Kubah National Park

Sarawak


Mixed dipterocarp forest, among the lushest and most threatened habitats in Borneo, is front and centre at this 22-sq-km national park, which more than lives up to its clunky motto, ‘the home of palms and frogs’. Scientists have found here an amazing 98 species of palm, out of 213 species known to live in Sarawak; and they have identified 61 species of frog and toad out of Borneo’s more than 190 species.

In 2012 researchers identified what they believe to be a new species of frog, adding it to a list that includes the aptly named (but oddly shaped) horned frog and a flying frog that can glide from tree to tree thanks to the webbing between its toes. The forest is also home to a wide variety of orchids.

Kubah’s trails offer a good degree of shade, making the park ideal for the sun averse. And when you’re hot and sweaty from walking you can cool off under a crystal-clear waterfall.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sarawak attractions

1. Palm Garden

0.11 MILES

In this labelled garden, near park HQ on the Main Trail, you'll find examples of the 98 species of palm growing in the park.

2. Frog Pond

0.7 MILES

Situated 300m above sea level and about a half-hour’s walk from park HQ, this artificial pool provides a breeding ground for numerous frog species. The…

3. Matang Wildlife Centre

2.51 MILES

At the western edge of Kubah National Park, Matang Wildlife Centre has had remarkable success rehabilitating rainforest animals rescued from captivity,…

4. Interpretation Centre

2.53 MILES

In the gazebo-like administrative building, the centre is a good introduction to Matang and its residents. Most of the display panels provide information…

5. Medan Niaga Satok

9.52 MILES

Kuching’s biggest and liveliest market is 9km west of the city centre. It's open every day, but the main event is the larger weekend market that begins…

6. Cat Museum

9.69 MILES

This homage to the city’s namesake, located 8km north of the centre, features hundreds of entertaining, surprising and bizarre kucing (cat) figurines –…

7. Kuching North City Hall

9.71 MILES

Situated 8km north of the city centre is the hilltop Kuching North City Hall (known by its Malay abbreviation, DBKU), a landmark prestige project – some…

8. Kuching Mosque

10.62 MILES

Built in 1968, Kuching Mosque was the state mosque until a larger one was built in 1990 at Petra Jaya. The mosque's gold domes are particularly beautiful…