If you've only been to Bako and skipped Kubah, you're missing out on something special.
Kubah National Park is just 20km from Kuching city — about a 40-minute drive. But the vibe here is completely different from Bako. While Bako is all about coastal sandstone formations, Kubah is deep, wet, dense jungle that barely lets light through the canopy.
I went there once around 7am, and the morning mist was still hanging in the air. The whole forest felt like a steam room. As I made my way to the Waterfall Trail, the first rays of sunlight broke through — honestly one of those moments where words don't do it justice.
[image: 1779933787452-kubah_waterfall-resized.jpg]
Source: Kelvin Toh / Wikimedia Commons
What makes Kubah special?
Palm trees. This park has one of the highest palm diversity in the world — 98 different species across 2,230 hectares. It was gazetted as a national park in 1989 mainly because of its palm richness.
And the frogs here are something else. The Bornean narrow-mouthed frog is only found around Kubah.
What people are saying:
"Waterfall trail is pretty easy and the waterfall itself is gorgeous. Saw wild boars and a monitor lizard." — Muhammad A., Google Maps
"You can easily spend 3-4 hours here on different trails. The palm collection is insane." — Sarah L., TripAdvisor
"Best to come early, before 8am. Do Waterfall Trail first then Summit Trail, finish by noon. Bring enough water, there's nowhere to buy on the mountain." — Ah Hau, FB Kuching Hiking Group
[image: 1779933795933-kubah_canopy-resized.jpg]
Source: Angeline Ting / Wikimedia Commons
The Trails:
There are 7 colour-coded trails ranging from 255m (Palmetum) to 5km (Summit Trail). My pick: Waterfall Trail — moderate difficulty, about 1 hour to the waterfall. If the weather's good, continue on the Summit Trail up to Gunung Serapi viewpoint at 800m.
Trails are well-maintained but can get slippery after rain. Definitely wear hiking shoes.
[image: 1779933797308-kubah_trail2-resized.jpg]
Source: Angeline Ting / Wikimedia Commons
Wildlife spotting:
Besides palms and frogs, keep an eye out for bearded pigs, hornbills, squirrels, and mouse deer. I was lucky enough to spot a large hornbill flying overhead.
Right next door is Matang Wildlife Centre, which runs a orangutan rehabilitation program.
[image: 1779933798775-kubah_trail3-resized.jpg]
Source: Angeline Ting / Wikimedia Commons
Practical Info:
Location: Kubah National Park, Matang, Sarawak
Open: 8:00AM - 5:00PM daily
Entry: RM10 (Malaysian adult) / RM5 (child)
Foreign tourists: RM20
Accommodation: Forest lodge available, book in advance
Bring: Water (at least 1.5L), insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat (weather is unpredictable)
[image: 1779933800260-kubah_trail5-resized.jpg]
Source: Angeline Ting / Wikimedia Commons
Overall, Kubah is perfect for a half-day trip. Not too exhausting, plenty of trail options, and close to the city. If you love nature but don't want the scorching sun you'd get at Bako, this is your spot.
Been to Kubah? Which trail is your favourite? Drop a comment below!
[image: 1779933801221-kubah_hiking.jpg]
Source: Ayu Farhana / Wikimedia Commons
