The rainforest
Giant trees, orchids and palms.
A small mountain park about twenty kilometres west of Kuching in the Matang Range, covering some two thousand two hundred hectares and crowned by three sandstone peaks visible from the city on clear days: Serapi, Selang and Sendok. Declared a national park in 1989, it is the easiest way into real Borneo rainforest from the city. Dense rainforest of giant trees covers it, with many palms, rare orchids and ferns, home to bearded pigs, hornbills, squirrels and mouse deer. The trails vary, among them a route to small waterfalls and bathing pools, and a paved road climbing to the summit of Serapi with a wide view. Entry is about twenty ringgit for foreign adults and seven for children aged 6 to 18. Next door is the Matang Wildlife Centre, where orangutans and other animals are rehabilitated for release into the wild, and the Matang Family Park for picnics by the river. The park suits walkers and nature lovers, so bring proper shoes, water and insect repellent, and start in the morning ahead of the usual afternoon rain. You can stay in its lodges for a night walk.
Giant trees, orchids and palms.
A trail to small falls and pools.
Orangutan rehabilitation next door.
Matang Range, about 20 km west of Kuching
Bako is better known and more varied, with beaches and monkeys, but needs a boat and a full day. Kubah is closer and quieter, good for rainforest and waterfalls in half a day.