Kuching Within an hour's drive of Kuching are a a number of stunningly beautiful - and often empty - national parks. Most popular is Bako National Park - Sarawak's oldest national park. It is located on the mouth of the Sarawak River, and only reachable by a scenic boatride (make sure to check the tide times!). Bako's extensive trail netwrek offers an glimpse of amazing range of forest types, and caters to all levels of trekker. If you're not into trekking, it also has some beautiful beaches. However, Bako is probably most famous for its amazing wildlife - in particular the large-nosed proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, silver langurs (leaf-eating monkeys), macaque monkeys, and a whole host of others. Kubah National Park and Matang Wildlife Centre offer some nice walks in beautiful rainforest, and have crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls. Matang also has a very well designed open-air zoo, showing a range of Sarawak's amazing animal life - including orang-utans. Just north of Kuching, on the Damai Peninsula is the striking Gunung (Mount) Santubong. A challenging climb to the top, using a series of rope-ladders, offers spectacular views. There's a lovely cool waterfall near the base for relaxing in afterwards. The nearby Sarawak Cultural Village will give you an insight into the cultures and architecture of Sarawak's main tribal groups. A bit further afield is Gunung Gading National Park. Gunung Gading is best known as one of the few places in the world where you can see the giant rafflesia flower - the largest flowers in the world! But it also has a series of seven beautiful waterfalls, said to be enchanted by fairy princesses. To find out more about visiting Sarawak's national parks, there comprehensive guides and practical information (transport, accommodation, trail guides, etc) visit the Trekking Sarawak website: http://www.sarawaktourism.com/TrekkingSarawak
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