Paku Rock Maze Garden
Near Bau, Sarawak

welcome sign board to the Maze Garden

Paku Rock Maze Garden is an unusual attraction which I visited on the way to nearby Bau recently. It is a geological formation of ancient rock structures forming a natural tropical maze with oddly-shaped boulders entangled with lush vegetation covering a 3 acre area. Visitors are able to view the rocks up-close via a well maintained trail with concrete paths and information boards.

the tunnel-like entrance to the Maze

How ancient? It is thought to be second oldest limestone formation in Sarawak dating back to the late Jurassic to Cretaceous periods which perhaps makes it 100-150 million years old. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of seabed deposits of shell fragments and other dead marine creatures.

tall boulders overgrown with vegetation

According to Prof Indraneil Das & Dr Hans Hazebroek of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 'the formation is mostly limestone and represents an ancient marine ecosystem that was subsequently located inland with the retreat of the shoreline. Features of erosion suggest rivers, possibly flowing through a cave system. Extensive groves in the cave walls suggest that several water levels persisted. The roof of the cave system appears to have collapsed, forming a limestone scree vegetation. Such a landscape elsewhere is known to be rich in biodiversity. Animal and plant groups particularly restricted to such habitats as point endemics include aroids, orchids, land snails, crabs and lizards.'

You can learn more on the official website.

boulder with rhino-like hornsCan you spot the rhinoceros?

The guardians of this site have used their vivid imaginations to identify various animal shapes among the jagged rocks. For example, one is supposed to resemble T-Rex and another one is rhinoceros shape.

boulder resembling a T-RexThe sign says T-Rex but it looks more like a rhino

There is a pond and a stream in the maze inhabited by fish. Fish pellets are on sale if you want to feed them.

a bridge over a pond and tropical foliage

There is a limestone hill adjacent to the site but it is rapidly being gobbled up and is largely disappeared due to quarrying activity. I could hear the sound of the quarry machinery during my visit.

There is a small temple at the Rock Maze as well as a souvenir shop and toilets.

Since it is small and compact most visitors will only spend between 30 - 60 minutes here to see everything.

The area is prone to mosquitoes so take the necessary precautions.

Paku History

According to an information board in the Rock Maze, Paku Town was founded in 1857. It was settled mostly by Chinese people (Hakkas and Teochews) who were chiefly engaged in gold mining. There was also a small Bidayuh community. Today it has a population of around 600 of which 95% are Hakka Chinese and around 5% Bidayuh. The first Chinese primary school in Sarawak was established here in 1870.

Opening Hours & Admission Charges

Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Ticket Prices

Entrance is currently free. There are ticket barriers in place but not working yet.

Until such time as they start charging for entrance, donations from the public are welcome and greatly appreciated.

You have to register first in a book before entering.

How To Get to Paku Rock Maze Garden

By Bus

Pink Bus Q08M from Saujana Bus Terminal in Kuching stops outside SMK Paku which is just opposite the Rock Maze. It takes about an hour.

By Car
The exact location is marked on this map:

Address

Paku Rock Maze Garden
94000 Bau, Sarawak

Contact

Tel 013-813 9783

Parking

There are a few parking spaces and parking is free.

Nearby

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