MY · Sarawak · 1.73°N 110.33°E

mount santubong

A steep climb with ropes and ladders above the sea, then seafood on stilts at Buntal.

Best time
March to September has less rain and is the time for the summit. From December to February the rock and ladders are often wet and slippery. The Rainforest World Music Festival takes over the Cultural Village for three days, usually in June or July.
How long
1 day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kuching (about 1 hour 45 minutes), then drive about 40 minutes to the national park entrance on the Santubong road. Most people drive or take a Grab, and sort out the ride back before they start.
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MY · Sarawakmount santubong1.73°N 110.33°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A steep climb with ropes and ladders above the sea, then seafood on stilts at Buntal.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMount SantubongMY, Sarawak
KLmount santubong
≈ 973 km from KL, as the crow flies
Cove 55 surroundings (located near to Mount Santubong) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Photo: Esther Siaw · CC BY 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The jungle peak at the tip of the Santubong peninsula, about 40 minutes north of Kuching. The summit trail is a hard climb with ropes and metal ladders near the top; the easier jungle loop to a waterfall takes about two hours. The peninsula also has Damai beach, the Sarawak Cultural Village and seafood restaurants on stilts at Buntal.

Makan

  1. Buntal seafoodRestaurants on stilts over the water at Kampung Buntal, with the mountain behind. Go at sunset for ikan bakar, prawns and midin.Map ↗
  2. Sarawak laksaA bowl in Kuching before an early start.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The summit trailSteep all the way, with ropes and ladders up the rock faces near the top and views over the South China Sea if the cloud lifts. Allow 6–8 hours there and back.Map ↗
  2. The jungle trek loopThe easier trail, about two hours, to a waterfall with a hanging bridge.Map ↗
  3. Irrawaddy dolphin cruiseBoats from the Santubong jetty head out to the river mouths in the morning to look for Irrawaddy dolphins. Sightings aren't guaranteed.Map ↗
  4. Damai beachCool off at the beach on the other side of the peninsula after the climb.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Register at the park office and start early. Rangers want summit climbers heading down by mid-afternoon.
  • Carry about 3 litres of water each; there's nothing to buy on the trail.
  • Gloves help on the ropes, and you need shoes with proper grip for the upper section.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.