Gunung Gading National Park

Gunung Gading Overview

Gunung Gading National Park, locally known as Taman Negara Gunung Gading, is a gem of natural beauty located in the Lundu District of Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Covering an area of approximately 21 square miles (55 square kilometers), this park is renowned for its lush rainforests, towering peaks, and unique biodiversity.

Nestled within the park is Mount Gading, the highest point in the region, rising prominently amidst the dense vegetation. The park is famed for its rugged terrain, featuring cascading waterfalls such as Waterfall 7 and streams that meander through the dense jungle, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

The terrain at Gunung Gading is a vibrant mosaic of tropical rainforest ecosystems, with steep ridges and forested valleys blanketed by a dense canopy of dipterocarp trees, ferns, and palms. These ancient forests also host various exotic flowering plants, including the world-famous Rafflesia tuan-mudae, the largest flower in the world. This giant parasitic bloom can span up to three feet (one meter) in diameter and is a sought-after attraction for visitors, though its appearance is rare and unpredictable.

The park is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, offering visitors a chance to encounter some of Borneo’s most iconic creatures. Primates such as the long-tailed macaque and the Bornean gibbon are often spotted in the treetops, while the park’s forest floor provides habitat for small mammals like the mouse deer and civets.

Birdwatchers will delight in observing species such as the hornbill, kingfisher, and various types of bulbuls, which add vibrant colors and melodies to the forest. Insects, including colorful butterflies and exotic beetles, further enrich the park’s biodiversity.

Gunung Gading National Park’s key attraction is undoubtedly its Rafflesia flowers, which draw botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The park is also a popular destination for trekking, with well-marked trails leading to scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and secluded forest areas. Visitors can explore paths ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes that ascend Mount Gading. The park’s waterfalls, including Waterfall 7, are particularly favored for their refreshing pools, offering a cool retreat amidst the tropical heat.

Efforts to conserve Gunung Gading’s unique environment have been met with both challenges and successes. Illegal logging and encroachment have historically posed threats to the park’s delicate ecosystems. However, proactive measures by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and collaboration with local communities have significantly improved conservation outcomes. These initiatives include the establishment of controlled tourism practices, habitat restoration projects, and public education on the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Visitors to Gunung Gading National Park can immerse themselves in its stunning natural landscapes while contributing to its conservation. Whether trekking to the waterfalls, seeking out the elusive Rafflesia, or simply enjoying the rich sounds of the rainforest, this park offers an unforgettable experience in one of Borneo’s most pristine natural sanctuaries.

Park Map

Gunung Gading National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Gunung Gading National Park, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, is renowned for its lush tropical rainforest and unique wildlife. It is most famous for being home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, but the park also harbors a variety of fascinating animal species. Visitors can explore a range of habitats, from lowland forests to cascading waterfalls, while encountering the park’s diverse fauna.

Malayan Pangolin
A shy and nocturnal species, the Malayan pangolin is known for its armor-like scales. This insectivorous mammal uses its long, sticky tongue to feed on ants and termites, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Sunda Clouded Leopard
This elusive big cat is distinguished by its striking cloud-like spots. The Sunda clouded leopard is an apex predator in the park, preying on smaller mammals, and is a symbol of Southeast Asia’s incredible biodiversity.

Bornean Slow Loris
A small primate with large, round eyes adapted for nocturnal life, the Bornean slow loris feeds on insects, fruit, and tree gum. It is also one of the few venomous mammals in the world.

Sun Bear
Known as the smallest bear species, the sun bear is identified by its short black coat and a characteristic orange crescent marking on its chest. It feeds on fruits, insects, and honey, and is an important seed disperser in the forest.

Bornean Horned Frog
This master of camouflage blends seamlessly into the forest floor with its leaf-like appearance. The Bornean horned frog is an ambush predator, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Leopard Cat
A small wild cat that resembles a domestic feline, the leopard cat is a solitary and agile predator. It hunts birds, rodents, and reptiles, contributing to the control of prey populations.

Bornean Crested Fireback
This striking pheasant species, although primarily terrestrial, is an important ground dweller in the park’s ecosystem. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive crest make it a visually stunning sight.

Binturong
Also known as the bearcat, the binturong is a large, arboreal mammal with a prehensile tail. It feeds on fruits and small animals and plays a role in seed dispersal.

Flying Lemur (Colugo)
This gliding mammal is adapted for life in the trees. It has a membrane connecting its limbs, allowing it to glide between trees in search of food such as leaves and flowers.

Rafflesia Arnoldii
Though not an animal, the Rafflesia deserves mention due to its fame in the park. This parasitic plant produces the world’s largest flower, which emits a pungent odor to attract pollinators like carrion flies.

Birds

Gunung Gading National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting a variety of colorful and exotic bird species. The park’s rich avian diversity ranges from small forest songbirds to larger, more elusive species.

Rhinoceros Hornbill
One of Malaysia’s most iconic birds, the rhinoceros hornbill is easily recognized by its large, colorful casque. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and is a symbol of Sarawak’s biodiversity.

Asian Fairy Bluebird
This beautiful bird has vibrant blue plumage with contrasting black wings and tail. It feeds on fruits and nectar, contributing to the park’s pollination processes.

Black-and-Red Broadbill
Known for its striking black-and-red plumage, this bird often nests near water and feeds on insects and small aquatic creatures.

Great Argus
A ground-dwelling pheasant, the great argus is known for its spectacular courtship displays. Males have long tail feathers covered with intricate eye-like patterns.

Hill Myna
Famous for its ability to mimic human speech, the hill myna is a glossy black bird with orange-yellow wattles. It is often heard before it is seen, with its loud, distinctive calls.

Buffy Fish Owl
This nocturnal predator has large, piercing yellow eyes and is often seen near water bodies, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
A tiny bird with vibrant orange, blue, and yellow plumage, the Oriental dwarf kingfisher is found near streams, where it feeds on small fish and insects.

Crested Serpent Eagle
A majestic raptor, the crested serpent eagle is known for its soaring flights and its diet of reptiles, particularly snakes, in the park.

Scarlet Minivet
This brightly colored bird is easily recognizable by its red or yellow plumage, depending on the gender. It feeds on fruits and insects high in the canopy.

Bornean Green Magpie
This vividly green bird with a red bill and black mask is unique to Borneo. It is an intelligent and social bird that feeds on insects and small vertebrates.

Flowers

Rafflesia tuan-mudae

Rafflesia tuan-mudae is a rare and extraordinary parasitic flowering plant found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Borneo’s Gunung Gading National Park. This botanical marvel is renowned for producing the largest individual flower in the world, which can measure up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter and weigh as much as 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

The flower emerges directly from the host vine’s roots and appears as a giant, fleshy bloom with five reddish-orange petals covered in pale, wart-like markings. Despite its striking appearance, the Rafflesia emits a strong odor resembling rotting flesh, earning it the nickname “corpse flower.”

This scent attracts carrion flies, which aid in pollination. Rafflesia tuan-mudae has no leaves, stems, or roots of its own, relying entirely on its host for nutrients. Its unpredictable blooming cycle makes witnessing this botanical wonder a rare and cherished experience.