Santubong National Park to reopen on April 1

Sarawak’s Santubong National Park (SNP) and Matang Wildlife Centre (MWC) will reopen on 1 April after being closed during the monsoon season, Sarawak Forestry Corporation announced earlier this week on its Facebook page.

The park has been closed for several months due to heavy monsoon rains that made it unsafe for visitors to explore the park’s beauty.

The Sarawak Forestry Corporation said it welcomed nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and all those who appreciate the beauty of Sarawak’s natural habitats after a long closure due to heavy monsoon conditions. It advised visitors to be cautious and follow safety protocols while enjoying their stay at the park.

However, it did warn that if weather conditions in the park deteriorated, making it unsafe for visitors, the authorities would close the park. But as April’s weather forecast looks good, forestry officials invited travellers to mark their calendars and plan a trip to explore the beauty of Santubong National Park and Matang Wildlife Centre starting 1 April.

Moreover, the SFC confirms it has streamlined the Visitor Self-Registration Portal registration process for Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Bako National Park, Fairy Cave Nature Reserve and Wind Cave Nature Reserve. The new system aims to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for visitors while maintaining safety protocols.

Santubong National Park and Matang Wildlife Centre are two of Sarawak’s most popular nature reserves, attracting nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Located in the western part of Sarawak, Santubong National Park is named after Mount Santubong, an 810-meter-high mountain that dominates the landscape. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare bird species, primates, and the elusive proboscis monkey. Visitors can explore the park’s lush rainforests, hike to the summit of Mount Santubong for panoramic views, or take a boat tour to see the park’s diverse wildlife.

Matang Wildlife Centre, on the other hand, is located approximately 30 minutes from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. The wildlife centre covers an area of 180 hectares and is home to a variety of endangered and endemic species, including orangutans, sun bears, and crocodiles. Visitors to the wildlife centre can observe the animals in their natural habitat, learn about conservation efforts, and take part in feeding sessions and other educational activities.

Both parks play an important role in Sarawak’s tourism industry and are critical to the preservation of the region’s natural heritage. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation, which manages the parks, is committed to ensuring their long-term sustainability and protecting the unique ecosystems that they contain.