Keen to do some of the best hikes in Southeast Asia? A Sarawak holiday will give you plenty of opportunities due to its abundance of rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Here are our suggestions for hiking in Kuching and Miri at some amazing national parks!
Hiking in Kuching
Bako National Park
Park Bako is Sarawak’s oldest park and serves as an ideal introduction to Sarawak’s forests and wildlife. It has a picturesque coastline covered with small bays, coves and beaches. Commonly spotted species include long-tailed macaques, Bornean bearded pigs, monitor lizards, otters and silvered langurs. Bako is also home to approximately 150 proboscis monkeys, with their distinctive noses, and regarded as the best place to spot the endangered species.
The park features a well-maintained network of 16 marked trails of varying lengths and difficulties. This allows hikers of all skill levels to explore at their leisure. Beginners can choose the Telok Delima Trail, while more experienced hikers can traverse the park via the much longer Lintang Trail.
Santubong National Park
This park is home to Mount Santubong, which is said to resemble a woman lying down when looked at from certain angles. At the entry point, hikers can choose from two different trails that merge at the first viewpoint. The trek takes about four hours each way and is rated moderate to difficult, as hikers may need to rely on ropes, ladders and exposed tree roots to navigate through steep climbs. You’ll need to bring appropriate gear for this kind of terrain, and enough food and water.
The rewards of hiking at this park in Kuching, Sarawak are magnificent views of the coastline from the summit. Before descending, take the opportunity to swim and relax at the Santubong Waterfall. Novice hikers can opt for the easier jungle trek circuit, giving them an enjoyable experience of the rainforest and waterfall.
Complete your holiday in Kuching, Sarawak with these activities
- Spot orangutans at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve.
- Embark on a wildlife cruise in the Kuching Wetlands National Park.
- Visit The Ranee Museum, Borneo Cultures Museum and The Brooke Gallery.
- Explore local culture at Sarawak Cultural Village Kuching.
Hiking spots in Miri
Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills is only 40 minutes from the city, and home to a wide range of fauna. The Latak Waterfall Trail is a nice easy route that takes you to a 25-metre waterfall in just half an hour. Those up for a challenge can traverse deeper into the park and visit more secluded spots such as Nibong and Pantu Waterfalls.
Visitors to this park in Miri, Sarawak can expect to see a number of wild animals such as monkeys, bats and pangolins in their natural habitat – hiking in smaller groups gives you a better chance of spotting these creatures. The park also offers convenient amenities, including barbecue pits, rest huts, picnic tables and public toilets.
Canada Hill
This limestone ridge overlooks Miri and offers excellent views of the town and the surrounding area. Locals consider the hill to be the best place near Miri for hiking and exercising. It’s easily accessible and a pleasant spot for relaxing and hanging out with friends. You can also get refreshments and snacks from the on-site restaurant.
Canada Hill has several scenic trails across different levels of difficulty, so it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers. If it’s your first time visiting, it’s a good idea to team up with people who are familiar with the trails so you can navigate them with ease.
Complete your holiday in Kuching, Sarawak with these activities
- Witness real-life hornbills at Piasau Nature Reserve.
- Visit the Hai Long Si Temple.
- Go diving or snorkelling at Miri Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, the largest offshore reserve in Sarawak.
- Come face to face with over 1,000 crocodiles of various species, and other wildlife, at Miri Crocodile Farm.
For more information on Sarawak, or if you’re looking for authentic Sarawak gifts, visit Sarawak Gallery (Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office Singapore, 80 Robinson Road, #01-02A), Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm. 6226 1318 | statos.com.sg
This article first appeared in the January 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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