Gunung Gading National Park is a beautiful expanse of mountainous rainforest only two hours away from Kuching. Located near Lundu, a pleasant little town in south-west Sarawak.Initially, the park was a closed conservation zone for the spectacular Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world that can grow up to one metre in diameter. However, after extensive environmental impact studies, the National Parks Department decided that Gunung Gading is a treasure that should be shared with the public.

It was therefore opened to the public in 1994. However, Gunung Gading National Park remains closely watched by the National Parks Department to ensure that visitors will get the best opportunities to view the flowering Rafflesia without causing any damage to the young buds and other flora in the surrounding area.

Plank Walk Trail

A comfortable plank walk makes the area where Rafflesia is commonly found accessible. The plank walk looms from a loop, which takes about one hour to complete, allowing time to enjoy the forest scenery along the way. Park rangers may be able to take you on a guided walk to a Rafflesia site and may even take you deeper into the forest if the plant is flowering there.

Waterfall

This trail is fairly easy and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours for a one-way trip. It follows the Lundu river and passes

A challenging jungle trail leads up to the summit of Gunung Gading, which is the highest peak at 965 m. The summit trail is a continuation of the Waterfall Trail. The trees gradually become shorter and beginning at about 700 m elevation; this forest gradually gives way to lower montane forest. At the summit was the location of a British army camp during the communist insurgency of the 1960’s. Remnants of the camp, a water tank and barbed fencing, still remain.

Batu Berkubu

An optional trek from the Gunung Gading summit across a narrow saddle to Batu Berkubu is fairly easy but takes an additional two to three hours round trip. Trail markings are painted on the trees, but may be difficult to see during dark, rainy weather. The saddle has beautiful forest scenery. Batu Berkubu, which is on the flank of Gunung Sebuloh, served as a communist base camp during the insurgency.

Perigi Trail

This is a four to five hours journey (one way) – the most challenging trek in the park. The trail was not marked and it is highly recommended to do the trek accompanied by a park guide. A signpost indicates where the Perigi Trail branches off from the Gunung Gading Summit Trail (this is about 30 to 45 minutes walk beyond the 7th waterfall). The trail initially leads through dipterocarp forest, which as on Gunung Gading, from about 700 m elevation gradually gives way to lower montane forest. Those who complete the Perigi Trail will be rewarded with a breathtaking all-round view from Gunung Perigi at 955 m elevation. 

Things to do here

Flora gazing

Jungle trekking

Mountain climbing

Photography

Swimming