Frogging at Kubah National Park

Kubah National Park is a 2,230 hectare protected area of mixed dipterocarp located a 45 minute drive from Kuching. The park is positioned on a small sandstone plateau and is dominated by Mount Serapi (911 m). The park’s soft sandstone base rock is punctuated with bands of hardened limestone, which have created numerous clear streams, waterfalls and bathing pools. Perfect for frogs.

This habitat supports a rich variety of frogs. Over 60 species of frogs have been found at Kubah National Park, including one of the smallest species of frog in the world – the Matang narrow mouth frog. This pea-size frog lives inside and around pitcher plants and was first described by scientists in 2010. A natural frog pond located close to the park HQ is one of the best places to see frogs in Sarawak. Species found at Kubah include the File-eared frog, Bornean horned frog, Wallace’s flying frog, Mahogany frog, Dark-eared tree frog, Lowland litter frog, Harlequin tree frog, Black spotted tree frog, Peat swamp frog, Kuhl’s creek frog and many more.

1750-1810 hours pick up from your hotel. After arriving at Kubah National Park HQ, start walking up the Summit Road towards the frog pond. Along the way, be on the watch for frogs along the side of the road as well as nocturnal wildlife in the forest. The tiny Matang narrow mouth frog can sometimes be spotted at the side of the road amongst the pitcher plants. The frogs deposit their eggs on the sides of the pitcher and the tadpoles live in the pitcher plant until they emerge as young frogs. Adult males are only 10.6-12.8 mm in size so vigilance is required. At the frog pond, search for frogs and listen to wonderful frog sounds. In 2014 Australian sound recordist Marc Anderson recorded the frogs at Kubah National Park and won the “Most Beautiful Sound in the World” competition.  Enjoy similar sounds as ‘’Dusk by the Frog Pond‘. Stand in the middle of Borneo rainforest and listen to a living orchestra of wildlife. After your frogging experience, walk back to the park HQ and depart Kubah around 2200-2300 hours returning to Kuching and your hotel.

Note: Please ensure you have an early dinner before the tour. Bring a good torch (flashlight) or head lamp, drinking water, mosquito repellent, snacks, poncho or raincoat. Wear good walking shoes.