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.
A plank walk has been built close to where the Rafflesia is
commonly found, making viewing possible when the plant is in bloom.
Jungle trails lead to streams, cascading waterfalls and the
mountains, with one path taking trekkers to the summit of Gunung Gading (906m).
The rugged mountains within the Park provide a scenic backdrop to the nearby
town of Lundu, and the beaches at Pandan and Siar.
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