Gunung Gading National Park is home to the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower which can grow up to one metre in diameter. The Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that takes eighteen months to infest the tissues of the host vine, followed by nine months to mature into a cabbage-sized bud before flowering for a mere 4-5 days. When in bloom the Rafflesia gives off a pungent smell which attracts flies and other insects.
Gunung Gading comprises a series of rugged mountains and is located near the town of Lundu, approximately 2 hours drive from Kuching. A plankwalk near the park HQ allows visitors to walk around an area where Rafflesia flowers frequently bloom. Young Rafflesia buds can also be seen scattered around the forest floor. Whilst most visitors make day trips to the park to see Rafflesia, the park contains a range of other attractions. A series of waterfalls and clear jungle streams provide excellent bathing spots and there are a number of jungle trails, including the Gunung Gading Summit Trail.
Trekking Trails
There is one main hiking trail that leads from the Park HQ to the summit of Gunung Gading (and on to Batu Berkubu). This trail passes a series of waterfalls. In addition to the main trail there is a short Rafflesia Trail. This is a plankwalk trail that passes through an area of forest where Rafflesia flower’s often bloom.
Accommodation
The park’s accommodation consists of is chalet units, hostel rooms and a camp site.
The Forest Lodge Type 5 is RM 150 per night and can accommodate up to 6 people. Each unit has 3 rooms (one with air-con and two rooms with fan), living room, refrigerator, kitchen, shared bathroom and toilet.
A bed in a 4-person hostel room at Gunung Gading is RM 15. If you take the whole room the price is RM 40.
There is a also campsite with space for around 35 tents. The camping fee is RM 5 per person.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for foreigners is RM 20 (adult) and RM 7 (child, 7-18 years). The price for Malaysians is RM 10 (adult) and RM 3 (child, 7-18 years). Malaysians may be asked to show their IC card as proof of citizenship. Children 6 years and below are free.
How To Go To Gunung Gading
Gunung Gading is located near the town of Lundu, approx. 75 km from Kuching. If you go by car it takes around 90 mins to drive from Kuching to Lundu. By bus it takes approx. 2 hours.
Buses to Lundu depart from the Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, which is located on the outskirts of Kuching. The easiest way to get the bus station is to take a Grab (the Asian Uber). When you arrive in Lundu take a Pandan Beach bus and ask the driver to drop you off at the junction to the park. There are sometimes local vans plying the route from Lundu to Pandan. Look out for them near the bus station. Alternatively, take a taxi or see if there are any Grab cars in Lundu.
There are some good food stalls located at the temple next to the bus station. There is no canteen at the park HQ so if you arrive in Lundu late morning grab some early lunch before heading to the park. If you are staying overnight at Gunung Gading and need to buy supplies there are a few supermarkets in Lundu.
Tours
We operate small group tours to the park on Thursdays and when flowers are in bloom.
