Santubong National Park is a lush rainforest area located about 35 km north of Kuching. This relatively undeveloped park offers true nature hiking, with the popular Summit Trail among the most challenging in Sarawak. Mount Santubong rises dramatically 810 metres above sea level along the coastline, rewarding those who reach its summit with spectacular views of the South China Sea.
How to Get to Santubong National Park
Bus
There are no public buses from Kuching to Mount Santubong.
Walk
If you’re staying at any of the resorts in north Santubong (Permai Rainforest, Damai Lagoon, or Damai Beach), then Santubong National Park is easily walkable. The Park HQ entrance is very convenient (when it’s open), but the walk to the Ranger Post entrance isn’t too bad. It took us about twenty minutes from Damai Lagoon Resort. Hotels and homestays in the south (Santubong Suites, Culvert Hotel) are within walking distance too, but the walk isn’t as nice.
Private Driver/Grab
If you’re staying in Kuching, the easiest method is to hire a driver for the day. E-hailing with Grab is technically possible. You could probably get a Grab from Kuching to take you to Santubong, but it’s unlikely you’ll get one for the way back so easily. You could try Grab’s advanced booking feature or negotiate with your Grab driver to pick you up later for an off-app fare. These methods are still a bit risky, though. Without knowing exactly how long the hike will take, you may find yourself hurrying to meet a pre-arranged Grab pickup. Even then, there’s no guarantee the driver will arrive as scheduled, as bookings can be cancelled or drivers may not show up.
Admission Price of Santubong National Park
It is completely free to enter Santubong National Park. Hiking the trails at Santubong National Park only requires registration, which involves giving your name and phone number. Visitors can register at the park’s entry points: either the Ranger Post or Park Headquarters.
The Santubong Ranger Post entrance is next to the power substation on Jalan Sultan Tengah. The sign over the wooden bridge is hard to miss, and it’s a short walk past the guard house to the Ranger Post. This is the designated registration point for anyone wanting to hike the Summit Trail.
Registration for the Loop Trail is supposed to be at the Santubong Park HQ near the Permai Rainforest Resort, but the gate was locked during our visit. Apparently, the park was short-staffed, with only the two employees present at the Ranger Post. If you enter at the Ranger Post intending to do the Loop Trail, there is a marked route through the park to the Park HQ. The rangers seemed very casual, and might allow you to register at the Ranger Post.
Opening Hours of Santubong National Park
The Summit Trail has a short registration window between 7 am and 9 am on weekends and public holidays (8 am – 9 am Monday to Friday).
The Loop Trail registration has more relaxed timing, and hikers can arrive up until 12 pm.
Are There Leeches at Santubong National Park?
It was sunny and hot on our visit and the day before, so there were no leeches along the trail. Locals also assured me that leeches are scared off by the nearby saltwater and do not hang around Santubong.
What to Do at Santubong National Park
There are only two trails at Santubong National Park.
The Summit Trail will take up the better part of the day. This is a difficult hike that takes about four hours one-way. The elevation is very steep and includes vertical ascent using ropes or ladders. There is a waterfall halfway through the trail with the summit of Mount Santubong as the endpoint. You can read Travel & Shit‘s very funny and detailed article about the experience.
The Loop Trail is a casual circular hike that takes a couple of hours. It is 3.5km long and of moderate difficulty. The elevation isn’t too challenging, but the trail is covered in large rocks and twisting roots. It also includes several river crossings that involve slippery stepping stones. I have a dedicated hiking guide for the Loop Trail.
Facilities
There is a toilet shack to the right of the Ranger Post. However, it was locked during our visit because of a water shortage. The facilities were very basic, so it’s best not to expect amenities such as toilet paper or high standards of cleanliness. I assume there are washrooms at Park Headquarters too.
What to Eat at Santubong National Park
There are no restaurants in Santubong National Park. The Ranger Post only had a drink vending machine, and there’s probably one at the Park Headquarters too. The closest cafes are The Feeding Tree at Permai Resort, or the restaurants at Damai Central. It’s best to bring your own snacks when hiking in Santubong National Park. The 7-Eleven at Damai Central is a good place to stock up on food and drinks.
Saturday Worthy?
If you’re staying in Santubong, it’s worth visiting the national park. There’s not much else to do in the area, so you might well spend a few hours and do a trail. However, I would not risk the transportation headache if you’re staying in Kuching, unless you’re okay shelling out for a private driver.
