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� The Park � Jungle Trails �
Matang Wildlife Centre � Getting There �
The park is located about 20 kilometres from Kuching and one of Sarawak's
most accessible national parks. The Park is dominated by a sandstone
plateau which includes three mountains Mount Serapi, Mount Selang and
Mount Sendok. At the height of between 150-450 metres, this plateau is
punctuated with bands of hardened limestone which have created a number of
beautiful waterfalls.
 The
Park consists largely of undisturbed natural forest with five main
vegetation types:- alluvial forest, lowland mixed dipterocarp forest,
kerangas (heath) forest, submontane forest and secondary forest. Its rich
forest, proximity to the mangrove forests and its terrain all ensure that
Kubah is home to a variety of wildlife, including bearded pigs, black
hornbills, mousedeer, squirrels and numerous species of amphibians and
reptiles. Within the park's 2230 hectares you can find rare ferns, palms
and orchids. These include several species of Licuala, Rattans, Pantu,
Pinanga, Appendicula, Dipodium and Eria. Popular with local people are the
waterfalls and clear jungle streams where you can cool off after trekking
through the jungle on well-marked paths.
Jungle Trails
Kubah National Park offers four trails - The Sungai Rayu trail will lead
to Kubah National Park. Visitors who want to go to the waterfalls can try
the Sungai Senduk or Sungai Buluh trail. Along the Pitcher Trail, visitors
will be able to spot pitcher plants scattered all over the forest floor.
All the jungle trails meander through the cool forest and provide
opportunities to observe the rich variety of plant life. The picturesque
waterfalls provide perfect spots for picnics and cool refreshing dips
after the energetic walks through the forest.
The Gunung Serapi Summit Walk
A steep sealed road starts at the Park HQ and leads to the
telecommunications tower on the summit of Gunung Serapi. You can use the
road to walk to the summit or to the shortcuts giving access to the
Waterfall and Rayu Trails at about 300 m above sea level. The walk to the
summit of Gunung Serapi takes from two to three hours and is one of the
park�s most popular treks.
Palmetum
The walk begins at the Park HQ and leads through tall forest, which is
particularly rich in palm species. The trail connects to the Waterfall
Trail and to the Gunung Serapi road giving visitors the option of
continuing to the waterfalls or returning along the road. The forest is a
mixed dipterocarp forest with big trees.
The Waterfall
Starting off along the Gunung Serapi road and picking up the Waterfall
Trail on top of the northwest ridge shortens walking time by about 15
minutes. This trail begins near the 305 m (1000 ft) mark on the Gunung
Serapi road, at the top of the northwest ridge.
Bukit Selang
This trail branches off from the Palmetum at about 10 minutes walk from
the Park HQ. It takes about 40 minutes from the Park HQ to reach the end
of this short trail at the viewpoint on Gunung Selang. The upper part of
the trail is in ridge top forest on Serapi�s northwest ridge. On a clear
day this viewpoint offers superb panoramas of the surrounding area.
Rayu or The Trail of Hope
The Rayu trail begins in ridge top forest on Serapi�s northwest ridge. It
then passes through mixed dipterocarp forest until the Matang Wildlife
Centre is reached. This trail gives a good impression of Kubah�s different
forest types. Even a casual look will reveal an amazing diversity of plant
life shown in the abundance of different types of bark, leaves and fruits.
 Matang
Wildlife Centre
Very much a part of Kubah National Park, the centre houses the endangered
wildlife such as Sambar Deer, Crocodiles, Sun Bears, Civets and Bear Cats.
The major attraction are the Orang utans, which are orphaned or rescued
from captivity. The animals are kept in large enclosures. There are also
three aviaries for Hornbills, Sea Eagles and a host of other indigenous
birds. The best time to visit the centre is during it's feeding time.
An overnight stay is highly recommended if you want to get the best of
this handy and compact site. Chalet Accommodations can be arranged within
the park.
Getting There
The journey by road takes about 40 minutes to the Park HQ and a further 15
minutes to Matang Wildlife Centre.
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