Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung Gading National Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
80 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
40
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Paul
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I stayed one night at the park and had a good time but unfortunately I didn’t time it right to see the flowers. The forest trees are quite good and the hostel facilities were decent, too.
If your only reason to visit is for the flowers then check in advance before you go, otherwise you will be disappointed. If you just like to explore the rainforests and look for creatures, then the hiking trails are enjoyable and I spotted a number of large millipedes and some lizards.
This place didn’t compare to Gunung Mulu NP for me, there was a lot more to see and do there. It also takes about two hours to get Gunung Gading from Kuching, so that is a lot of traveling if you only do a day trip. So it might be a good idea to spend a night at the park.
Overall I enjoyed the park but it wasn’t my favourite place on my trip to Borneo.
If your only reason to visit is for the flowers then check in advance before you go, otherwise you will be disappointed. If you just like to explore the rainforests and look for creatures, then the hiking trails are enjoyable and I spotted a number of large millipedes and some lizards.
This place didn’t compare to Gunung Mulu NP for me, there was a lot more to see and do there. It also takes about two hours to get Gunung Gading from Kuching, so that is a lot of traveling if you only do a day trip. So it might be a good idea to spend a night at the park.
Overall I enjoyed the park but it wasn’t my favourite place on my trip to Borneo.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JOey HL
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia123 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
As per subject, so you need not to expect anything. The flower cant even survive due to the fall or broken of branches. Lesson of the day: check the weather before come to here. Perhaps, another trip in future.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JosephTing
Malaysia & USA182 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
The entrance fee to this national park is RM10 for local and RM20 for foreigner. It takes about 2 hours drive from Kuching to this National Park located at Lundu District. This is my third visiting to this park and the first time I ever look at the "Giant Flower - Rafflesia" in front of me and even smell it.
Information from the park guide, this flowers have no specific season but its depend on the pollinator. Means that it just like strike on a jackpot. If you just come in time of the blooming, then you can see it. If not then just claim thats not your day.....hahahahahaha......no wonder why I didn't see any of it during my first and second trip here. But my third trip really got it this time....mmmmmmm
There are few challet and lodge house here in the national park but often fully booked. So if you plan to stay overnight here, make sure you make your reservation in advance.
Besides, there are many other different plants for different purpose like plant leaves for the matting, plants used as antiseptic, stomach ache, oh yea another special spesies "plant sac used on the dart in blowing pipe for animals hunting by the local.
7 waterfalls located at different location but make sure you go for waterfall 7 which takes you about 6 hours of walking distance. Probably you need to starts around 4am to make sure you could make your way back before is getting dark.
The park guide for my third visit really professional and informative. So please get this lady, Anthonia, park guide if you plan to visit here. She is very fluent in english, malay and chinese speaking. And honestly from me, she is the best park guide compare to the other 2 park guides before.
If you really wanna get her to guide you for your trip, you may get her contact number me in person.
Oh yea, you will regret definitely if you dont make your trip to this national park and have a picture with this giant flower before leaving from Kuching.
Information from the park guide, this flowers have no specific season but its depend on the pollinator. Means that it just like strike on a jackpot. If you just come in time of the blooming, then you can see it. If not then just claim thats not your day.....hahahahahaha......no wonder why I didn't see any of it during my first and second trip here. But my third trip really got it this time....mmmmmmm
There are few challet and lodge house here in the national park but often fully booked. So if you plan to stay overnight here, make sure you make your reservation in advance.
Besides, there are many other different plants for different purpose like plant leaves for the matting, plants used as antiseptic, stomach ache, oh yea another special spesies "plant sac used on the dart in blowing pipe for animals hunting by the local.
7 waterfalls located at different location but make sure you go for waterfall 7 which takes you about 6 hours of walking distance. Probably you need to starts around 4am to make sure you could make your way back before is getting dark.
The park guide for my third visit really professional and informative. So please get this lady, Anthonia, park guide if you plan to visit here. She is very fluent in english, malay and chinese speaking. And honestly from me, she is the best park guide compare to the other 2 park guides before.
If you really wanna get her to guide you for your trip, you may get her contact number me in person.
Oh yea, you will regret definitely if you dont make your trip to this national park and have a picture with this giant flower before leaving from Kuching.
Written June 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellusted
Birmingham, UK66 contributions
Sept 2017
Just like all the best Malaysian tourist attractions, it's easy to do and super organised.
Logistics- bus from Kuching bus terminal near the airport, departing towards Lundu. 2 hours. Approx 16rm. Leaving four times a day.
Bus will stop briefly at a junction to Guning Gading, so tell the bus driver so he knows where to stop. A taxi to the park will be waiting (5rm), failing that get Abun's taxi from Lundu town (5rm).
At the park, you will need a guide to see the Rafflesia as they are deep in the jungle, but they will pool tourists together. It's so popular, there's always groups (30rm for up to ten people). I had six in my group.
Given two hours, you can definitely see a Rafflesia (if it's in bloom and reasonably close), and probably a bonus dip at the first water fall.
I saw some 70yo white tourists with walking sticks. So whilst it's clearly challenging and slippery, it can be done by everyone!
Logistics- bus from Kuching bus terminal near the airport, departing towards Lundu. 2 hours. Approx 16rm. Leaving four times a day.
Bus will stop briefly at a junction to Guning Gading, so tell the bus driver so he knows where to stop. A taxi to the park will be waiting (5rm), failing that get Abun's taxi from Lundu town (5rm).
At the park, you will need a guide to see the Rafflesia as they are deep in the jungle, but they will pool tourists together. It's so popular, there's always groups (30rm for up to ten people). I had six in my group.
Given two hours, you can definitely see a Rafflesia (if it's in bloom and reasonably close), and probably a bonus dip at the first water fall.
I saw some 70yo white tourists with walking sticks. So whilst it's clearly challenging and slippery, it can be done by everyone!
Written September 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandra G R
Bali, Indonesia404 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I visited GUNUNG GADING in June '15, w a group from a guesthouse, WITH A GUIDE !!
I really am one to DIY-- yet the group had a guide, Antonia : ) --who has such a calm +peaceful nature, full of information and love for the jungle and for her job. So, this was the first time I've used a Guide -- and it's A VERY GOOD THING !
Many Rafflesia, a parasitic flowering plant, are in the 'Conservation Area,' where only those w a scientific permit may venture to explore, frequently requiring a Guide. Rafflesia are also in 'bloom' within the boundaries of the Park -- yet one would have no idea of where to go, of just exactly where to look, if venturing w*o a Guide. Imagine making the trek to get to the Park, 'saving money' by going thru the Park w*o a Guide....and not finding any Rafflesia! Now, wouldn't that be a bummer !!
We saw two Rafflesia in full splendor! --one was aprox 77 cm (30 inches) !! --also one somewhat recently declining, and one definitely dying back. Of course, Antonia knew exactly where to go for these viewings : )
We were also given the treat of seeing a BABY COBRA, high up on a tree--for its own protection, as well as for grazing on insect eggs.
Also, we saw a flat MILLIPEDE, with a BIOLUMINESCENT REAR END !!
Other treats for the eye included a SUN SPIDER, a huge creature, perhaps the size of a woman's outstretched hand ! in a web woven between two trees, basking in the sun!
Also seen was a LANTERN BUG (fly), also sporting its own BIOLUMINESCENT 'horn' suspended above+beyond its head, as if lighting its way. very Kool !!
The last creature was a very large Brown WALKING STICK, clearly resembling a brown thorny branch!
A treat after the jaunt in the jungle was a cool, very refreshing dip in the rock pool, just beyond the Park Offices. A great way to end the afternoon and prepare for the trip back to Kuching : )
There are two trails: The Waterfall and The Summit. We just went directly to the Rafflesia in 'bloom.'
REMEMBER: take water, hat, moskie spray, snacks, CAMERA -- nothing available at the Park Office.
I most definitely recommend the trip to GUNUNG GADING --check with the Natl Park Office in Kuching, on the Riverfront, or call, to check the status of the 'blooms.'--very unkool to get there, to have only die-ing Rafflesia ! Pay for the GUIDE, get the treat of viewing various jungle creatures !
I really am one to DIY-- yet the group had a guide, Antonia : ) --who has such a calm +peaceful nature, full of information and love for the jungle and for her job. So, this was the first time I've used a Guide -- and it's A VERY GOOD THING !
Many Rafflesia, a parasitic flowering plant, are in the 'Conservation Area,' where only those w a scientific permit may venture to explore, frequently requiring a Guide. Rafflesia are also in 'bloom' within the boundaries of the Park -- yet one would have no idea of where to go, of just exactly where to look, if venturing w*o a Guide. Imagine making the trek to get to the Park, 'saving money' by going thru the Park w*o a Guide....and not finding any Rafflesia! Now, wouldn't that be a bummer !!
We saw two Rafflesia in full splendor! --one was aprox 77 cm (30 inches) !! --also one somewhat recently declining, and one definitely dying back. Of course, Antonia knew exactly where to go for these viewings : )
We were also given the treat of seeing a BABY COBRA, high up on a tree--for its own protection, as well as for grazing on insect eggs.
Also, we saw a flat MILLIPEDE, with a BIOLUMINESCENT REAR END !!
Other treats for the eye included a SUN SPIDER, a huge creature, perhaps the size of a woman's outstretched hand ! in a web woven between two trees, basking in the sun!
Also seen was a LANTERN BUG (fly), also sporting its own BIOLUMINESCENT 'horn' suspended above+beyond its head, as if lighting its way. very Kool !!
The last creature was a very large Brown WALKING STICK, clearly resembling a brown thorny branch!
A treat after the jaunt in the jungle was a cool, very refreshing dip in the rock pool, just beyond the Park Offices. A great way to end the afternoon and prepare for the trip back to Kuching : )
There are two trails: The Waterfall and The Summit. We just went directly to the Rafflesia in 'bloom.'
REMEMBER: take water, hat, moskie spray, snacks, CAMERA -- nothing available at the Park Office.
I most definitely recommend the trip to GUNUNG GADING --check with the Natl Park Office in Kuching, on the Riverfront, or call, to check the status of the 'blooms.'--very unkool to get there, to have only die-ing Rafflesia ! Pay for the GUIDE, get the treat of viewing various jungle creatures !
Written June 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lunarJade
Ipoh, Malaysia725 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
Gunung Gading National Park ("GGNP") is approx. 2 hours' drive (87 km) west of Kuching. It is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. The Rafflesia has no specific flowering season, taking nine months to mature and flowering for only 5 or 6 days before dying. Only one species, Rafflesia tuan-mudae ('beloved prince'), is found at GGNP.
Our plan was that if there were Rafflesia in bloom during our visit to Kuching, we would make it a point to go to GGNP (the areas where the Rafflesia are often found are close to Park HQ so no long treks). I contacted GGNP 3 days prior to leaving for Kuching and was told that there were none flowering at the time, but there were buds that may bloom in 1 to 2 weeks' time. The flower that bloomed in mid April had withered.
When we reached Kuching, we visited the National Parks Booking Office to make payment for Bako NP accommodation and took the chance to inquire whether there were any Rafflesia in full bloom in GGNP. We were out of luck ... again told that there were none and that the next bloom could be from mid to end May :(
On our last night in Kuching, imagine our surprise when we heard that the Rafflesia was currently flowering at GGNP. Although the next day was our final day in Kuching, we decided that we would rent a car in the morning and drive to GGNP!
The next morning, we called GGNP and reconfirmed that the Rafflesia was in bloom. We made another call and got the rental car after breakfast. Made arrangement to drop off the car at the airport later that day, so that we could drive ourselves to the airport after the visit to GGNP.
The entrance fee to GGNP is RM10 each for Malaysians. We were given a Trail map and it was a mere 15-min trek from Park HQ to the spot where the flowering Rafflesia was (plot B). The reddish brown flower was right in the middle of the trail so it would hard to miss it. The diameter of this Rafflesia was approximately 24 by 21 inches. We also saw two withered Rafflesia nearby one another and a Rafflesia bud in the area beside the river. The cabbage-like Rafflesia bud is larger than a fist. Although it was a short trek to see the flower, we spent almost an hour at GGNP just admiring and taking photographs of the Rafflesia bloom. There wasn't time to do any of the trails so that must mean another trip in the near future :)
Lucky us ... we got to see the extremely rare Rafflesia in full bloom (was told it was the 4th day since it bloomed), a Rafflesia bud and even the blackened/withered flower :) Just awesome!!
And yeah ... we were just in time and caught our flight.
Our plan was that if there were Rafflesia in bloom during our visit to Kuching, we would make it a point to go to GGNP (the areas where the Rafflesia are often found are close to Park HQ so no long treks). I contacted GGNP 3 days prior to leaving for Kuching and was told that there were none flowering at the time, but there were buds that may bloom in 1 to 2 weeks' time. The flower that bloomed in mid April had withered.
When we reached Kuching, we visited the National Parks Booking Office to make payment for Bako NP accommodation and took the chance to inquire whether there were any Rafflesia in full bloom in GGNP. We were out of luck ... again told that there were none and that the next bloom could be from mid to end May :(
On our last night in Kuching, imagine our surprise when we heard that the Rafflesia was currently flowering at GGNP. Although the next day was our final day in Kuching, we decided that we would rent a car in the morning and drive to GGNP!
The next morning, we called GGNP and reconfirmed that the Rafflesia was in bloom. We made another call and got the rental car after breakfast. Made arrangement to drop off the car at the airport later that day, so that we could drive ourselves to the airport after the visit to GGNP.
The entrance fee to GGNP is RM10 each for Malaysians. We were given a Trail map and it was a mere 15-min trek from Park HQ to the spot where the flowering Rafflesia was (plot B). The reddish brown flower was right in the middle of the trail so it would hard to miss it. The diameter of this Rafflesia was approximately 24 by 21 inches. We also saw two withered Rafflesia nearby one another and a Rafflesia bud in the area beside the river. The cabbage-like Rafflesia bud is larger than a fist. Although it was a short trek to see the flower, we spent almost an hour at GGNP just admiring and taking photographs of the Rafflesia bloom. There wasn't time to do any of the trails so that must mean another trip in the near future :)
Lucky us ... we got to see the extremely rare Rafflesia in full bloom (was told it was the 4th day since it bloomed), a Rafflesia bud and even the blackened/withered flower :) Just awesome!!
And yeah ... we were just in time and caught our flight.
Written May 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sizzler654
35 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
Me and my missus hired a scooter in Kuching (40 ringgit) and drove 2 hours to Lundu and stocked up on water and lunch at the local supermarket/shop as the park has no food or water. Entrance was 20 ringgit each.
This is the interesting bit!...
The park itself is where they SAY to go if they have a flower blooming. However they also have bigger flowers up the trails towards waterfall 7 (1 hour trek) they are around 10-20 cm bigger!
They told us there were no flowers in bloom even tho are our tour organisers who wer trying to rip is off said there was. After we told them they admitted they do have big flowers in bloom and said they don't tell visitors as its for conservation and they only want visitors in the park.
A secondary note. You don't need a guide to find your way...only to explain about the sounds and flora. Just ask the guy at the desk to draw you a map. For two people:
Scooter 40R (20R each)
Fuel there + back 12R (6R each)
Lunch from market 15R (7.5 each)
Entrance 20R each
While trip cost about 55R each including lunch. With a tour we said they were giving it 'cheap' for 235R each!!
This is the interesting bit!...
The park itself is where they SAY to go if they have a flower blooming. However they also have bigger flowers up the trails towards waterfall 7 (1 hour trek) they are around 10-20 cm bigger!
They told us there were no flowers in bloom even tho are our tour organisers who wer trying to rip is off said there was. After we told them they admitted they do have big flowers in bloom and said they don't tell visitors as its for conservation and they only want visitors in the park.
A secondary note. You don't need a guide to find your way...only to explain about the sounds and flora. Just ask the guy at the desk to draw you a map. For two people:
Scooter 40R (20R each)
Fuel there + back 12R (6R each)
Lunch from market 15R (7.5 each)
Entrance 20R each
While trip cost about 55R each including lunch. With a tour we said they were giving it 'cheap' for 235R each!!
Written October 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shen i
Anaheim, CA31 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
A great national park with several hiking trails. There is some wildlife, but the biggest draw are waterfalls with swimming holes. The water is crystal clear and there are large granite rocks to relax on. Water is cool, but not cold, even in early morning. There are no crowds on weekdays. There are family rooms, dorms and campsites for accommodation. Try to camp as it's closer to the jungle. Sounds coming out of the jungle at night are unbelievable. Overnight stay is highly recommended.
Bring your own food and water as there are none for sale inside the park. Park is 3-4 km out of town of and within walking distance.
The only turn off is the two times higher price for non-Malaysians. But it's still not 10 times more than locals like in Thailand.
Bring your own food and water as there are none for sale inside the park. Park is 3-4 km out of town of and within walking distance.
The only turn off is the two times higher price for non-Malaysians. But it's still not 10 times more than locals like in Thailand.
Written March 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Azri F
4 contributions
Hi, first of all you need to register your name and all of group member at HQ. We start at HQ base from 11a.m. We walk about 30 minutes to reach at the check point Waterfall 1. Then, we proceed to check point Waterfall 3 about 10 minutes later. We take a break for a while. Then, we hike again to waterfall 7 about 1 hours from the HQ. We also take about 10 minutes here for a break. Then, we follow the Gunung Gading Summit Trail. We decide to go to the Gunung Gading peak. We finish about 2 hours and 15 minutes hike from the HQ to the peak. Its amazing and fantastic trails for who are loving in the adventure. We take some pictures for the memories at there. We leave the peak around 3 pm. We stop at waterfall 7 to taste the water. Its really cold. We take a shower at there for about 1 hours. We love it. Then, we back to HQ. Its really amzing trail. Seriously, you need to prrpare your own physical to go there. I really recomend for who are love adventure. we have a great day at there.
Written April 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darroll l
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia5 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
Located in the mini town of Lundu, 1.5-hour driving distance from Kuching. rm$12.00 from Kuching Central to Lundu town (8am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm bus departures); walking distance to the entrance of the national park (we walked to the town for dinner). Visited during weekdays and non-school-holiday period. Stayed for 2 nights in one of its 4 dormitories, each dormitory has 2 bunker beds; amazing kitchen amenities on both ends of the dormitory block. Both nights were quiet (we were the only visitors), cool and breezy; one of our highlights - starry nights, shooting stars! The natural stream pools are just awesome, especially early in the morning, listening to various chirping of birds - felt like a million dollar pool 6-stars pools.
Absolutely friendly park rangers/staff! Took us approximately 4 hours extra route hike to reach to the summit - good shoes and leg strength are necessary. Watch out for leeches during hike. No scenic views at the summit at all BUT empty plastic bottles discarded by irresponsible human. What important is the observation of forest fauna and flora in the mist of the breezy forest, birds, insects, etc. Another highlight was our rest stop at waterfall #7 - beautiful cascading waterfalls, huge boulder, green backed rock frogs and swim in icy water!!!
One thing we didn't get to see - Rafflesia....we'll be back! :)
Absolutely friendly park rangers/staff! Took us approximately 4 hours extra route hike to reach to the summit - good shoes and leg strength are necessary. Watch out for leeches during hike. No scenic views at the summit at all BUT empty plastic bottles discarded by irresponsible human. What important is the observation of forest fauna and flora in the mist of the breezy forest, birds, insects, etc. Another highlight was our rest stop at waterfall #7 - beautiful cascading waterfalls, huge boulder, green backed rock frogs and swim in icy water!!!
One thing we didn't get to see - Rafflesia....we'll be back! :)
Written May 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arif N
Pontianak, Indonesia
Does anyone has the picture of the army camp remains (Batu Bekubu)? I cannot find any of the picture.
Written August 13, 2019
Hi! Thank you so much for your post about the rafflesia flower in bloom. I was wondering how far in did you have to walk to see one? Thank you!
Written July 8, 2015
It is actually depend, the flower can be every where around the park. Some time you just need to walk 5 to 10 minutes to see one, on other day, you might need to walk further. It took around 15 minutes to see 2 during our last visit, the access is easy, even for young children.
During our visit, there are lot of flower buds here and there. The tour guide will remain not to touch or step on them, as it took 9 months to bloom. She told us, normally you can find 1 within 30 min walk. However, if you have times, they have several water flaws which you might consider to pay them a visit.
Cheers
Written June 20, 2016
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