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Gunung Gading National Park -
The Rafflesia (World largest flowers !)

(4,106 hectares, gazetted in 1983)

The Gunung Gading National Park is located in the Lundu area, 1½-hour drive northeast of Kuching. It features a complex of mountains rising into several peaks, the highest being Gunung Gading, (906 metres) from which the park derived its name. Numerous magnificent waterfalls tumble down in series in the upper reaches of the Lundu River creating an idyllic jungle setting.

The area abounds with numerous rare plants, the most notable being the Rafflesia tuanmudae which is reputed to be the world's largest.

The rafflesia measures almost a metre in width, when in full bloom! There is no specific flowering season and once in bloom it only lasts a few days.
Mulu National Park

The majestic Gunung Mulu, rising over a mass of sandstone, 2,376 metres above sea level, dominates the Gunung Mulu National Park in the Miri and Limbang Divisions.

The park covers 52,866 hectares of shale and sandstone, flanked by a band of 'Melinau' limestone featuring the spectacular 'Pinnacles' formations rising over 50 metres above the canopy. The Pinnacles at Gunung Api and Benarat is one of Mulu's main attractions. Virgin tropical forests cover the lower slopes of the area.

The mix of natural habitats in all its diversity amidst such wild and rugged scenery makes Mulu one of Sarawak's most popular destinations. Mulu is very rich in flora and fauna with her virgin forests harboring not less than 20,000 animal species (mostly insects and over 3,500 plant species, not including 8,000 types of fungi). In the limestone beneath the jungle canopy lie some of the world's most impressive caves.

This includes the world largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world's largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and at 107km, the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave). Just for the record, Sarawak Chamber can accommodate 40 Boeing 747 aircrafts with room to spare and Deer Cave can hold England's St. Paul's Cathedral five times over. To date, about 195km of cave passage have been surveyed and more is expected to be revealed. Adventure craving, head-hunter's trail and a trek to one of the magnificent caves can be arranged. Accommodations at the park with some modern amenities can be arranged.

 

Bako National Park

(2,728 hectares; gazetted in 1957)

Sarawak's oldest national park is located about 37km from Kuching. Bako demonstrates various ecosystems (including coastal, estuarine, freshwater stream, rainforest and mangrove) that can be found throughout Sarawak. Bako's most significant features include secluded coves and rugged rocky headlands with magnificent steep cliffs carved by weathering and erosion over millions of years.

The Proboscis Monkey, unique to the Borneo riverine forests is found in significant numbers and is distinguished by its enormous cucumber-liked nose. Other inhabitants of the park include the long-tailed macaques, bearded pigs, leopard cats and giant lizards.

Bako is commonly visited due to its accessibility with about 40 minutes drive from the city and 20 minutes ride on a "open roofed " boat. You can either complete Bako in a day trip or spend a night out here. Overnight trip is recommended especially for those who love nature and wildlife. Accommodation in the park must be book in advance. This park is not recommended for traveling during the monsoon season esp. December due to the rough sea condition.

 

Batang Ai National Park

In Sri Aman Division covering some 24,040 hectares is the Batang Ai National Park. Gazetted in 1991, it shelters many protected animals within its extensive wilderness. It also serves as a water catchment area for a huge artificial lake, created by the construction of the Batang Ai Hydro-electric dam. The lake extends up to the Engkari and Ai valleys, it's wide scenic expanse lending an atmosphere of peace and tranquility to the surroundings.

This beautiful national park is home to one of the world most endangered species, the Orang Utan. The park also shelters many other protected species pf wildlife such as the hornbills and gibbons.

There are four marked jungle trails within the park for those hankering for a bit of adventure. At this moment , there is no facilities in the park and therefore ,only day trip is possible ex Batang Ai area.

 

Kubah National Park

(2,230 hectares; gazetted in 1989)

Situated approximately 20km west of Kuching is the Kubah National Park. Mixed dipterocarp forests predominate with patches of scrub and kerangas adding variety.

The area is rich in palms and orchids are found in abundance. The cool forest, the nearby mangrove and the dissected terrain is home to a considerably large wildlife population. This includes 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.
 

Niah National Park

( 3,140 hectares; gazetted in 1975)

Three hundred miles up the coast from Kuching, hidden in the forests of Miri are the Niah Caves and the surrounding park comprising of peat swamp and dipterocarp forests and the massive limestone outcrops.

The caves are concealed and spread over the area. The Niah Great Cave sheltered human life 40,000 years ago. The oldest human remains in Southeast Asia could be found here along with many other relics of prehistoric man. The famous Painted Cave is another highlight of the visit to Niah.

Here, little human-like figures drawn in red hematite watch over a graveside where the bodies of the dead were each lay in its own boat-shaped coffin. Also lookout for the nocturnal barred eagle owl, Bay owl and the great Woolly Horse shoe bat that also inhabit the forest.

Apart from the caves, visitors can explore several kilometres of forest trails to feel the richness of tropical rainforests, climb a 400m tall limestone ridge or visit an Iban longhouse located near the park boundary. Limited accommodation is available through prior reservations.

   
   
 
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