Sama Jaya Nature Reserve
Sarawak Forestry Corporation
Sama Jaya Nature Reserve
A patch of jungle right in the city, Sama Jaya Forest Park gives urban dwellers a taste of the wilderness, while at the same time serving as an important research centre. One of the few areas of virgin jungle within the Kuching urban area, this kerangas forest is popular with strollers and wildlife enthusiasts, while more active visitors appreciate the fitness trail and jogging tracks through the trees.
Nature conservation and education are the main objectives of the reserve and, while the forest remains in its natural state, the park headquarters a number of educational and recreational facilities. Not to be missed is the ethnobotanical garden with its more than 80 species of plants and herbs from throughout Sarawak.
The wonderful panorama of Sarawak’s forest can be found in the Timber Products, Bamboo and Forest Biology Museums that focus on the importance of forests to the State’s ecology and economy. A viewing tower gives visitors a panoramic vista of the area.
Visitors can also get a taste of Japan in the Hiroshima-Sarawak Friendship Garden. Sarawak Forestry, the Forest Department of Hiroshima Prefecture and the Hiroshima Landscape Architecture Association collaborated closely on this garden, complete with teahouse, to emphasise the close friendship between Hiroshima and Sarawak.
Sama Jaya is just a 10-minute drive from Kuching’s city centre, but gives visitors a taste of the delights of all the national parks.
Urban Wildlife
A patch of jungle right in the city, Sama Jaya Forest Park gives urban dwellers a taste of the wilderness, while at the same time serving as an important research centre. One of the few areas of virgin jungle within the Kuching urban area, this kerangas forest is popular with strollers and wildlife enthusiasts, while more active visitors appreciate the fitness trail and jogging tracks through the trees.
Facilities and Activities
Health & Recreation
Jogging/Walking :-
Sama Jaya’s two jogging tracks are amongst the most popular in Kuching. At 870 metres and 1600 metres respectively, the tracks cater for both beginners and serious joggers, and offer variety to regular users. Both tracks wind their way through attractive forest scenery, promoting a sense of oneness with nature while you exercise.
Fitness Trail :–
Sama Jaya’s two jogging tracks are amongst the most popular in Kuching. At 870 metres and 1600 metres respectively, the tracks cater for both beginners and serious joggers, and offer variety to regular users. Both tracks wind their way through attractive forest scenery, promoting a sense of oneness with nature while you exercise.
Baruk Shelter :–
Sama Jaya’s two jogging tracks are amongst the most popular in Kuching. At 870 metres and 1600 metres respectively, the tracks cater for both beginners and serious joggers, and offer variety to regular users. Both tracks wind their way through attractive forest scenery, promoting a sense of oneness with nature while you exercise.
Hiroshima-Sarawak Friendship Garden :–
Sama Jaya’s two jogging tracks are amongst the most popular in Kuching. At 870 metres and 1600 metres respectively, the tracks cater for both beginners and serious joggers, and offer variety to regular users. Both tracks wind their way through attractive forest scenery, promoting a sense of oneness with nature while you exercise.
Facilities and Activities
Social & Educational
Activity Centre :–
This open air meeting place is ideal for group functions such as outdoor lectures, discussions, and social gatherings such as Family Days. It can accommodate up to 200 people.
Visitor Centre :–
The Visitor Centre houses an audio-visual theatre, exhibition room, and conference room which are available for use by local organizations, as well as a viewing tower and the Park’s administrative office.
Ethno-Botanical Garden :–
Sarawak’s enormous biodiversity has produced a wide range of plants and herbs which have medicinal properties. A total of 82 of the most significant plants species used in traditional medicine or for ritual purposes are on display here.
Rest Shelters :–
There are 13 shelters situated along the jogging tracks for resting or taking shelter from bad weather.
Getting There
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