I recently joined a group of friends for an adventure into Kubah National Park. Despite having visited many times, and even summiting Mount Kubah once, I had somehow never realized there was a hidden waterfall tucked away in this lush rainforest.
Our day began early. I was up by 6:30 AM and fueled up with breakfast by 7:00 AM. It was a pleasant 30-minute drive to reach the Matang Family Park entrance. From there, we drove up to the main Kubah National Park office. The entrance fee was RM10 for adults, and group rates are available as well.
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The journey started with a 30-minute hike up a steep incline (roughly 900m away from registration counter). To my surprise, I saw a signpost clearly pointing toward the waterfall. I couldn’t believe I had missed it during all my previous visits! From that point on, we left the paved path behind and began our true jungle trekking experience.
Because it had rained the night before, the air was thick with humidity. While I worried about a downpour, the moisture brought the forest to life. Our group of twenty spread out; some raced ahead while others took a slower pace. I found myself stopping frequently to photograph the flora. The damp conditions were perfect for fungi, and I found mushrooms of every imaginable size and shape.
I even encountered a botanical mystery: a tree with a single, vibrant orange flower blossoming directly from its trunk. This phenomenon, known as cauliflory, was a first for me and truly a sight to behold.
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As we hiked, the group dynamic was lively. While some complained of fatigue, others were full of energy, some even "spoke" to the local wildlife with loud shouts of "kuak kuah!" Surprisingly, the monkeys actually shouted back!
This was the first jungle expedition for my Nikon D90. Compared to my old Olympus, which was built like a tank, the D90 felt a bit more fragile in such a rugged environment. I found myself taking extra precautions, carefully shielding her from the mud and moisture.
After 40 minutes of trekking, the distant roar of rushing water reached our ears. The excitement was electric. The last time I had visited a major waterfall was 20 years ago in Brunei, a massive two-story drop where the water was deep enough to dive into. I wondered if this would compare.
Ten minutes later, we finally arrived. I wrapped my camera in a plastic bag for protection and began to explore. The sheer artistry of nature never ceases to impress me. We climbed toward the top of the falls, and though the height made my heart race, the view was spectacular.
The stream was ice-cold and incredibly refreshing. I set up my gear to capture some long-exposure shots of the flowing water. However, I had company, dozens of tiny sweat bees! While they didn't sting, they were incredibly persistent, buzzing around my face and leaving tiny yellow spots on my skin and camera. It was a test of my concentration, to say the least!
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Once the photography session was over, we all dove in. The freezing water was the perfect reward for our humid trek, providing a natural massage for our tired backs. The top of the falls was wide and flat, with water gliding over the stone. It was incredibly slippery; I found myself sliding from one spot to another like a kid. It was great fun, though I had to be careful not to "overslip" and end up like a flat pancake at the bottom!
By the time we got out, we were starving. My friends had started a fire, and the menu was a feast: BBQ lamb, chicken wings, Foochow kompia, fish, and corn. There is nothing quite like the taste of charcoal-grilled lamb after a cold swim to satisfy a "Borneo Explorer's" appetite.
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Exploring nature is my true passion. I feel lucky to have friends who know these hidden corners of Kuching. Next time, I definitely need to bring my brothers along for a picnic!
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The day I climbed the Kubah Mount
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| Kubah Waterfall |
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Some short video I shoot during the trip.
Guys, when is the last time you've hear the sound of stream water?
