Kubah National Park is a stunning rainforest sanctuary located just a short drive from Kuching, Sarawak.
Famous for its rich biodiversity, this park is a true paradise for nature lovers. Whether you want to marvel at rare palm trees, cool down at a beautiful jungle waterfall, or spot unique wildlife in the dark, Kubah National Park offers an unforgettable Borneo experience.
This guide will help you plan the perfect trip to one of Kuching’s best-kept secrets.
Highlights of the Attraction
Kubah National Park is packed with natural wonders. Here are the top highlights you simply cannot miss:
- The World of Palms: The park is home to nearly 100 different species of palm trees. The easy Palmetum Trail is the best place to see these fascinating plants up close.
- Waterfall Trail: A firm favourite among visitors! After a sweaty 1.5-hour hike through the dipterocarp forest, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous cascading waterfall. It is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
- Frog Pond & Night Walks: Kubah National Park is world-famous among wildlife enthusiasts for its amphibians. With over 60 species of frogs—including the tiny Bornean narrow-mouthed frog—the guided night walks here are truly magical.
- Gunung Serapi Summit: If you love a good fitness challenge, the 5-kilometre hike up Mount Serapi offers rewarding panoramic views of the coastline, Kuching city, and nearby Mount Santubong.
Operating Time, Suggested Time to Spend & Dressing
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (The cut-off time to start hiking is strictly 11:00 AM).
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (The cut-off time to start hiking is strictly 10:00 AM).
Suggested Time to Spend:
Plan to spend at least half a day (4 to 5 hours) to comfortably hike a standard trail and enjoy the waterfall. If your goal is to conquer the Gunung Serapi summit, you will need a full day.
How to Dress:
The Borneo rainforest is famously hot and humid. Wear light, breathable, and comfortable activewear. Do not wear slippers or flip-flops. The trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery, so sturdy hiking shoes with a good grip are an absolute must. A hat and a small towel to wipe off sweat are also highly recommended.
Ticket Prices
Entrance fees to Kubah National Park are very affordable. You can buy your tickets online by registering for a Sarawak ID via the e-booking system, or pay at the park entrance (using cash or S Pay Global).
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child (7 to 18 years) |
| Malaysian | RM 10 | RM 3 |
| Non-Malaysian | RM 20 | RM 7 |
Note: Children aged 6 and below enter for free.
Getting There (From Kuching)
Kubah National Park is only about 22 kilometres from the Kuching city centre. The journey takes around 35 to 40 minutes by road.
- By E-Hailing / Taxi: The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by using the Grab app. A one-way trip costs around RM 25 to RM 40. Important: Remember to pre-arrange for your driver to pick you up later, as it can be very hard to book a return ride from the remote park area!
- By Bus: For budget travellers, take the City Public Link Bus K21 from the Saujana Car Park bus stop (near the Kuching City Mosque). The fare is very cheap at around RM 4 per way. Be sure to check the return schedule with the driver so you do not miss the last bus back to town.
- By Car: If you are renting a car, simply use Google Maps or Waze and search for “Kubah National Park”. There is parking available right near the park headquarters.
Photo Gallery
[Photos to be added later]
Tips When Visiting
To make the most of your trip, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Start Early: Arrive before 9:00 AM to beat the intense midday heat and avoid the weekend crowds.
- Bring Plenty of Water: You will sweat much more than you expect. Bring at least 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per person, along with some light snacks or energy bars.
- Pack Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and leeches are common in the jungle. Spray yourself generously before starting your hike.
- Night Tours Require a Guide: If you want to see the famous frogs, you must book a guided night walk or be accompanied by park staff. Visitors are not allowed to wander the trails alone in the dark for safety reasons.
Hotels Nearby
Because Kubah National Park is so close to Kuching, the vast majority of visitors choose to stay in the city centre where there are endless food, cafe, and hotel options.
However, if you want to wake up to the sounds of nature, the park offers its own official accommodation! You can rent Forest Lodges (starting from RM 150 per night for a multi-room house), book a simple hostel bed for RM 15, or even pitch a tent at the campsite for just RM 5 per person.
Booking of Kubah National park accomodations can be made on the official park’s site.
Conclusion and Related Places to Visit
Kubah National Park is an amazing, easily accessible escape from the busy city. It offers a pure, untouched jungle experience that is perfect for day hikers, photographers, and adventurous families.
If you loved this park, you will also enjoy visiting these nearby nature spots:
- Matang Wildlife Centre: Located at the end of the park’s Rayu Trail, this centre cares for rescued orangutans, sun bears, and other native wildlife.
- Bako National Park: Famous for its unique proboscis monkeys, wild boars, and stunning sea cliff landscapes.
- Semenggoh Nature Reserve: Another fantastic and highly recommended spot to see semi-wild orangutans swinging through the trees during feeding time.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
