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Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung
Gading National Park is a beautiful expanse of mountainous rainforest
only two hours away from Kuching. Located near Lundu, a pleasant little
town in south-west Sarawak. Initially, the park was a closed
conservation zone for the spectacular Rafflesia, the largest flower in
the world that can grow up to one metre in diameter. However, after
extensive environmental impact studies, the National Parks Department
decided that Gunung Gading is a treasure that should be shared with the
public. It was therefore opened to the public in 1994. However,
Gunung Gading National Park remains closely watched by the National
Parks Department to ensure that visitors will get the best
opportunities to view the flowering Rafflesia without causing any
damage to the young buds and other flora in the surrounding area. A plank walk has been built close to where the Rafflesia is commonly found, making viewing possible when the plant is in bloom. Jungle
trails lead to streams, cascading waterfalls and the mountains, with
one path taking trekkers to the summit of Gunung Gading (906m). The
rugged mountains within the Park provide a scenic backdrop to the
nearby town of Lundu, and the beaches at Pandan and Siar.
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