah’s palms were first described
by the great Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari (1843-1920), who spent 3 years in Sarawak
from 1865 to 1868, and recorded his findings and experiences in a remarkable book,
Wanderings in the Great Forests of Borneo.
As well as its palms, Kubah National Park has many other striking attractions; its
spectacular primary rainforest, its rich selection of orchids and ferns, and its
crystal clear jungle streams, waterfalls and bathing areas, to name just a few. The
rainforest scenery has even caught the attention of Hollywood; in 1987 Gunung Serapi
was the principal film location for Farewell to the King starring Nick Nolte - as
you approach the entrance to the park HQ you will see the film set to the right. The
Sleeping Dictionary, starring Jessica Alba, was shot in the nearby forest foothills
adjacent to the park, which provided a stunning backdrop for the film.
The forest at Kubah is mixed dipterocarp, with small areas of scrub forest and
isolated patches of kerangas. This rich forest, the park’s proximity to the coastline
and its general terrain all ensure that Kubah is home to a variety of wildlife, including
bearded pigs, 50-plus bird species (including argus pheasants and black hornbills), sambar
deer, mouse deer, civets, porcupines,
squirrels and numerous species of amphibians and reptiles.
Treks and trails
Kubah National Park offers an interesting range of treks and forest walks, from the
gentle to the downright arduous. Some of the park’s jungle trails begin on the Gunung
Serapi Road - a sealed track that starts at the Park HQ and leads to a telecommunications
tower at the summit of Gunung Serapi. Vehicle access is restricted but pedestrians are
allowed to use the road to walk to the summit of Gunung Serapi or as shortcuts to
the Waterfall and Rayu trails.
The following table provides details of trekking times and the colour codes used in the park.
| Trail Name |
|
Trail Length |
|
1-Way Trekking Time From HQ |
|
Colour Code |
Waterfall Trail
The Waterfall Trail starts from the Park HQ and takes
approximately 1 hr 30 mins. The trail passes through mixed
dipterocarp forest and has numerous plankwalk sections which
cross swampy areas and small jungle streams. Wild durian trees
can be seen along the sides of the trail. The waterfall consists
of a number of sections with the main section dropping some 10
metres onto a wide rocky ridge. Below this ridge is a small
pool that is idea for a cool jungle dip. There is an alternative
starting point near the 1,000 ft mark on the Gunung Serapi Road
which is convenient for visitors arriving
from Matang Wildlife Centre via the Rayu Trail.
|
|
1600m |
|
1 1/2 hours |
|
Blue |
Selang Trail
It takes about 40 minutes from the Park HQ to reach the
end of this short trail and the viewing point on Bukit Selang.
On a clear day the viewing point offers superb panoramas of the
surrounding area. Looking down you see the tree-covered slopes
of the park give way to agricultural land and small villages,
rivers winding through the mangrove forests that hug the coast,
Satang Island turtle sanctuary, and
Mount Santubong rising up in the distance.
|
|
1557m |
|
1 hour |
|
Yellow |
Rayu Trail
This trail starts at the 900 ft mark on the Gunung Serapi Road, and leads
to the nearby Matang Wildlife Centre (see below), some 3 hours 30
mins away. The trail passes through pretty riverine forest with some
buttress-rooted rainforest giants and a number of
bintangor trees.
Aids researchers are currently conducting tests on chemicals
extracted from the bintangor tree. Therefore you may see small
incisions in the tree bark where the bintangor has been tapped
for sap. The Rayu trail ends at a clear
jungle stream adjacent to the Matang Wildlife Centre.
|
|
3830m |
|
3 1/2 hours |
|
Orange |
Main Trail
The Main Trail passes through mixed dipterocarp forest and
joins up with the other trails, giving visitors the option of
continuing on into the forest, visiting the waterfall, or
returning along the Gunung Serapi Road.
|
|
1912m |
|
1 1/4 hours |
|
White |
Gunung Serapi Summit Trail
The walk to the summit of Gunung Serapi takes 3-3 1/2 hours
and is one of the park’s most popular walks. There is a viewing
platform at the top and on a clear day the view is simply
stunning. Kuching, Mount Santubong, the coastline of Southwest
Sarawak and the mountain peaks that mark the border with
Indonesia can all be seen in the distance beyond the forest
of green that rolls out from below. This view is made all the
more amazing at sunset and sunrise when the whole panorama is
set against an ever
changing backdrop of reds, oranges and purples.
|
|
5 km |
|
3 1/2hours |
|
Grey |
The Palmetum Trail
The Palmetum is devoted to Kubah’s best known feature -
its palms. It is a short walking trail, located next to the
park HQ, and highlights various species of palm found in Kubah.
The trail is extensively labelled, highlighting dozens of
different palms of all shapes, sizes and colours.
|
|
255m |
|
30 mins |
|
White |
Belian Trail
The newly established Belian trail highlights the conservation
of the Belian tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri, also known as
Borneo Ironwood). This finest of hardwoods is endemic to
Borneo, and because it is extremely strong and durable it
is used locally in house construction and agriculture,
especially as support poles for pepper planting. The same
qualities also make it esteemed by the Chinese for the
building of coffins.
This one way trail is approximately 1 hour’s easy walking. As
well as huge Belian trees, you can see a wide variety of plant
life, including, gingers, unique giant mushrooms and beautiful
climbing figs and rattans. The large number of fruiting
trees - such as durian, rambutan, cempedak (jackfruit), figs
and salacca fruit - contributes to a wide variety of birds
and animals. Hard-to find forest birds including the maroon
woodpecker, white rumped shama, chestnut-naped forktail, and
rufous-collard kingfisher are often heard and seen, and giant
squirrels are frequently
spotted jumping from tree to tree.
|
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1429m |
|
40 mins |
|
Green |
Travel Notes
Entry Fees & Permits
There is a nominal entry fee for all National Parks in Sarawak. A
permit is required for
professional filming, which should be arranged in advance with the
National Parks Booking Office in Kuching. Check with the National
Parks Booking Office in Kuching or the Sarawak Forestry website
for the latest fee structure. Day trippers to Kubah can obtain
a permit and pay any fees at the park HQ or at the gate of
nearby Matang Wildlife Centre. Any fees paid cover both Kubah
and Matang Wildlife Centre.
Getting There
Matang Transport Company bus No. 11 departs from outside the Saujana Car Park
in Kuching (check with the Visitor Information Centre in Kuching
for the latest bus timetable). Taxis can also be chartered for the
40 minute trip to the park. Alternatively, a number of travel
operators in Kuching run guided tours to the park.
Accomodation at Gunung Gading National Park
The Park HQ has 5 large bungalows with 2 bedrooms (6 beds), rest
houses (10 beds), hostel (12 beds), all with air-con, TV, hot,
water, a verandah and full kitchen facilities. There is also a
spacious BBQ area near the bungalows. The nearby Matang Wildlife
Centre offers Chalets and a ‘Longhouse’ with 8 hostel-type rooms
each containing 4 beds. Please contact the
National Parks Booking office in Kuching for the latest room rates.
Reservations & Enquires
National Parks Booking Office,
Visitors Information Centre,
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,
93000 Kuching Sarawak,
Tel: (+6) 082 248088 Fax: (+6) 082 248087
Online booking: http://ebooking.com.my
The Visitors Information Centre is located in the Old Courthouse Complex
at the junction of Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Gambier and Main
Bazaar, opposite the Kuching Waterfront.
Opening Hours
| National Parks Booking Office (Kuching) | | |
| Monday-Friday | | 0800 hrs – 1800 hrs |
| Saturday, Sunday& Public Holidays | | 0900 hrs – 1500 hrs |
Kubah National Park HQ | | |
| Daily (including Sundays & Public Holidays) | | 0800 hrs – 1715 hrs |
Further Information
SARAWAK FORESTRY
Tel: (+6) 082 348001 Fax: (+6) 082 488654
Toll free line: 1 800 88 2526
Website: www.sarawakforestry.com
Email: info@sarawakforestry.com
Kubah National Park
Tel: (+6) 082 231033, 231034, 231044
Fax: (+6) 082 231044
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