| <<< Back to National
Parks & Reserves |
|
| INTRODUCTION |
The Sama Jaya Nature Reserve covers an area of
approximately 38 hectares and is the first multi-purpose
urban forest park in Sarawak. Situated entirely
within Kuching’s city limits in the suburb
of Tabuan Jaya, it consists mostly of karangas
forest, providing a valuable green lung for the
city, education and recreation facilities for
its people, and an important refuge for urban
wildlife.
Sama Jaya was formerly known as
Stutong Protected Forest, one of the oldest protected
areas in Sarawak, having been constituted in 1950.
The park is designed to provide an authentic urban
wilderness, with all its facilities and activities
integrated into the natural forest environment. The
first urban forestry project undertaken by Sarawak
Forestry, Sama Jaya’s primary objective is
to promote multiple uses of forests through encouraging
outdoor recreation, nature conservation education
and nature-based tourism; creating a reserve and
refuge for urban wildlife; and conserving a “Green
Island” for Kuching city.
|
 |
| 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.
Reflexology
:–
The Reflexology
Path (or Path of Good Life) is laid with
pebbles of various sizes, designed to
stimulate the various pressure points
of the feet while walking, which is believed
by many to lead to improved health and
well-being.
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.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
| TRAVEL NOTES |
| Entrance to Museums & Japanese
Garden |
Entrance to the Timber Museum, the Bamboo
Museum, the Forest Biology Museum and the Hiroshima-Sarawak
Friendship Garden is by request. Please enquire
at the visitor center during office hours.
|
| Entry Fees & Permits |
A nominal entry fee is
charged for visitors to Sama Jaya Nature
Reserve. Please check with the National Parks
Booking Office in Kuching or the Sarawak
Forestry website for the latest fee structure.
|
| Reservations & Enquiries |
National Parks Booking
Office,
Visitors Information Centre,
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,
93000 Kuching Sarawak,
Tel: (+6) 082 248088 Fax: (+6) 082 248087
Online booking: http://ebooking.com.my
The Visitors Information Centre is located
in the Old Courthouse Complex at the junction
of Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Gambier
and Main Bazaar, opposite the Kuching Waterfront.
|
| Opening Hours |
| National
ParksBooking Office(Miri) |
Monday-Friday |
0800
hrs – 1800 hrs |
| Saturday, Sunday& Public Holidays |
0900 hrs – 1500 hrs |
Sama
Jaya Natural Reserve |
Daily (including Sundays & Public
Holidays) |
0800 hrs – 1230 hrs
1330 hrs - 1715 hrs |
|
|
|
| Getting
There |
Sama Jaya Nature Reserve is 10-15 minutes
drive from Kuching City Centre. Chin Lian
Long bus No. 14C (from the Mosque Road Bus
Terminal) stops just in front of the park
after passing the main Tabuan Jaya Shopping
Centre.
|
| Further
Information |
SARAWAK FORESTRY
Tel: (+6) 082 348001 Fax: (+6) 082 488654
Toll free line: 1 800 88 2526
Website: www.sarawakforestry.com
Email: info@sarawakforestry.com
Sama Jaya Nature Reserve
Tel: (+6) 082 364575/368528
Fax: (+6) 082 368516
|
|
|
|
|
