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.
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.
There are other ways to get healthy too. The Reflexology Park or ‘Path of Good Life’ is a pebble path on which visitors walk barefoot. The pebbles stimulate the reflexology points on the feet and promote well-being.
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
Despite its suburban location, Sama Jaya is a rich reservoir of indigenous wildlife. The wide variety of small mammals, reptiles and amphibians found here include 2 squirrel species, a shrew, 3 rat species, fruit bats, tarsiers, 9 frog species, 3 lizard species, a tortoise, and 20 bird species. There are also occasional sightings of various wild monkey species.
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 :–
The short fitness trail has a selection of fixed apparatus for visitors to do physical exercise before or after jogging.
Baruk Shelter :–
Ideal for group exercises such as aerobics and Tai Chi, the Baruk shelter can accommodate up to 60 people
Hiroshima-Sarawak Friendship Garden :–
This tranquil traditional Japanese Garden (complete with Tea House) symbolizes the close friendship between the peoples of Sarawak and Hiroshima, and their cooperation in the field of forest conservation.
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.
Timber and Bamboo Museum :–
A showcase of 82 species of timber producing trees found in the State and the products derived from them, the museum also features various artifacts made from bamboo.
Forest Biology Museum :–
This museum displays the various insect species, mushrooms, algae, plants with ethnobotaniccal uses and other small organisms that are found in the rainforest, and describes the vital role that they play in the ecology of our forests and the lives of the people who live amongst them.
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.
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