Top 5 Hiking Spots in Kuching
Kuching is blessed with majestic mountains such as Mount Santubong and Mount Serapi. These mountains have become favourites among hikers, with many trails leading deep into Mother Nature’s playground. Here are 5 hiking spots in Kuching for outdoor enthusiasts to check off their bucket list.
Mount Santubong
Mount Santubong is perhaps the most famous hiking trails in Kuching. With its difficulty rated as hard, one can expect a challenging climb that includes ladders or ropes to navigate the steep climbs. So be sure to come prepared with the necessary gears and bring enough food and water for your hike. Mount Santubong has four different trails with different entry points that will merge at the first Viewpoint. (Click HERE to Google Map)
Telok Delima Trail @ Bako National Park
Telok Delima trail is one of 16 hiking trails located within Bako National Park and is one of the best trails to spot proboscis monkeys. Rated easy, hikers can take the wooden walkways and the occasional dirt and tree roots for about 45 minutes (one-way) to reach a beach with mangrove trees at the end of the trail. To make the trails within Bako National Park easier to navigate, different colour combinations are assigned to each trail, which are painted on trees and posts. For example, Telok Delima trail’s colours are blue and white. So, just follow the colours and you will eventually reach your destination. (Click HERE for more information)
Telok Pandan Kecil & Telok Pandan Besar @ Bako National Park
Two other popular trails at Bako National Park are the Telok Pandan Kecil and Telok Pandan Besar trails. As they are situated in the same area, people generally take on both trails together. As both these trails ultimately end on a clifftop overlooking the beach, hikers are advised to wear a hat and bring along sunscreen and plenty of water as there will be limited shade on higher grounds. While Telok Pandan Besar offers an unobstructed view of the beach and the ocean at the end of its trail, Telok Pandan Kecil is where the iconic Bako sandstone Sea Stack lies. And be sure to scan the beach down below as you might spot monkeys if you are lucky. (Click HERE to Google Map)
Permai Rainforest Red – Blue Trail
Located at the foot of the mystical Mount Santubong is the Permai Rainforest Resort, an eco-resort that provides many outdoor activities including hiking on the Permai Rainforest Resort Jungle Trail. Here, you will have two route options. The first option – Blue Trail – is a short loop trail of 2.5 km which will take around an hour and a half to complete. This trail will take you from the park headquarters to a waterfall, a suspension bridge and back to the headquarters. The second option – Red Trail – goes on for 3.94 km with an estimated time of four hours to complete. This trail will take you all the way up to the summit where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Borneo rainforest. (Click HERE to Google Map)
Kubah Waterfall and other trails @ Kubah National Park
Kubah National Park has six jungle trails, including one that leads to the summit of Mount Serapi. The tallest peak in Kuching, Mount Serapi offers breathtaking views of Kuching City. The various trails differ in their final destination and terrains. So, be sure to ask the staff there as to which trail is suitable for you and your group. The Summit trail is a concrete trail that leads hikers directly to the summit, making it an easier route. For more adventure, challenge and the wilderness, take the Selang trail. The most popular trail however is the Waterfall trail as it leads to a waterfall where hikers can swim in and relax. (Click HERE to Google Map)
