Matang Kubah's Rayu Trail, Sarawak Rainforest Exploration

It was early morning when we set off from Kubah National Park, stepping onto the legendary Rayu Trail. The air was damp with mist, the kind that clings to your skin and whispers that you’re deep in Borneo’s lungs. With my friends and their kids alongside me, the forest quickly came alive—giant dipterocarp trees towering like guardians, roots spreading across the path like sleeping dragons.

Every few steps brought something new: a perfect spider web glistening like glass, tiny orchids blooming straight out of bark, and jungle vines twisting themselves around trunks in impossible spirals. Some trails were closed, some bridges barely hanging on, yet the thrill of pushing deeper into the wilderness kept us moving forward.

We laughed when someone dropped a lens cap onto the forest floor, then paused in awe before vines as thick as ropes coiling skyward. The children listened wide-eyed as our guide showed us edible shoots and leaves, proof that this forest feeds more than just the imagination.

By the time we reached the river crossing, the water reflected the canopy like a mirror. Calm, cool, inviting. It felt like the jungle was rewarding us after hours of sweat and mud.

After 6.3 kilometers, we emerged at Matang Wildlife Centre—tired, muddy, but exhilarated. The trail had given us more than just a path through the forest; it gave us stories, laughter, and a fresh reminder of why these wild places must be cherished.

The details of my Rayu Trail

Created by My Tracks on Android.

Name: Rayu Trail to Matang Wildlife Center

Total distance: 6.29 km (3.9 mi)

Total time: 3:36:38

Average speed: 1.74 km/h (1.1 mi/h)

Average moving speed: 16.32 km/h (10.1 mi/h)

Max speed: 17.73 km/h (11.0 mi/h)

Average pace: 34.42 min/km (55.4 min/mi)

Average moving pace: 3.68 min/km (5.9 min/mi)

Fastest pace: 3.38 min/km (5.4 min/mi)

Max elevation: 394 m (1292 ft)

Min elevation: 26 m (87 ft)

Elevation gain: 2763 m (9066 ft)

Recorded: 17/09/2012 8:06am start, 11.42am ends.

Then lastly, enjoy the picture that I took during my trip. It was a fruitful day, as I can see different kinds of flora and fauna. Some highlight are a frog which is smaller than my finger, an iguana blending its body colour on the tree trunk, huge rattan next to the tree, and the feather of wild bird.