Kubah National Park

A walk down the hour-long Palmetum trail reveals more than 100 different types of palm trees, while other short walks such as the Belian Trail amble past exotic flora including giant mushrooms, figs, durian, and rambutan.

Explore the park—without having to worry about getting lost—on a hiking tour, which typically leads to waterfalls and bathing pools, and focuses on flora such as orchids and pitcher plants. Spot different animal species on a night tour, which reveals nocturnal wildlife such as mouse deer, black hornbills, and more than 60 different species of frog. Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, to save making your way back after dark.

• Kubah National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and travelers looking to go jungle trekking.

• There are several accommodation options within walking distance of the park—advance booking is recommended.

• If you plan to spend the day hiking, be sure to bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and plenty of water.

The park is accessible by the number 11 bus from Saujana Car Park in Kuching. You can also take a taxi or drive along Jalan Akses, which takes about 45 minutes depending on the traffic.

Kubah National Park and the Matang Wildlife Centre are open daily from morning to early evening. The rainy season in Borneo spans the months of November to March, making May to September the best time to visit for clear skies and dry weather.

Matang Wildlife Centre is Sabah’s main center for wildlife rehabilitation, and a visit here is typically included on day trips to Kubah National Park. At this conservation center, where wild animals are cared for and trained for release back into the wild, visitors can observe orangutans, sun bears, and civets, a cat-like mammal with similarities to a mongoose or otter.

Kubah National Park is located 12 miles (20 kilometers) outside of the city of Kuching and can be reached by taxi or rental car in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the park on a tour or day trip that includes round-trip transport from the city center.

The park covers 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares) of tropical rainforest, which provides a pristine habitat for various native species including bearded pigs, hornbills, squirrels, mouse deer, and dozens of types of frogs and other amphibians. The park is also known for its rare ferns, orchids, and palms.

Yes, you can walk the trails in the Kubah National Park on your own. You must purchase an admission ticket and check in and out with the park staff at the entrance. The Frog Pond is the only area that is restricted to guided visits accompanied by park staff.

The park trails range from easy to challenging, but all can be wet and slippery, so wear sturdy footwear with nonslip soles. Bring a rain jacket, sun hat, and sunblock to shield against the unpredictable weather. Flip-flops are not permitted along the hiking trails.

The best time of year to visit Kubah National Park is in the dry season from May through September. Since the park limits the number of daily visitors inside the park, plan to arrive early in summer when tourist numbers peak and admission tickets can sell out.

There are a variety of trails in Kubah National Park that take from 30 minutes to around four hours to complete. In addition, guided day hiking tours or night frog-spotting tours last between three and four hours, including stops to observe the wildlife and learn about the park’s ecosystem.