WELCOME TO KUBAH NATIONAL PARK AND MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE

WELCOME TO KUBAH NATIONAL PARK AND MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE





Situated approximately 20 km west of Kuching is the Kubah National Park. It is dominate by sandstone plateau and cover an area of 2,230 hectares. it was gazetted as a National Park in 1989.


The Matang Range formed a scenic backdrop at the park which includesthree mountains - Gunung Serapi,Gunung Selang and Gunung Sendok that can be seen clearly from Kuching.
Kubah National Park is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Kuching.The Park is a Mixed Dipterocarp forest and has one of Borneo'swidest selections of palms and orchids.


The crystal-clear waters of fast flowing streams run down a series of waterfalls, some as high as 10 metres. The tranquil and picturesque setting makes it a popular destination for day trippers.
Kubah is mostly covered by mixed dipterocarp forest, but it also has one of the widest selections of palms and orchids in Borneo. The varied wildlife includes bearded pig, mouse deer, black hornbill and many species of amphibians and reptiles.


However, Kubah's wildlife tends to stay deep in the forest so it is not really a park for "wildlife encounters" (Bako is unbeatable in that respect). Kubah's appeal lies in its rainforest scenery, its waterfalls, streams and bathing pools and the 93 species of palm found within its boundaries.
Kubah National Park offers four trails and one of it leads to Gunung Serapi.Trekking Gunung Serapi is fun and looks easy because of the tarred road but can bequite challenging as the return trip take about 5 to 6 hours.


Wooden shelters are located along the various trails. The Main Trail passes through dipterocarp forest and links the various trails of the park. The Palmetum is the park's showcase trail, passing through an area rich in palms. The Selang trail leads to a view point about 45 minutes walk from the HQ.


After about 30 minutes you come to a very steep sectionwhere ropes are provided to help with the climb. At the end of the trail you'll find a raised wooden platform complete with a bench chair and some superb views of Matang and the Santubong peninsula.


On top of mountain is the telecommunication Tower, which is a restricted area.The Waterfall Trail is the most popular trail in the park.It passes through mixed dipterocarp forest and incorporates a number of plankwalk sections that cross streams and swampy land.


From the HQ, it takes about 1 hr 30 mins to reach the waterfall.The Rayu trail leads from the park HQ to the Matang Wildlife Centre and takes about 3-4 hours (one way). First follow the main trail before turning right to begin a relatively easy descent through the rainforest.
Visitor to Kubah National Park will have the chance to see the plant lifeof Borneo as the forest area dominating the park is rich in palms trees and orchidswhich include species like licuala, Rattans, Pantu, Pinanga, Appendicula, Dipodium and Eria.The Park is also a haven for a wide variety of butterflies.


Mid-way along the trail you'll find some rainforest giants, and pass numerous Bintangor trees which are currently the subject of Aids research. At the end of the trail you enter a swampy section (watch out for leeches) before coming to a crystal clear stream and the riverside picnic areas at the Wildlife Centre. Note that you can also start both the Waterfall and Rayu treks just past the 900 feet point on the Mount Serapi path.


The trek from the road to the waterfall takes about 45 minutes and begins with a steep descent on a wooden staircase that winds its way down the forested slopes. The dipterocarp forest, interspersed with patches of scrub and kerangas. Is alsohome to a variety of wildlife which include bearded pigs, mouse, deer, squirrels,black hornbill, amphibians and reptiles.Chances of seeing the animals are quiteslim here as compared Bako National Park, as the animals tend to hide deep in theforest.


All the jungle trails meander through the cool forest and provide opportunities toobserve the rich variety of plant life. The picturesque waterfalls provide perfect spots forpicnics and cool refreshing dips after the energetic walks through the forest.


The new Belian trail is about 1 hour's easy walking and as well as huge Belian (Borneo ironwood) trees, there is a wide variety of other plant life. Colourful 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.


Accommodation Facilities:


Kubah Park HQ: Type 4' Forest Lodge, RM 225 per house (kitchen, 2 bedrooms (6 beds), air-con, TV, hot water and verandah). Type 5' Forest Lodge, RM 150 per house (3 bedrooms (10 beds), fan and common cooking facilities). Hostel, RM 15 per person.
Matang Wildlife Centre: Type 5' Forest Lodge (2-bedrooms, each with double bed) RM 150 per house. Hostel, RM 15 per person or RM 40 per room (4 beds), Campsite RM 5 per person.


Matang Wildlife Centre


Matang Wildlife Centre, part of Kubah National Park, houses endangered wildlife in large enclosed areas of rainforest or spacious cages. The main attraction is the Orang Utan training programme, where young Orang Utans, who were either orphaned or rescued from captivity, are taught how to survive in the wild. The best time to see the Orang Utan is at feeding time (see below). As well as the Orang Utans, the Centre includes spacious enclosures housing Sambar Deer, Crocodiles, Sun Bears, Civets and Bear Cats, and three large aviaries featuring Hornbills, Eagles, Kites, Storks and a host of other birds native to Sarawak.


There are some pleasant rivejside picnic spotsa short walk from the information centre and four jungle trails. The Pitcher Trail, which follows a circular path through the forest, takes approximately two hours and trekkers should not have too much difficulty in spotting the various specious of pitcher plants that litter the forest floor at the sides of the trail. The Rayu trail leads to the Kubah Park headquarters and takes 3-4 hours. The Sungai Buluh trail leads to two secluded waterfalls and takes 2-hours (one way). There is an information centre, accommodation facilities and a small canteen just a short walk from the car park.


Animal Feeding Times


Orang Utan : 9.30 am and 3.30 pm dailyHornbills : 9.30 and 3.30 pm dailySambar Deer : 9.30 am and 3.30 pm dailyCrocodiles : 3 pm every Sunday


Flora and Fauna


Mixed dipterocarp forests predominate with patches of scrub and kerangas adding variety. The area is rich in palms and orchids which include species of Licuala, Rattans, Pantu, Pinanga, Appendicula, Dipodium and Eria are found in abundance.


The cool forest, the nearby mangrove and the dissected terrain is home to a considerably large wildlife population. This includes the mouse deer, squirrels and the bearded pig. The loud calls of the black hornbills (kenyalang), can be distinctly heard as you walk through the park. This venerable bird features prominently in many Iban religious ceremonies. Other notable inhabitants of the park are varieties of amphibians and reptiles.


Planning an Itinerary


Visit the Matang Wildlife Centre and see some of the endangered wildlife species of Sarawak in their natural environment. Visitors will also gain valuable insights into efforts to conserve these species and their habitats.


Jungle trails meandering through the cool forests provide opportunities to observe the rich variety of plant life found here. If you're quiet enough you may hear the loud "gronk" of the hornbills echoing through the forest canopy.


The picturesque waterfall is provide perfect spots for picnics and cool refreshing dips after the energetic walks through the forest. Rest a while and take in the beauty of your tranquil surroundings before moving on to new pursuits. For an insight into the local culture visit the nearby longhouse (Rumah Jugah) on the banks of Sungai Rayu.

Getting There:


Kubah is only 21 km from Kuching whilst Matang Wildlife Centre is 35 km from town. Travel agents can arrange tours to the park, or take Matang Transport Co. bus No. 11 or a local mini-bus (see Travel Connections). Bus 11 passes Kubah Park HQ but it does not go all the way to Matang Wildlife Centre.


If you are heading to Matang Wildlife Centre ask to be dropped off at the turning for the Polytechnic. You may be in for a long wait; at the time of writing there is no regular bus service to the Wildlife Centre. Local mini-buses (bos sewa) serve the villages in the Matang area but the service is irregular.


If you do see a small white bas sewa, flag it down and ask the driver to drop you off at the Centre. The only other alternative is to try and hitch a ride. The one-way taxi fare is RM 30-35 - negotiate a 'wait and return' fare or arrange a pick up time. Alternatively, local tour operators run day trips to both the National Park and the Wildlife Centre.


Welcome To Kubah National Park and Matang Wildlife Centere!!!