The Santubong Heritage Trail is a popular eco-cultural trail located near Santubong Village in Kuching, Sarawak.
This trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage, biodiversity and natural beauty of the area while engaging in outdoor activities.
Captivating Peaks: Mount Santubong’s Majestic Presence Along the Trail
The prominent 810m peak near the Santubong Peninsula of Sarawak has stunning picturesque views from every side.
The mountain’s silhouette against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset, offers breathtaking photo opportunities for nature enthusiasts as the surrounding landscapes, including rivers, coastlines and forested hills add to the picturesque setting.
Speaking to the media team, Assistant Curator of the Sarawak Museum Mohd Sherman Saufii shared that Mount Santubong also carries geological significance.
“It is composed primarily of limestone and shale – making it a place of interest to geologists and researchers studying the area’s tectonic history and landscape evolution.”
Mount Santubong also has cultural importance for the indigenous communities of Sarawak, particularly the Iban and Bidayuh people; often associated with local myths and legends carrying stories of spirits and mythical creatures inhabiting its slopes, the mountain features prominently in traditional folklore and rituals.
The surrounding areas are also rich in biodiversity, supporting diverse ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, montane forests and mangrove swamps.
A variety of flora and fauna can be spotted including endemic species and rare plants along with wildlife such as monkeys, hornbills and various bird species.
Recreational outdoor activities that visitors can do while in the area include hiking and trekking along the trails offering scenic vistas of the mountain, coastal areas and lush forests.
These trails are suitable for varying skill levels, making them accessible to both casual hikers and experienced climbers.
Opt for the river cruise along the Santubong River which borders the trail, as it offers a different perspective of the area’s biodiversity where you can spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife.
According to Mohd Sherman, due to its ecological significance, Mount Santubong and its surrounding areas are protected under conservation initiatives.
“Efforts are made to preserve the natural habitats, prevent deforestation and promote sustainable tourism practices.”
“Visitors are encouraged to follow the responsible tourism guidelines to minimise their environmental impact,” he shared.
The natural landmark of Sarawak is a major symbol of the region’s cultural heritage and ecological diversity.
Uncovering Archaeological Discoveries
The trail passes by several historical and cultural sites such as the Santubong Archaeological Park which contains remnants of ancient trading settlements and burial sites dating back to the 6th century AD.
Visitors can learn about the region’s early inhabitants and way of life through interpretive displays and guided tours.
This important site has revealed significant insights into the region’s ancient civilisations with key archaeological discoveries including early human settlements, ancient trading networks, burial sites and cultural heritage preservation.
Excavations at the park uncovered evidence of early human settlements dating back to 4,000 years ago indicating that the Santubong area was inhibited by prehistoric communities engaged in activities such as hunting, gathering and early agriculture.
Mohd Sherman shared that the findings suggest that Santubong was part of extensive trading networks in Southeast Asia with artefacts such as pottery, beads and tools which have been unearthed, indicating trade connections with neighbouring regions and maritime trade routes.
The assistant curator also shared the story of British anthropologist and ornithologist Tom Harrison who discovered traces of iron slag scattered throughout Santubong including Bukit Maras, Bongkissam and Sungai Jaong.
Harisson excavated the sites for several years from 1952 to 1966 uncovering further evidence of human settlement in the area as well as the discovery of ritual and burial sites containing human remains, grave goods and funerary artefacts.
“These discoveries offer valuable information on the emergence of Hinduism and Buddhism in the state, ancient burial practices, social structures and beliefs regarding the afterlife among the early inhabitants of the Santubong area.
Visitors can also find rock carvings scientifically known as petroglyphs at Sungai Jaong; a popular being the Batu Bergambar which brings up many assumptions of what they could each mean.
Mohd Sherman shared that the completion of fieldwork in Sungai Jaong between June and July 1966 included excavating a trench at the base of Batu Gambar, and uncovered iron slag alongside stoneware and earthenware shards.
“Additionally, discoveries from earlier seasons in 1952 and 1957 included fifty gold items, ranging from plain and decorated gold foil pieces to rings and beads, primarily found in a presumed burial site along with glass beads and intact small Chinese vessels.”
Harrison conducted excavations at Bongkisam after working at Sungai Jaong discovering a significant Hindu-Buddhist stone structure or Tantric shrine, marking Sarawak’s sole monument of its kind made from durable materials.
According to Mohd Sherman, within the sealed shaft filled with yellow sand, Harisson unearthed a ritual deposit comprising a decorated silver box containing gold foil, rings, beads as well as fragments.
Cultural Diversity and Local Engagement
Along the trail, visitors can engage with local communities and experience traditional activities such as fishing, handicraft making and sampling indigenous cuisine. These interactions provide insights into the cultural heritage and daily life of the people living in the Santubong area.
Overall, the Santubong Heritage Trail offers a rewarding and immersive experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of Sarawak’s coastal areas.
It is a blend of adventure, education and cultural discovery set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and biodiversity.
THE BRUNEIAN | KUCHING
