There is a different kind of quiet at Mount Singai. Not the empty kind, but the kind where your shoes hit wooden steps, the forest gets cooler, and everyone suddenly talks softer. [image: 1785722988215-singai_0.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Nancy Nais file photo [image: 1785722988334-singai_1.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / CMPC [image: 1785722988526-singai_2.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo [image: 1785722988722-singai_3.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photo [image: 1785722988793-singai_4.jpg] Source: Wikiloc trail photo I like Mount Singai because it is not just another “go up, take photo, come down” hill. The first part feels like a pilgrimage walk: wooden stairs, shaded forest, and the 14 Stations of the Cross leading up toward the Catholic Memorial and Pilgrimage Centre. DayakDaily describes the CMPC as sitting halfway up the green slope, and notes that this first section usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. After that, the mood changes. The summit trail is more raw, with roots, ropes, and steeper sections. Wanderlog’s review summary puts it quite honestly: safe and straightforward, but still sweaty enough to feel earned. One recent reviewer said the church section is mostly wooden staircase, then the jungle trail begins around Station 13, with ropes helping on the steeper parts. Trip.com reviews also point out the same thing: Mount Singai is beautiful, but it is a proper stamina check. One visitor called it a church prayer mountain, then said the last stretch through the forest can take at least 70 minutes from the midway area. So yes, this one looks peaceful in photos, but your legs will know. What makes the climb special is the mix of nature and local story. DayakDaily’s biodiversity feature says Mount Singai has more than 1,178 recorded plant species and over 50 macrofungi species. That explains why the forest feels so alive even before you reach any viewpoint. Tatknows adds the practical local detail: it is less than an hour from Kuching, the church section has proper stairs, and the peak trail can take another 1 to 2 hours depending on pace. Useful info: Location: Jalan Singai area, around the Bau side of Greater Kuching Best time: early morning, especially if you want cooler weather and clearer views Cost: generally treated as free entry by visitor guides, but bring small cash just in case parking or local upkeep arrangements change Time needed: about 30-40 minutes to CMPC, then roughly 1-2 hours more if continuing to the summit Bring: water, proper shoes, mosquito repellent, small towel, and a dry shirt Note: after rain, the trail can get slippery, so do not force the summit if the weather turns bad My honest take: go for the church and forest even if you are not planning to summit. But if you do push to the top, start early, go slow, and do not leave rubbish behind. Kuching people, siapa pernah naik sampai puncak? Was it harder than expected or okay saja?

If you're looking for a day trip that feels completely different from the usual Kuching spots, Gunung Gading National Park is it. It's about 75km from town, near Lundu — about an hour and a half drive. And yeah, the distance is worth it. [image: 1782181302357-gg_waterfall.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons / Waterfall in Gunung Gading NP Why people go Two things: the Rafflesia flower and the waterfalls. Gunung Gading is one of the few places in Borneo where you can see Rafflesia tuan-mudae — the world's largest flower — in the wild. The problem? It blooms unpredictably. Like, only a few days a year. But here's the good part: the park rangers actually keep track and will let the tourist offices know when one is about to bloom. So if you call ahead to Sarawak Forestry, you can time your visit. One visitor on Google Maps said: "I went three times before I finally saw it. When it opened, it was huge — easily 60cm across. Smelled like rotten meat though lol." [image: 1782181302441-gg_rafflesia2.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons / Rafflesia tuan-mudae Another traveler commented on TripAdvisor: "We got lucky — the ranger called us the day before to say a Rafflesia was opening. Rushed down from Kuching the next morning. Absolutely surreal. Worth the drive." The waterfall trail Even if the Rafflesia isn't blooming, the waterfall trail is no joke. There are 7 cascades along the trail — you can hike to the 7th waterfall (the biggest one) and it takes about 45 minutes each way. Multiple reviewers mention the 2nd waterfall as a great spot for a dip. One Malaysian hiker wrote: "The 2nd waterfall is perfect for swimming. Water is cold but refreshing after the walk. Bring proper shoes, the trail can get slippery." [image: 1782181302524-gg_waterfall7.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons / Waterfall No.7, Gunung Gading The summit trail If you're more adventurous, the summit trail is a 6-hour return climb up Gunung Gading itself. It's steep in parts and not for beginners, but the view from the top on a clear day is stunning. According to a review on TripAdvisor: "The summit trail is tough but rewarding. You go through different types of forest — lowland dipterocarp, then montane. Saw a few pitcher plants along the way." Visitor centre The park's visitor centre is built like a traditional Bidayuh baruk (head-house). It's actually quite beautiful and has exhibits about Rafflesia and the local ecosystem. One Google reviewer said: "The baruk-style building itself is worth a photo stop. The staff were helpful and explained where to find the Rafflesia." [image: 1782181302612-gg_baruk.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons / Baruk-style visitor centre What you need to know Location: Near Lundu, ~75km from Kuching (1.5h drive) Open: Daily, 8am-5pm Entry fee: RM10 for adults (Malaysian), RM20 for foreigners 🥾 Trails: Waterfall Trail (7 cascades, ~45 min each way), Summit Trail (~6 hrs return) Best time for Rafflesia: Call Sarawak Forestry ahead — they track blooming times Getting there: Drive via Batu Kawa-Matang road, then towards Lundu. Scenic route through farmland and a river crossing. A few things to note Bring mosquito repellent. The forest can get mozzie-heavy. Wear proper hiking shoes. The trail to the waterfalls can be slippery, especially after rain. Food options are limited near the park. Grab something in Lundu town before heading up. You can combine this with a visit to Pandan Beach or Siar Beach nearby. Verdict? Gunung Gading is one of those places that rewards patience. You might not see the Rafflesia on your first trip, but the waterfall trail alone is solid. And if you do time it right — wow. One of those proper bucket list moments. [image: 1782181302702-gg_entrance.jpg] 来源：Wikimedia Commons / Park entrance Have you been to Gunung Gading? Did you manage to catch the Rafflesia blooming? Share your experience below!