Mount Santubong
Mount Santubong
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- Jessica LeeIpoh, Malaysia111 contributionsA great hike with some challenging paths which resembles rock climbingIf you wish to hike up to the summit, do make sure you arrive at the station before 9am. The park opens at 7am during weekends. The first half of the hike was like a stroll as it was not too steep until we reached the F7 pitstop. Subsequently, the hike up resembles rock climbing as the inclination was really steep and arm strength was also needed to climb up. There are also multiple ladder steps along the way and it is not for the faint hearted and for those with heart problems. The hike up took us approximately 4 hours. The view from the summit Mount Santubong was breathtaking and could see the Sarawak river from the distance. I would only recommend visiting to those who usually hike. Do have a heavy breakfast prior to the hike and pack some lunch up.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 July 2023
- PHABfamilyLondon, United Kingdom823 contributionsGreat challenge, extremely humidI’ve got to challenge a few previous reviews. Whilst my wife & I are both fit, it was allot more than a “stroll” in the park. Yes the 1st bit of the trek gets starts to get you aligned for what’s to come after you split from the loop trail, nothing quite prepares you. Many of the paths crazy steep & yes allot of it you’re on all fours. There are streams to cross, roots sticking up literally everywhere, branches & many other obstacles. The humidity is the killer & overall in places it’s simply brutal. I’ve still given this 5 stars as we loved the challenge & experience. I wanted to see a bit of rugged Borneo & the Rain Forest & if you visit here you’ll get both. There’s no shops close by & you can’t get anything at the Rangers station, so come prepared. We took 3 litters of water which was enough for our 4 hour trek But…….. we didn’t make the top 😢Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
- Niels V9 contributionsGreat but challenging hike/climbMount Santubong was a great hike/ rockclimb. You have to start om weekdays between 0800 and 0900. After 0900 they won’t let you start anymore. You have to turn around at 1300 No matter if you reached the summit or not. The expected time is 1,5h to the lookout and then another 2,5h to the top. 4h Total ascend. Descend is the same path. Entrance is free. First part of the hike to the lookout point (f7) is not too difficult. It’s a steep walk and at some parts you have to hold on to a Rope. After the lookout point the real climb to the summit starts. Expect very steep terrain all the way from the lookout to the summit. Along the way you get multiple fireladders up to 10 meters high. Don’t be afraid of hights. You also have to do some rope climbs. During the climb watch out for spiders and snakes (especially if you are the first ones of the day like us, we saw both and a bit too close for comfort). The summit has a beautiful lookout. The hike and climb are quite challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not fit/ used to hiking. We are quite fit and did it in 2,5h up 3h down but it was challenging and we only took short breaks. Bring enough water and food for the trip.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Niels V
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Mount Santubong was a great hike/ rockclimb. You have to start om weekdays between 0800 and 0900. After 0900 they won’t let you start anymore. You have to turn around at 1300 No matter if you reached the summit or not. The expected time is 1,5h to the lookout and then another 2,5h to the top. 4h Total ascend. Descend is the same path. Entrance is free.
First part of the hike to the lookout point (f7) is not too difficult. It’s a steep walk and at some parts you have to hold on to a Rope. After the lookout point the real climb to the summit starts. Expect very steep terrain all the way from the lookout to the summit. Along the way you get multiple fireladders up to 10 meters high. Don’t be afraid of hights. You also have to do some rope climbs. During the climb watch out for spiders and snakes (especially if you are the first ones of the day like us, we saw both and a bit too close for comfort). The summit has a beautiful lookout.
The hike and climb are quite challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not fit/ used to hiking. We are quite fit and did it in 2,5h up 3h down but it was challenging and we only took short breaks. Bring enough water and food for the trip.
First part of the hike to the lookout point (f7) is not too difficult. It’s a steep walk and at some parts you have to hold on to a Rope. After the lookout point the real climb to the summit starts. Expect very steep terrain all the way from the lookout to the summit. Along the way you get multiple fireladders up to 10 meters high. Don’t be afraid of hights. You also have to do some rope climbs. During the climb watch out for spiders and snakes (especially if you are the first ones of the day like us, we saw both and a bit too close for comfort). The summit has a beautiful lookout.
The hike and climb are quite challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not fit/ used to hiking. We are quite fit and did it in 2,5h up 3h down but it was challenging and we only took short breaks. Bring enough water and food for the trip.
Written 26 September 2023
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.
PHABfamily
London, UK823 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I’ve got to challenge a few previous reviews. Whilst my wife & I are both fit, it was allot more than a “stroll” in the park.
Yes the 1st bit of the trek gets starts to get you aligned for what’s to come after you split from the loop trail, nothing quite prepares you. Many of the paths crazy steep & yes allot of it you’re on all fours. There are streams to cross, roots sticking up literally everywhere, branches & many other obstacles.
The humidity is the killer & overall in places it’s simply brutal.
I’ve still given this 5 stars as we loved the challenge & experience. I wanted to see a bit of rugged Borneo & the Rain Forest & if you visit here you’ll get both.
There’s no shops close by & you can’t get anything at the Rangers station, so come prepared. We took 3 litters of water which was enough for our 4 hour trek
But…….. we didn’t make the top 😢
Yes the 1st bit of the trek gets starts to get you aligned for what’s to come after you split from the loop trail, nothing quite prepares you. Many of the paths crazy steep & yes allot of it you’re on all fours. There are streams to cross, roots sticking up literally everywhere, branches & many other obstacles.
The humidity is the killer & overall in places it’s simply brutal.
I’ve still given this 5 stars as we loved the challenge & experience. I wanted to see a bit of rugged Borneo & the Rain Forest & if you visit here you’ll get both.
There’s no shops close by & you can’t get anything at the Rangers station, so come prepared. We took 3 litters of water which was enough for our 4 hour trek
But…….. we didn’t make the top 😢
Written 26 September 2023
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.
Jessica Lee
Ipoh, Malaysia111 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
If you wish to hike up to the summit, do make sure you arrive at the station before 9am. The park opens at 7am during weekends. The first half of the hike was like a stroll as it was not too steep until we reached the F7 pitstop. Subsequently, the hike up resembles rock climbing as the inclination was really steep and arm strength was also needed to climb up. There are also multiple ladder steps along the way and it is not for the faint hearted and for those with heart problems. The hike up took us approximately 4 hours. The view from the summit Mount Santubong was breathtaking and could see the Sarawak river from the distance. I would only recommend visiting to those who usually hike. Do have a heavy breakfast prior to the hike and pack some lunch up.
Written 6 July 2023
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.
James N
Kuching, Malaysia2,327 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Mt. Santubong is the highest mountain one can climb located nearest to Kuching. Located in a national park, one needs to register with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation office prior to the climb. The track is almost four kilometers long and the summit can be reached within less than three hours. It is considered as tough but with some preparations, most can reach the summit with little problems.
Written 12 September 2022
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.
Nico B
3 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Summit trail (now yellow markings): 4hrs up 3.5hrs down, bring enough water especially if you're not used to the heat. The last 2.5hrs are climbed on all fours. The trail is very well maintained and safe even for beginners, however very challenging. I'm not in bad shape but my legs barely made it.
Written 3 May 2022
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.
Cay
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia218 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Hi just wanted to put a message out there that during rainy season this park is close due to safety issue. We tried. But you can still do hiking to the blue pool and waterfall using the Permai resort. just pay an entrance fee of RM10 per person .
Written 23 December 2021
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.
NASRA P
Kota Kinabalu District, Malaysia6 contributions
Jul 2020
You will get an awesome experience here, hiking the mount while enjoying the fresh air. But if you are not fit enough, you should not go here. The trail is challenging and you need to be fit enough. Worth experience!
Written 9 June 2021
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.
George F
Toowoomba, Australia8 contributions
Jun 2019
Climbing Mount Santubong is an incredible walk - starting out on the flat and progressing towards the summit with ever steeper paths and a number of vertical rope ladders. It is for the fit and adventurous. However there is much to see on the lower and flatter paths for those unprepared to take on the extreme adventure
Written 12 May 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.
HTH
Kuching, Malaysia151 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The mountain with height over 2,600 feet ,from city centre nearly a hour and 10 minutes travelling distance. Here's one of the gazetted National Park as well.
Furthermore,there's an romantic legend about Princess Santubong related to the point.
Furthermore,there's an romantic legend about Princess Santubong related to the point.
Written 17 March 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.
ashaec
Bangkok, Thailand20 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The jungle loop trail is the easier of the two trails. The trek took us only about one and half hours to complete.
It’s a short trail and well marked but there are some confusing sections. It would be a good idea to get a contact number before staring out from the park office just in case.
I had read that there are multiple exits but these exits were not marked well.
Physical fitness is required as this is not a flat and easy esp for people who don’t trek frequently. There were some climbs and descents where we had to hold on to ropes or tree roots.
There is plenty of shade but the path would definitely be very slippery and dangerous during the rainy season.
Would recommend good waterproof shoes as the trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots and some small streams and brooks to cross and also carry plenty of water.
The waterfall is right below the suspension bridge and would require climbing down some slippery rocks
To get there:
We had to drive around a bit after Culvert to find the park entrance. Look out for cars parked near “Santubong puteri trail start” ( google maps)
It’s a short trail and well marked but there are some confusing sections. It would be a good idea to get a contact number before staring out from the park office just in case.
I had read that there are multiple exits but these exits were not marked well.
Physical fitness is required as this is not a flat and easy esp for people who don’t trek frequently. There were some climbs and descents where we had to hold on to ropes or tree roots.
There is plenty of shade but the path would definitely be very slippery and dangerous during the rainy season.
Would recommend good waterproof shoes as the trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots and some small streams and brooks to cross and also carry plenty of water.
The waterfall is right below the suspension bridge and would require climbing down some slippery rocks
To get there:
We had to drive around a bit after Culvert to find the park entrance. Look out for cars parked near “Santubong puteri trail start” ( google maps)
Written 11 March 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.
Karel Mestdagh
Kuching, Malaysia
Are there some budget places to stay overnight nearby the mountain or park?
csChai
Malaysia1,312 contributions
There are no budget places to stay overnight nearby. I suggest staying in Kuching and travel to the park early in the morning. Get a Grab Car.
Kami rencana ke Kuching bulan Oktober, brp lama perjalanan ke Santubong dan berat tdk ya medan di sana, mengingat kami semua sdh berumur di atas 50th dan aktivitas apa yg bisa kami lakukan selain mendaki..thx atas jawabannya
omar o
39 contributions
Perjalanan dari bandar ambil kira kira 35 minit. Kalau hanya mahu ke air terjun bisa pak. Tapi kalau mahu mendaki saya tidak tahu pak.
Is the trek well shaded by the forest canopy or quite exposed to the sun?
akfa
Shah Alam, Malaysia130 contributions
It's 80% covered. Personally I don't think it's necessary to wear a cap except for the peak. The peak is exposed and gets very hot during noon.
However just to remind that because the canopy is comparatively thick, it can get dark faster.
Blisseth S
4 contributions
Hi, I’ll be in Kuching in 4 days, coming from SF Bay, CA, USA.
If the rain lightens for 1 day, I’ll tackle Santubong... where can I get a driver + others to hike w me?
Also are the gloves sold locally pretty cheap there?
Thanks!
Blisseth
LauraJC13
Kuching, Malaysia29 contributions
Hi Blisseth, there are minibus from Kuching hotels that takes you there. Gloves are pretty cheap, the garden gloves are sufficient, not necessary to have though. I'm sure you will meet some hikers there. As a local, my advice is go in a group with other hikers of if you can get a guide, would be better.
Diah F
3 contributions
Was wondering if its possible to climb this mount solo? and has anyone ride a rental bike from kuching city centre to santubong itself? is it posibble too?
looking forward for your help!
Ull S
Kuching, Malaysia8 contributions
Hi Hidayah,
Going solo? It is possible. Bike to Santubong, that's possible as well. Hope this helps!
nalney
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2 contributions
How can we find a guide to hike the mount? Can I have the contact details of you have any?
izret
Brno, Czech Republic297 contributions
there is a registration counter at the beginning point, you have to sign in, write down your data including the phone number (optionally), and then sing out, if something happens, they know about you.
Katherine L
Purley, UK50 contributions
Can anyone help me with information on travel to and from this place?
I'm looking to get from Bako NP to here (in evening), stay one night here, then get back to Kuching. Are there buses between Sanbutong and Bako? / Sanbutong and Kuching?
Many thanks
Mohamad Udin
Miri, Malaysia43 contributions
Hi Kathrine, you can get a taxi from Bako or maybe private transport(Van). If you planned to stay overnite at Santubong, I suggest you rent one air conditioned Chalet at Camp Permai where you can enjoy the wild and you can take a short walk to reach Kampong Budaya Sarawak.
regarding buses between Santubong and Kuching, you may get help from the camp checkin counter. The Camp is also providing transport to Kuching which is available at the counter.
If you wish to stay at Damai Beach Hotel you may do so but do not swim in the sea because the current is quite strong and is dangerous all year round.
Wx_Freeman
Sarawak, Malaysia
Hi, I managed to climb Bukit Lambir, Miri, Sarawak (Lambir Hills).I just want to know the difficulty between Lambir Hills and Mount Santubong. Which is do you think is harder / more difficult? And if possible, how do you rate both experience? Thank you.
Mohamad Udin
Miri, Malaysia43 contributions
Hi my fren, I had twice experience climbing Mount Santubong. Bukit Lambir is not so difficult as compared to Mount Santubong. I lost my way at Mount Santubong during my first climb due to wrong compass reading.
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Claim your listingMOUNT SANTUBONG: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Santubong
- Hotels near Mount Santubong:
- (0.67 km) Nanga Damai Homestay
- (1.57 km) The Culvert Hotel Resort Kuching
- (0.86 km) Damai Beach Resort
- (0.77 km) BB Bunkers
- (1.33 km) Permai Rainforest Resort
- Restaurants near Mount Santubong:
- (0.83 km) D'Sea Restaurant
- (0.82 km) Bayridge Fine Seafood
- (0.86 km) Escobar Bar & Grill
- (1.25 km) Elements
- (6.41 km) Ahsoh Buntal Seafood
- Attractions near Mount Santubong:
- (0.53 km) Damai Beach
- (0.90 km) Aquabase Scuba Diving
- (1.04 km) Damai Golf & Country Club
- (15.47 km) Bako National Park
- (12.39 km) Sarawak Cultural Village