Mount Matang Maha Mariamman Temple, The Indian Temple at Kuching, Borneo.

Hiking to Mount Mike and the Maha Mariamman Temple Today I visited one that blends faith, culture, and nature in a way you won’t find anywhere else, Mount Mike. At the foothill, you’ll find a Christian church. Climb to the top, and standing proudly is the Maha Mariamman Temple, the only Indian temple of its kind in Kuching. Two worlds of spirituality on one mountain, it doesn’t get more unique than that. How to Get There Start by driving towards the red bridge in Matang. Once you pass the Malay mosque, look carefully to your left for a signboard marked *“Mount Mike.”* Turn into the Malay village and follow the road straight in. At the foothill, you’ll usually see locals offering to watch your car—we paid RM5 for parking. If you look closely around the foothill, you might even spot a few **pitcher plants**, Sarawak’s famous carnivorous plant, adding a touch of wild wonder before your climb. The Climb The hike itself takes around 40 minutes. It’s not steep, making it beginner-friendly. Along the way, I came across youngsters from Kuching testing their mountain bikes on the terrain, as well as devotees making their way downhill after prayers. Before the top, you’ll pass a small shrine with an Indian deity. From here, the left trail leads to the Maha Mariamman Temple, while the right trail once led to the bungalow of Charles Brooke, Sarawak’s second White Rajah. Sadly, nothing remains of the bungalow except a few wooden structures, so most hikers continue straight up to the temple. At the Temple At the main entrance, a stairway leads up to the temple. Years ago, this temple was a simple Belian wood structure. Today, it has been transformed into a beautiful, newly built Indian temple that welcomes both worshippers and visitors. Before entering, we were asked to remove our shoes and wash our feet, an act of respect. I also washed my hands and face, and even drank from the tap water to refresh myself (especially after finishing my bottle at Matang waterfall earlier!). Inside, I offered prayers to the deity and received permission from the priest to film. Other climbers joined us inside, one even asking the priest about yoga. With a smile, the priest confirmed he practiced it too. Encounters like these make Mount Mike not just a hike, but a cultural experience. Heading Down After about 15 minutes exploring and soaking in the atmosphere, we took some photos and began our descent. It took another 30 minutes to reach the foothill. My right knee was aching badly by then, but the experience was worth every step. Why You Should Visit Mount Mike is more than just a hike—it’s a blend of cultures, legends, and spirituality. Where else can you start your journey at a church and end it at an Indian temple, all while surrounded by Sarawak’s greenery? If you’re exploring Kuching and want something off the beaten path, add Mount Mike to your list. It’s an easy hike, rich in history, and full of character.

More Reading:
My first Climb to this place back in year 2006

Cheers,
Wilson
Knee is getting better now...