Information
Landmark: Kubah National ParkCity: Kuching
Country: Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Kubah National Park, Kuching, Malaysia, Asia
Overview
Only about 20 kilometers west of Kuching in Sarawak, Kubah National Park is easy to reach and breathtaking, with jungle trails that smell of damp earth after rain.With its thick rainforest, vibrant wildlife, and sweeping green hills, it draws nature lovers, hikers, and anyone craving a quiet break from the city.Founded in 1989, this 2,230-hectare park offers rainforest trails, tumbling waterfalls, vibrant wildlife, and sweeping views of the hills, all managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.Kubah bursts with life, from delicate orchids and curling ferns to the striking pitcher plants (Nepenthes) that gleam with rainwater.Its forests range from towering dipterocarp to mixed and kerangas, each sheltering its own hidden wonders.More than 90 species of palms thrive here, making it one of the richest palm habitats in the region.Bearded pigs roam the undergrowth, mouse deer dart between shadows, and reptiles, amphibians, and insects abound.Birdwatchers can spot hornbills, kingfishers, and woodpeckers, while frog lovers know it best as “Frog Paradise.”At the Frog Pond, you can listen for the low, steady croak of dozens of frog species, especially when the night air turns still.Not far away, Sungai Rayu Waterfall tumbles into a clear pool-a favorite place for visitors to slip into the cool, rushing water.You can reach it with a short walk under the rainforest canopy, where damp leaves scent the air.Kubah National Park features well-kept trails for every skill level: the Waterfall Trail is an easy stroll to the Sungai Rayu Waterfall, great for first-timers; the Selang Trail offers a moderate climb with sweeping views and a closer look at the park’s rich plant and animal life; and the Summit Trail challenges hikers with a steep ascent to Gunung Serapi’s 911‑meter peak.From the summit, you can see Kuching spread out below, the South China Sea glinting in the sun, and mountains fading into the haze.At 911 meters, Gunung Serapi towers as the park’s star attraction.You can only reach the summit by taking the Summit Trail, but the climb’s worth it-wide-open views stretch for miles, and now and then you might spot a rare orchid or hear the rustle of an animal in the brush.The visitor center offers park information, trail maps, and permits, while overnight guests can choose between basic chalets, a forest hostel, or camping under the trees; picnic spots invite families to linger, and observation towers give sweeping views perfect for birdwatching.Trails wind through the rainforest for hiking and trekking, wildlife hides for binocular-toting visitors reveal hornbills and other creatures, and guided night walks-especially at the Frog Pond-bring the forest’s nocturnal life to light.Photographers will find endless subjects in waterfalls, tangled roots, and bright orchids.The park opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entrance fees of RM10 for Malaysian adults (RM5 for children) and RM20 for non-Malaysian adults (RM7 for children); summit hikes and overnight stays require permits from the visitor center.For the best weather, come between March and October, and if you’re driving, it’s only a 30‑minute trip from Kuching.You can get to Kubah National Park by private car or a ride-hailing app like Grab, which is quick and hassle-free.Hop on Bus No. K21 from Kuching, and it’ll drop you close enough to smell the damp earth at the park entrance.Prefer a guide?Book a tour from Kuching, and they’ll handle both the ride and the storytelling.Kubah is where lush rainforest meets incredible wildlife, a place with something for every kind of traveler.Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a weekend wanderer, or a photographer with a keen eye, the park offers moments you won’t forget-from mist curling off quiet waterfalls to the sudden flash of a fox slipping into the underbrush.Because it’s so close to Kuching, you can slip away for a day of exploring or stay the night and catch the sunrise over the river.
