bako national park day trip itinerary

Bako National Park: the complete guide for your visit

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Table of Contents

Bako National Park is situated in Sarawak, the southern province of Malaysian Borneo . It is one of the oldest and most beautiful national parks in Malaysia, with its lush rainforest, stunning wildlife, tropical beaches, and exciting walks. It’s home to the proboscis monkey, which sadly is an endangered species.

If you come to Borneo, you should definitely plan a visit over here. It has been one of our top experiences in Borneo. And the good thing, it is perfectly suitable for kids as well! So no more reasons not to go! In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about when to go, what to take, how to spot the wildlife and so much more!

Plan your stay in Bako National Park

How to get there.

Bako National Park is situated near Kuching, the biggest city of Sarawak. Kuching is a great base to plan your trip to Bako. We stayed at the Singgahsana Lodge , where we had a great stay with our kids. In our lodge or many other places in Kuching, you could book tours to Bako National Park. But, as we are traveling on a budget, we decided to arrange our visit ourselves.

Read more: The ultimate guide to family travel on a budget

There are no roads that lead straight to Bako National Park . The Malaysian government wants to protect the park, so it is only reachable by boat. First, you need to take a bus or minivan from Kuching to the Bako National Park jetty and then a boat to the entrance of the park. If you are on a day trip, don’t underestimate the time it will take you to get there. Especially if you want to arrive early before the heat sets in.

The first step: take the bus from Kuching to the Bako National Park jetty

The bus leaves every hour, from 7 am at the Kuching bus station (the people of your guesthouse will show you the way), and costs RM3,5 per person. If you miss the bus, don’t worry! There are lots of people driving a minivan, willing to drop you off at Bako for RM 5 per person. We even had a minivan passing by, telling us that the bus wasn’t driving that day (sure ?). But we took it anyway because you get there faster, it doesn’t cost that much and it was easier with the kids.

To get back, it could be you have to wait for a while. We waited for almost an hour until the bus arrived, and there weren’t any minivans around or they were overcharging! Luckily we could sit down at a local bar and give the kids a drink and a snack.

It is also possible to book a tour from Kuching.

Second step: take the boat from the jetty to the entrance of the park

When you arrive at the jetty, it can feel a bit chaotic. Things you need to do are buy the entrance tickets (RM 20 per person, RM 7 for kids) and a return ticket for the boat brought to the park (RM 25 per person). If you want to book a guide for the park, you need to arrange it here!

The guide will accompany you on the boat to the park. During the dry season, the sea is often calm, during monsoon it can get quite rough. We went in October and the way to the park was OK, but when we returned hit a turbulent sea! No worries, however, the boatmen are used to this.

Day trip or overnight stay?

A lot of people go to Bako National Park for only one day. We can highly recommend staying one or even two nights . On a day trip, your chances of seeing the wildlife decrease substantially. During the day it can get really hot and humid and a lot of animals like to hide. However, in the early and late hours, you’ll see plenty of monkeys and other wildlife!

If you have to go back the same day, you have to leave at 3 pm, the time of the last boat. So no chance of catching the cooler hours. When you stay overnight, you can also book a night walk! This experience was amazing and absolutely worth staying for! We even saw fireflies and an amazing sunset!

Book your accommodation in Bako National Park

If you want to sleep in the park, don’t forget to book ahead (click he re to book). The site can get stuck sometimes (it did on our credit card), but if you’re persistent and wait for a bit, you’ll get through. It can get fully booked quite quickly, so plan early enough. Especially when you travel with kids or friends and you need multiple beds.

We could book a room for four, which was perfect for our family! We paid RM 80 (RM 20 per person). Don’t expect any luxury, it’s very basic. There are a few rooms with aircon, which are a bit more expensive. Sleeping in the jungle, however, was definitely a great experience for the kids and ourselves. One side note, we had bed bugs in the room!

So check the beds before you go to sleep and use your own sleeping bags. You can even camp in the park for RM 5 per person!

Find a guided tour in Bako National Park

Food and drinks in bako national park.

First of all, there aren’t any shops around in Bako. There is however a basic restaurant where you can buy local meals, breakfast, and drinks, buffet style. We actually quite enjoyed the food, even the kids liked it and it’s not expensive at all.

But we do recommend bringing some snacks of your own and even a few bottles of water or soda. There is no fresh drinking water available except for the bottles you can buy in the restaurant. The food is reasonably priced, the drinks, however, are a bit overpriced. You’ll need lots and lots of water, as the humidity is very high here and there is a risk of dehydration. And a few extra snacks are never a luxury with kids!

One thing, however, you’ll need to pay attention to are the macaques hanging around in the park. They can get quite aggressive, especially if you are carrying any food or bottles with you. Make sure everything is put away in your backpack where they can not see or smell it. If you’re eating at the restaurant, better to eat inside.

When to go?

The best season to visit Bako National Park is i n the dry season, which runs from March to September . The weather will be more pleasant and the sea calmer. From October to February, it is monsoon season. This doesn’t mean you can’t visit the park then, but there’s a chance the night walks get canceled because of the rain and you’re in for a bumpy boat ride.

We went in October, which is actually the start of the rainy season. The humidity was very, very high. But besides that, we didn’t have any consequences for the weather.

Book a guide or not?

First of all, as we mentioned before, if you want a guide, you need to book him at the jetty before you take the boat to the park. Except for the night walk, which is organized by the rangers in the park and can be booked there.

You don’t need a guide to visit Bako National Park. The trails are well signed so you can easily plan your visit here without a guide. However, we do recommend taking one, especially with kids.

It is not very expensive, and they know a lot about the park and its wildlife. But the most important reason is they’ll spot wildlife much better than you can. Without our guide, we probably wouldn’t have seen a lot of animals. We paid RM 200 (without the night walk) for a guide for a full day and a boat trip around the rock formations of the park.

Visiting Bako NP

Spotting wildlife in bako national park.

One of the main reasons to visit the park is the wildlife of course! You can spot proboscis monkeys, who only live in Borneo. But also lots of other monkeys, snakes, spiders, beautiful birds, wild boars, and all kinds of insects and other crawling creatures. The great thing is you have a good chance of spotting them, especially when you stay overnight. Photographers, don’t forget a good zooming lens!

The proboscis monkey is, of course, one of the main reasons people come here. You can look for them during your hikes, but you actually have the best chance of spotting them around the headquarters. In the early morning, they like to hang around there.

So we got up early and looked around. And then suddenly, we found a whole group of them, with a big male sitting right above us in the three! We looked at him for quite a while. The noise they make is so special, what a peculiar but amazing animal!

Different trails

You can walk through Bako National Park without a guide. The trails are all very well marked, with clear signs everywhere. You need to register yourself in the book at the headquarters, pointing out which hike you are doing. When you come back, you need to sign out again.

The shortest hikes are only a few kilometers, the longest can take almost a day. Always make sure to get back before sunset, otherwise, it could get dangerous. And don’t forget to take plenty of water with you! You’ll sweat way more than you anticipate.

With the kids, we chose the shortest walk which ends on a stunning beach. The good thing is you can go back by boat, passing all the great and famous rock formations, so you don’t need to walk all the way back.

If you’re staying overnight, we can absolutely recommend the night walk! It was one of the best wildlife experiences we had. You can book the night walk at the headquarters with one of the park rangers. The normal price is RM 10 per person. You’ll be joining a bigger group.

You can, however, also book a private guide, for RM 20 per person. Especially with kids, we can advise this. In the bigger group, it’s sometimes more difficult to see the animals if everybody wants to look at the same time. And with your private guide, you leave a little bit earlier, which means the wildlife isn’t disturbed yet and you even have a bigger chance of seeing them.

Other tours for Bako National Park can be booked here.

Don’t forget

We’ve mentioned most things, but here is a short overview of things you shouldn’t forget when you are planning a visit to Bako National Park.

If you want to stay overnight, book your accommodation well ahead. You can book it here. Bring a good mosquito repellent. We absolutely love the Off brand , which you can buy there or preorder here.

Look out for the macaques! They can get quite aggressive. Make sure all of your bottles and food aren’t accessible to them. They would even look into your backpack.

Don’t feed or interact with animals. Let them be wild. If you feed them, they get used to that and can get aggressive if they don’t get anything.

If you want to have a guide, book him at the jetty before you take the boat! The guide for the night walk can be booked in the park.

Photographers, don’t forget to bring a good zoom lens! I used this 55-210 mm lens , which was great! but a 70-300mm or  other zoom lens  would even have been better!

Make sure you bring enough cash, no withdrawal is possible in the park.

Bring enough water and snacks before you come to the park (but hide them from the macaques). Make sure you take plenty of water on your walks!

There is one walk where you can even swim in a little pool, so perhaps bring your swimsuit.

Find Accommodation in Borneo

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2 thoughts on “bako national park: the complete guide for your visit”.

Hi Global Wizards, Wondering when you visited Bako NP. Planning a trip to Borneo next month and am trying to decide day Vs overnight trip. I’ve read multiple things about bed bugs in the accommodations, but was hoping maybe it would be different now…maybe I’m too hopeful. Thanks, Christine

Hi Christine,

we visited Bako NP 3 years ago. We loved the overnight trip, so it’s definitely worth it. I’m not sure if they have already handled the problem of bed bugs. I hope they have!

Have a great day, Heleen

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Bako National Park, Sarawak- A complete day tour guide

Posted on Last updated: December 25, 2023

Categories Sarawak , Visit Malaysia

Bako National Park is the most famous national park near Kuching. Naturally, this park is included in our itinerary in Kuching. So, in this article, we will show you our day trip to Bako and what we saw and experienced.

It took us about half an hour to drive from Kuching town to Bako National Park. Our first thought was that the national park must be quite far from the city, but this park is so close, and we genuinely enjoy what we experience and see.

We arrived early at the Bako terminal as we planned to go for two trails. We will first take the Delima Trail, then go to Ulu Assam and Teluk Delima, and after lunch, continue to Teluk Paku. 

The entrance ticket to the park is only RM10 for adults, which is considered cheap. But we have to purchase a boat ticket which costs RM200 for each boat for a round trip. Please refer to the official website for more information.

After buying the ticket for the boat ride, we walked to the river, where the boatman was waiting for us. That is when we started our exploration of this beautiful forest.

The Sea Stack

So we hopped into the boat and started traveling along Sungai Tabo out to the sea to see the famous sea stack. It is a peninsula, but because there is no road reaching where the sea stack is, taking the boat out to the sea is the quickest way to reach there. Alternatively, one can hike there, but we had limited time today, so we took the boat.

Our boat trip let us pass many stunning rock formations at the steep cliffs. And it is a perfect place to take some magnificent photographs.

Bako National Park is special because over here, there are seven types of forest in one place-mixed dipterocarp forest, mangrove forest, beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, kerangas or heath forest, padang or grasslands, and peat swamp forest. 

Then, we arrive at the most spectacular rock formation in Bako National Park. From the beach at Teluk Pandan Kecil, you can see Bako’s trademark, the rock formation called sea stack, which the waves had carved for hundreds of years. 

The park’s iconic sea stack, shaped by millions of years of erosion, is a true testament to the power of nature. These stunning rock formations, featuring beautifully sculpted headlands, sea stacks, and arches, stand tall against the glistening blue waters of the South China Sea. As we explored the park, we were mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of this geological treasure.

Besides the most famous sea stack, another one is smaller and looks like a frog.

We passed by the cliff vegetation while traveling out to the sea.

Watch the video we shot at Bako National Park at the end of this article 👇👇.

Bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, and long-tailed macaques

Upon observing the sea stack, our boatmen navigated us to the Bako National Park HQ. Thankfully, the high tide enabled our boat to approach the jetty closely. The boatman informed us that the boat could not sail near the jetty during low tide. Otherwise, we would have to roll up our trousers and walk in foot-deep water to reach the jetty. The beach is unsafe for swimming due to the presence of crocodiles, as indicated by many warning signs.

We began trekking into the jungle after registering at the counter and using the washroom.

We were about to enter the first trail and noticed a group of long-tailed macaques near the National Park headquarters. Unfortunately, they were too far away to capture a clear picture.

We stumbled upon a group of bearded pigs playing in a mud pool. Surprisingly, they were quite close to us and didn’t seem to mind our presence much.

As we were taking photos of the bearded pigs, someone pointed out a proboscis monkey swinging from a nearby tree, just a short half-minute walk away from them. We could see the monkey, which wasn’t too far from our location.

The Delima Trail and Ulu Assam Trail

We continued our trekking, entering the  Delima Trail and heading to Ulu Assam and Teluk Delima,

We came across some caterpillars and giant termite nests during our hike. 

The water of the small stream we crossed caught our attention with its unique red color. Our guide informed us that the water’s high content of minerals, especially iron, is responsible for its color.

We followed the color markings along the trail to stay on track. The blue/red color code is used for the Ulu Assam trail. 

There are various local trees adequately labeled with their names. This helped us to identify more about the different flora in the area.

We came across a colorful spider waiting for its prey along the way. 

After some time, we finally reached the mangrove swamps with a spectacular coastline.

There, we spotted a horseshoe crab.

Overall, The trail is of moderate difficulty, with some parts requiring climbing, but it is mostly forgiving. 

On our return journey, we were informed of a green pit viper sighting, which we eventually managed to locate with the help of another trekker who marked the spot and guided us. 

After trekking for about two hours, we finally returned to the headquarters and took a break for a simple lunch.

Teluk Paku Trail

After having lunch, we decided to take another trail to Teluk Paku, which was approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the headquarters. This trail was more difficult than the previous one, as the area was mainly made up of sandstone with many steep climbs.

During the hike, my wife unfortunately sprained her leg and had to rest at a nearby hut. However, this was a blessing in disguise, as she spotted three proboscis monkeys playing on the tree top while listening to this creature’s strange grunts and movements. This trail is one of the best for seeing these monkeys in their natural habitat.

We climbed uphill and downhill through a narrow trail that passed through a cliff forest. After a long trek, we finally reached the small, secluded Paku Beach. Although some sea stacks and rock formations were not as spectacular as the ones we saw earlier.

After completing the trails, we returned to the headquarters and took the boat back to the Bako terminal to end our tour.

Brighton Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd organized our trip. A few months ago, they also helped us plan another trip to Sarawak, covering Bario , Miri , Mulu , and Niah .

Watch the video we shot at Bako National Park 👇👇.

Helpful information about Bako National Park

1. what is the main attraction of bako national park.

Bako National Park is a picturesque and well-preserved protected area that spans over 2,742 hectares at the southernmost tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the oldest national park in Sarawak, Malaysia, established in 1957

Bako is renowned for its vibrant ecosystems, pristine coastline, small bays, beaches, mangroves, and sea stacks. There are breathtaking jungle treks and fascinating wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels, flying lemurs, and bearded pigs. Many of these animals can only be found on the island of Borneo.

The park boasts an impressive range of flora and fauna, with almost every type of vegetation on the island thriving within its borders. The park’s well-maintained trails make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Bako offers secluded beaches, including Teluk Pandan Kecil, with a unique sea stack formation.

2. What is the best time to visit Bako National Park?

The ideal time to plan a trip to Bako National Park is during the dry season, which spans from March to September. During this period, the weather is more pleasant, and the sea is calmer, making exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, coastline, and wildlife easier.

3. What is the best way to explore Bako National Park?

The best way to explore Bako National Park is to take land transport from Kuching to the Bako National Park jetty, followed by a boat ride to the park’s entrance. Once you reach the park, you can choose from 16 different color-coded trails ranging from easy forest strolls to full-day jungle treks, all without needing a guide. However, it is worth noting that some of the trails were closed for maintenance during your visit.

Hiring a guide can be beneficial as they can spot most wildlife, point out various tree and insect species, and explain the rock formations. If time permits, spending at least one night at the park is recommended to increase your chances of spotting wildlife during peak hours at dawn and dusk. The National Park also has lodges and campsites available for overnight stays. Consider taking a night walk to observe the nocturnal wildlife, such as the rare slow loris.

4. What are the safety precautions while exploring Bako National Park?

Taking precautions is important to ensure your safety and enjoyment when visiting a park. 

• To avoid mosquito bites, apply repellent, especially if you plan on spending the night. 
• Wear loose cotton shorts and tees, and bring a rain jacket in case of heavy downpours. 
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes are recommended for navigating the trails. 
• Remember to sign in when you start a hike and sign out when you return, following the park’s guidelines. 
• It’s also a good idea to carry at least 2 liters of water and some nutritional snacks or nuts, as there are no food stores once you enter the jungle. 
• Finally, for your safety, avoid swimming, as crocodiles may be present. 
• Be sure to stay on the marked trails, as they are color-coded for your convenience.

A Guide to Bako National Park, Borneo

Updated March 2024 ,  A Guide to Bako National Park, Borneo was originally written in April 2018

Wanna experience close encounters with wildlife, incredible jungle trekking opportunities, laze on desolate beaches, see the rare and endangered Proboscis Monkey,  and  want it to be easy  and  inexpensive to reach? Then Bako National Park is a must for anyone planning a trip to Borneo.

Bako National Park is a Malaysian national park located just 37 km from the city of Kuching. It is one of the easiest-to-access national parks in Borneo, has some of the best-marked trails making DIY travel here easy, and is renowned for being one of the best parks in all of Borneo.

For those planning a visit to Bako National Park, I urge you to at least spend a night in the park- it’s possible to visit as a day trip, but to get the best experience, spend the night! Most who visit go to Bako National Park as a day trip from Kuching and usually miss out on the highlights of the park.

In this guide, I’ll share with you information on how to reach Bako from Kuching, how to book accommodation, and more!

Start planning your visit to Bako National Park and beyond with the Bradt Borneo Guidebook

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Money Matters

Being the Bako National Park is in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, the currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). At the time of writing  ( August 2023)  the current exchange rates are:

• 1 USD = 4.54 RM

The Best Time To Visit Bako National Park

Bako National Park is a great destination to visit for much of the year. The climate is tropical and fairly wet with temperatures that typically range between 27ºC and 32ºC.

The best months to visit are typically from April to September as they are on the drier side, however, don’t be surprised to run into some rain in those months.

December-February are the wettest months of the year in Sarawak and parts of national parks can be difficult or inaccessible making it a less desirable time to visit.

Getting To Bako National Park From Kuching (And Back)

Arriving at Bako National Park is a two-step process. First, you must travel by taxi, shared van, or bus to the ferry terminal near Bako Village, next you will take a boat the remainder of the distance to Bako National Park.

Take the red public bus #1. It will pick you up either from the Wet Market (next to the Electra Building), and also will pick up passengers at the burger stand across the street from the  Riverside Majestic Hotel . 

The buses leave once per hour between 7 am and 6 pm. Buses leave Bako back to Kuching every half hour between 6:30 am and 5:30 pm.   3.50 RM  each way. The approximate travel time is 45-60 min each way.

You can also flag down the bus to pick you up from the river-side of Jalan Gambier, the street that runs along the waterfront.

Taxi/Shuttle

Can easily be arranged by your accommodation. Expect to pay  50-60 RM  each way.

Shared vans will pick up passengers in the same places the public bus will. They don’t leave until full (5-7 people). The price is  30 RM  each way for the entire van, so expect to pay  4.30-5 RM per person . Shared vans take about 30 minutes to reach Bako Village and the ferry terminal once full.

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, head toward the jetty. There you will be able to purchase your entrance ticket to the park and your boat ticket. Boat tickets are  30 RM  per person for foreigners and each boat can hold 5 passengers. If you want a private boat it will cost you  150 RM . Ticket prices are round trip, expect the journey to take 20 minutes each way.

When you arrive at the park tell your boat driver the date and time you need to be picked up from the park. They will be there waiting for you.

Park Entrance Fee

Purchase your entrance ticket when you arrive at the jetty to purchase your boat ticket. Foreign adults pay  20 RM , Children are 7 RM.

Important note for day-trippers: Bako is only open from 8 am to 3 pm daily, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation

You have 4 options for staying in the park- campsites, hostel, forest lodge, or the forest lodge 4 with A/C. Otherwise, it’s back and forth to your hotel in  Kuching  every day, which in my opinion is a waste of time.

Rooms book out quickly, so I highly advise you to book ahead online. A great update to hear of from my 2013 visit to Bako National Park is that you can now book and pay for your room online through the  Sarawak E-Booking website .

Book your stay in Kuching |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

There is a campsite located right behind the park headquarters.  5 RM  per night per tent. This is the only accommodation that cannot be booked online.

Be careful of monkeys, they won’t hesitate to break in. There is a public bathroom.

Dorms are available with 4 beds each.  10 RM  per night per bed, or  40 RM  per night for an entire 4 bed dorm. Fan only and shared bathroom.

Forest Lodge

Lodge rooms are available with 3-4 single beds for  100 RM  per night, and lodge rooms with 2 single beds run  75 RM  per night. Private bathroom and ceiling fan.

Forest Lodge 4

3 single beds per room with a private bathroom and A/C.  225 RM  per room, per night.

Note:  I have read on a forum that as of 2017 there was wifi available, although the forum post did not specify if it was free or paid, or if it’s available in rooms or only in the park headquarter area.

Pro tip:  To avoid having your room torn to pieces while you’re out, make sure to place something heavy, like your backpack atop the lid of the rubbish bin when you first get into your lodge room. The rubbish bins actually dump into bins underneath the lodges and the monkeys have gotten wise to this. Don’t forget to lock your windows before leaving your room.

Only Have Time For A Day Trip?

No problem! Check out  this day trip from Kuching  or  this full-day trip on offer here .

There is a cafeteria located near the park headquarters by the lodging. The cafeteria serves up basic dishes for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Water, soft drinks, and beer are for sale as well.

Prices here are a bit expensive for cafeteria-style dining in Sarawak- usually coming in around  16 RM  per meal. This should be no surprise as the park is remote and items have to be brought in. If that is too expensive for you, plan to pack in your own food from Kuching.

Bako National Park has 18 color-coded jungle trails ranging from less than a kilometer to 20 kilometers return ranging from easy to challenging. Most treks are under 3 hours in length. Trekking in Bako National Park is well worth the effort- from the wildlife you’ll get to see to the sheer number of ecological zones you’ll cross.

Currently, 7 of the trails are closed for maintenance at the time of writing.

For short details on each trek visit the  Sarawak Forestry  website.

Getting To The Famous Sea Stacks

When you search Bako National Park this is probably one of the first photos you will see. The only way to really see the sea stacks is by hiring a boat and cruising along the coastline to them from Telok Pandan Kecil Beach.

You will need to arrange a boat for the Sea Stacks for  35 RM per boat  at the park headquarters. Do this prior to heading out on the  Telok Pandan Kecil Trek .

We personally didn’t do the boat to the sea stacks. We did the trek to Telok Pandan Kecil on the day we arrived and after a short visit to the beach, big dark clouds and lightning headed our way so we beat feet back to park headquarters. From what I’d heard from others who took the boat trip, it was well worth it (in better weather of course).

Bako is home to a number of different species, many of which can be spotted near or around the park headquarters. Some critters are nocturnal so your best bet for seeing them will be to join one of the ranger-led night walks for  10 RM  per person. Here are a few animals you may encounter while exploring Bako National Park:

Proboscis Monkeys  are the stars of Bako National Park, and one of the easiest places to see these rare monkeys as the park is home to 150 of them. The best place to position yourself to see proboscis monkeys is at sunrise on the beach along the trees, just outside the park headquarters. Male Proboscis monkeys have odd-looking long noses (it’s why some people call them dick-nose monkeys).

Another primate you are bound to see is the  Long-Tailed Macaques . They are small monkeys you’ll find all over the park. Just be careful around them as they will bite and have sharp teeth.

Macaques are usually the culprit to tent and lodge break-ins, and tourists having to go get rabies vaccinations. Another common sighting especially around the park headquarters is the  Bornean Bearded Pigs .

Another primate you have good chances of running into on the trails is the  Silvered Langur . We ran into a group of 6 of them while out hiking to Telok Tajur Beach, we heard a rustling in the trees and before we knew it they were jumping tree to tree right above us. 

Tarsier  and  Slow Loris  can be found in the park (although not spotted as often, and usually at night). They are both technically primates although they don’t really look like them, they’re cute and furry with bug eyes.

Be sure to join one of the night walks in the park where you’ll head out with a ranger and flashlights to go spot the nocturnal wildlife. On night walks you may run into Colugo, Pangolin, Palm Civet, Mousedeer, Tarsier, and Slow Loris. We were lucky enough to see a Colugo way up in a tree using our binoculars.  Colugos  are oftentimes called flying lemurs, although they technically aren’t lemurs at all. 

Pangolins  are small anteater-like creatures that can be found in Bako National Park, though sightings are rare and little is known about them. 

Palm Civets  are small wild cats that are most active at nighttime that can be found in the park.

Finally, the  Mousedeer  are, well, teeny, tiny deers that can be found in the park at night.

A common reptile sighting near the park headquarters is the large  Monitor Lizard .

Bako National Park is home to several non-venomous snakes as well and one that is poisonous.

The  Wagler’s Pit Viper  is the only poisonous snake in Bako National Park. They are lime green with flat triangular-shaped heads. We saw one on a branch, just off the trail between the beach and park headquarters.

There are also over 150  bird species  that can be found within the park. You can read up more on birds in Bako National Park and the whole of Sarawak  here .

Want to see Borneon orangutans? See why you need to visit  Semenggoh Wildlife Center

Flora in Bako National Park

Bako National Park contains almost every plant variety found on the entire island of Borneo from all seven ecological zones (mangrove forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, kerangas forest, peat forest, beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, and grassland vegetation). One of the most well-known is the carnivorous pitcher plant.

The pitcher plant has a nectar-like substance that lures in its prey to land atop. Once the bug lands atop it usually fall into the “pitcher” where a fluid inside dissolves it.

What To Pack

Bako National Park accommodation is comfortable enough but pretty basic, so you will need to pack a few items. Here are a few I suggest based on my trip.

• Bug repellant
• Hiking or athletic shoes
• Water reservoir
• Water filter
• First aid kit
• Headlamp  or flashlight
• Necessary medications
• Toilet paper
• Beach or  microfiber towel

Where To Stay In Kuching

Kuching has lots of accommodation options from hostels and homestays to luxury hotels. I personally stayed at the  Woodpecker Lodge  when I was exploring Kuching, it’s located right off the waterfront, and the staff is helpful and friendly.

More Kuching accommodations:

• Budget:  Woodpecker Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Riverside Majestic Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Higher-end:  The Waterfront Hotel Kuching |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Hilton Kuching Hotel|  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Looking For Other Activities To Do From Kuching?

Looking for more inspiration to visit bako national park, 7 reasons to visit bako national park, more posts from malaysia & borneo:.

A Guide To Bako National Park

Visiting The Orangutans At Semenggoh Wildlife Center In Sarawak

2 thoughts on “A Guide To Bako National Park”

Hey! Your blog is awesome! Thanks a lot for the tips an informations! One question: Do you know the earliest boat to get back? Do you think it’s possible on 6 or 7am? We need to book our flight from Kuching to KK.

We set up for a boat to pick us up and take us back at 6 am which was just after sunrise, so I’d imagine you can set up your boat to pick you up at any time

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Bako National Park: what to do in one day?

• 2019-10-22 06:17:03
• Henry Chong

Bako National Park is conveniently situated, just 40 km from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. This makes Sarawak’s smallest National Park perfect for a day trip for nature lovers. Bako NP has 18 beautiful hiking trails of different length and is home to many flora and fauna species. Make sure you will spot the famous proboscis monkey, the shy silvered leaf monkeys and the bearded pigs. Your day trip to Bako NP won’t be complete without them!

The Bako National Park hiking paths vary from easy strolls to full day jungle hikes. There are 7 hikes that end on the beach and 11 hikes within the park. The shortest hike is just 30 minutes, the longest one takes 7 hours. There is always a hike that fits best with your wishes, whether you are travelling with young kids or if you are an elderly couple.

The pride of Bako NP, the proboscis monkey, cannot be missed. The monkey is also called the ‘Dutchman’, has a huge nose and long tails. You will recognise them by their funny noises. Other monkeys to spot are the cheeky macaques and silvered leaf monkeys. If you’re lucky you may spot an orange baby silvered leaf monkey. And last but not least: the bearded pigs. Often waiting to welcome travellers at the beach of Bako NP. The pigs relaxingly stroll along the shores of Bako National Park, looking for food.

Furthermore, Bako NP is home to tiny blue and orange crabs, snakes, grasshoppers, thousands of other interesting insects and more. A true paradise for wildlife lovers.

Quokka Travel wrote a post on their travel blog about Bako National Park, called “ BAKO NATIONAL PARK: WHAT TO DO IN ONE DAY? “. They share travel tips for a one-day visit to Bako National park, including hiking trails, wildlife spotting and practical information.

Read more on: http://quokka.travel/2016/06/07/bako-national-park-one-day/ Photo courtesy: http://quokka.travel

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Dive Into Malaysia

Bako National Park: Everything You Need To Know

Staying in Kuching and want to explore the jungle and wildlife that Sarawak is famous for? It’s easy! Just head to Bako National Park.

Bako National Park Borneo is just a 35 minute drive and 15 minute boat ride from the heart of Kuching. It’s easy to take a day trip to Bako National Park or to go on a Bako National Park tour. You can also stay at Bako National Park overnight so you can experience more of this national park including interesting night walks.

So why visit the Bako National Park Malaysia? It’s Sarawak’s oldest national park and is known for its incredible biodiversity. It’s a great place to view orchids and pitcher plants or to spot wildlife such as bearded pigs and proboscis monkeys.

The park itself is located on a peninsular in the South China Sea. So in addition to the rainforest and wildlife, there are beaches, cliffs, mangroves, waterfalls and more. There are different ecosystems to explore, and it’s all relatively easy thanks to a good network of trails.

The best way to have an awesome time at Bako is to have a good understanding of what you’ll find there and what Bako National Park activities are perfect for you before you go.

It can be a little chaotic on arrival and while there are some great people doing what they can to help, it’s hard to give good advice if you don’t have any idea of what you want.

In this full guide, I share everything you need to know to visit Bako National Park Sarawak Malaysia including information about the Bako National Park trails, how to get from Kuching to Bako National Park, the Bako National Park accommodation, how to visit with a Bako National Park guide or independently, the Bako National Park opening hours, the Bako National Park entrance fee and everything else you need to know to be an expert on visiting Bako National Park.

This is also a Bako National Park review based on my experiences of visiting here. Of course, there are lots of Bako National Park photos as well. Keep reading because this Kuching Bako National Park day trip blog has everything you need!

Already know you want to do a tour? Click here to see the latest prices.

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Bako National Park: Full Guide And Review

Bako National Park is known for its scenery and biodiversity so when it comes to what to do in Bako National Park, it’s all about exploring that. There are many trails you can take, and you should keep your eyes open for wildlife.

In this section of the guide, I’ll walk you through what can we do in Bako National Park once you arrive there. Further down in the guide, I’ll give you details on how to get there.

Bako National Park Animals

Animals you will want to keep a look out for as you go Bako National Park hiking are the Bornean bearded pig, proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques (be careful round these cheeky Bako National Park monkeys), silvered langurs, snakes and monitor lizards.

If you go on a night walk, you may be able to spot some of Bako’s nocturnal wildlife such as mouse deer, palm civets, tarsiers, slow loris, pangolins and colugo.

The best spotting times are right after sunrise and right before sunset, but you’ll need to stay at the park to access these opportunities at these times.

Unfortunately, I did not see any animals 🙁 It was a really busy Saturday in August (peak time) when I visited and I would avoid visiting on a weekend if I did this again. There were too many loud groups. One even walked past with loud music playing 🙁

I think a guide is the best way to have the best chance to see wildlife.

Bako National Park Jetty

On arrival at the park, you’ll start your adventure at the Bako National Park Jetty. Before getting off your boat, arrange your pick up time with your boat driver. There is more information about getting to Bako National Park below.

From here, you need to follow the boardwalk to the right for about an eight minute walk to Park Headquarters. There’s a clear sign and actually, the jetty is on one of the main trails so it’s hard to go wrong.

You need to go to Park Headquarters first. This is where you’ll get a map, register and get advice for your trip.

The walk heads past the Bako National Park accommodation and the canteen before arriving at the Headquarters.

Bako National Park Headquarters

Here, you need to register with your passport number. You can also grab a Bako National Park trail map and get suggestions from the ranger of where to hike. Also make sure you note down which trails are closed.

They regularly shut down parts of the park to visitors so they can regenerate. At the time of publishing, many of the trails that are further away from Park Headquarters are closed after they fell into disrepair over the pandemic.

The good news is that you’ll still find some hiking Bako National Park to enjoy. You can also check on their site which trails are currently closed before you go.

You need to fill in a separate sheet with what trails you are going to hike, your departure time and when you plan to be back. This is for your own safety.

The staff here were also able to get me a one way boat within the park, but it would have been better to do this when I bought my boat ride across (more details about this below).

By the headquarters is the park canteen. It’s open for buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can also buy a drink here, if you need one, before setting off.

The canteen food is bain-marie style. There are pre-made dishes that you can serve yourself onto a plate and then you pay for the plate. There aren’t that many choices.

The cold drinks were more my style. Note that they cost nearly double what they do in Kuching.

Unfortunately, the toilet at Park Headquarters was closed when I was there! I was not able to find another one, but surely there is one, somewhere!

Interpretation Centre

At Park Headquarters, there is a small Interpretation Centre.

This is a good place to start if you don’t have a guide to get an introduction to the park’s seven ecosystems.

Bako National Park Trails

There are 18 trails ranging from a 30 minute walk one way to multi-day hikes. There are plenty you can do on a one day trip.

I recommend taking a look through the following information on the available trails so you already have some ideas about what you want to do before arriving. Many of them may be closed when you visit (as mentioned above), so have back up plans as well.

Here’s a brief overview of your options. The time taken and the kilometres mentioned are from Park Headquarters. The actual trail length and time may be less than this as some trails start from other trails. This means you may have to walk some distance on another trail first before you join the one you want. The times and distances below take this into account.

I found I did trails a little quicker than this. I didn’t take rest breaks, but I did take plenty of photos.

The trails are colour coded to help you find them and to keep to the right track.

The beaches are gorgeous, but it’s not allowed to swim at them due to the risk of a crocodile attack.

It’s possible to hire a boat to one of the Bako National Park beach options and hike back or vice versa (so arrange a boat to pick you up before you hike out). Prices depend on how far away you want to go.

I found this an excellent way to go. I took a boat one way on arrival to Telok Pandan Kecil. This way I got to see the sea stacks, and I also didn’t back track. I really recommend this as it’s quite a sweaty walk and much more bearable when you only have to do it one way! Plus, it gave me time to do other walks too.

If you take this walk, Telok Pandan Besar is just a small detour so it’s worth walking that too. I also added in Paku. All of this, including the boat ride one way, only took me about 2.5 hours and I saw a great overview of the park.

I found all trails quite hard work. This is mainly because it is hot and humid, and there isn’t as much shade as what you would imagine. I have never sweated so much.

Plus, there are a lot of roots to climb over. There is boardwalk in sections, but it’s often narrow. When you have to pass people, someone usually has to get off or it’s super awkward squishing past each other.

Stairs are usually ladders. All up, I felt like I climbed quite a lot in this park.

Here’s a little more information on my experiences on these trails.

Telok Pandan Kecil

I did this one way so I started at the beach. You can also choose to be picked up at the beach after walking there, but I figured it was easiest to start with the boat ride so I didn’t have to guess a time.

The first part of the hike is quite steep with lots of ladders to climb up. It is in the shade though so not so bad. At the top, there’s a viewpoint looking over the beach.

Then there’s a lot of walking in the open, like the picture at the top of the article and the one below this statement. It’s hot and sweaty.

Finally, as you join the other trails, there’s shade again, but it also has a climb back down that lasts for quite awhile. I went past many people struggling to climb up this part who didn’t take the boat ride option.

Telok Pandan Besar

The track to Telok Pandan Besar is only a short detour from the Kecil track so you may as well do them both 🙂

It’s quite open as well and much the same as the Kecil trail. The turn off is well sign posted. There’s a nice view at the end.

You then turn back and walk the way you came back to the Kecil trail.

You’ll also past the entrance to this track if you walk to or from Telok Pandan Kecil. It’s an 800 metre detour which took me about 20 minutes each way with stops to try to spot wildlife. It also took much longer than it should have as there were tons of groups on this track. It was a bit too busy to be as enjoyable as it should have been.

It’s also a lot of up and downhill walking over massive roots. It was tougher from that perspective than the trails above. However, I found it easier because there were lots of trees and you’re near the water. It felt much cooler.

This is a popular trail for seeing proboscis monkeys with plenty of groups stopping and waiting hoping they will appear. No one seemed to see any when I was there which was not surprising given how busy (and loud) it was.

Visiting The Sea Stacks At Bako National Park Trails

In addition to the great hiking, it’s worth considering a boat trip to the Sea Stacks. The Sea Stacks are a rock formation carved by waves.

While the park material says you can catch a glimpse of these from Telok Pandan Kecil, you can’t really see them and you do need to see it from the sea for the stereotypical photo and a good look.

You can book a boat ride to this from the ferry terminal before heading to the park or at Park Headquarters on arrival (the former is the better option though). Prices are below. If you take a one way ferry ride to Telok Pandan Kecil, like I did, you’ll also get a tour through these formations. I highly recommend this option.

Paid night walks are the best way to see the animals out and about during the night. These guided tours take around 1.5 to 2 hours and a park ranger will take you for a walk pointing them out.

This occurs every evening at 8pm unless the weather is bad. It needs to be booked at Park Headquarters. Take a torch.

You need to be staying at the park to do this.

Where Is Bako National Park Kuching Sarawak Malaysia?

Bako National Park address : Muara Tebas Peninsular, 93000, Kuching

Taman Negara Bako is located about 37 kilometres northeast of Kuching on a peninsular surrounded by the South China Sea. It’s about 27 square kilometres big.

How To Get To Bako National Park From Kuching

When it comes to how to go to Bako National Park from Kuching, there are always two parts to the journey.

The first part is getting to Bako Jetty Terminal from Kuching. This can be by taxi (use the Grab app) or local bus.

The bus to Bako National Park leaves approximately hourly in each direction starting from about 7am in Kuching and finishing about 6pm from Bako.

Look for bus number 1. It takes about 45- 60 minutes to make the journey and costs RM3.50 at the time of publishing.

In Kuching, the buses leave from the wet market next to the Electra building. It also travels along the waterfront on the river side of the street. Ask your hotel for the closest pick-up point. It’s also possible to get a seat in a minivan that departs from the same place as the bus. They don’t leave until full.

I took a Grab here which cost RM30.

Once you arrive at the jetty to Bako National Park, you first scan a QR code and fill in your details. You then go up to the Ticketing Booth pictured above so you can pay the Bako National Park ticket price (details on that below). You get your ticket here, and you need this before you go to the park.

You then need to pay the Bako National Park boat fee to get across to the park. There is no other way to get there.

Many articles out there will tell you the boat to Bako National Park costs RM30 each way to go in a shared boat on a Bako National Park boat schedule or you can pay more to charter your own boat so you don’t need to wait for the next departure.

HOWEVER, a new company has taken over the boat service and this is no longer the case. There aren’t group departures, and you need to take your own boat which costs RM200 return. This is for up to 5 people.

This is a crazy price, and honestly, it nearly stopped me going as a solo traveller as it seems like such a rip off. However, it is worth going 🙂 You just have to accept this will be an expensive day. Or consider a tour (more about this option below).

To save money, many people group together and split the cost. I saw this happening all around me when I was here. The problem with this is that you all have to come back together on the same boat you go out on. So this can be tricky. It really depends on how flexible you can be. I would discuss this with your new boat buddies before you commit to travelling across together.

It all felt a bit chaotic when I visited here on a Saturday morning in peak August, but it was all sorted quite easily.

You can also book other boat journeys while you are here within the park, like to the famous sea stack Bako National Park (like I talk about above). It’s cheaper and easier to do this here at the same time. I didn’t realise this and was able to arrange a boat in the park, but it cost a little more (RM50 instead of RM46 to go to Telok Pandan Kecil).

If you didn’t book a tour Bako National Park, but you would like a guide, you can arrange one here. Note that there are none waiting in the park itself, so this is your last chance to get one.

There is a small drink shop and souvenir shop in the terminal.

Once you have your boat ticket, they will match you with a boat and you can leave straight away. There’s a small jetty.

The return journey is paid for at the same time (RM200 is for the return journey). Sometimes, the tide can be low on return and you’ll need to get out before the jetty and wade ashore. In the wet season (November to February/March), rough seas can stop boats running.

Boats stop running at 3pm and all day trippers have to have left the park by then.

You can arrange your pick up time with your boat driver on arrival at the park. Otherwise, you are given a phone number and you can ask Park Headquarters staff to ring them for you.

The boat rides are quite nice and cooling, especially on the way back when you’re hot and sweaty. They can be a bit bumpy though if you go anywhere near another boat. The views are nice and I found it quite exciting to arrive at the national park this way.

When I got back to the ferry terminal, I could not get a Grab taxi back to Kuching. However, there were drivers waiting there. I had to pay RM50 for this journey (albeit in a big van). You can also take the bus back.

It would have been cheaper for me to do a tour (more information about this below).

Bako National Park Opening Hours

The Bako National Park opening times are 8am to 5pm daily. This is the time the Park Headquarters is open as well.

The canteen is open 7:30am to 10pm.

I recommend you head to the park early so you’re there around the 8am open time. It’s cooler in the morning, and this also gives you the maximum time you can have if you’re on a Bako National Park 1 day trip.

Remember, day trippers have to leave the park by 3pm.

Bako National Park Entrance Fee

There is a Bako National Park Kuching entrance fee. The Bako National Park price depends on if you are Malaysian or a foreigner.

Malaysians pay RM10 for adults and RM3 for kids 6 – 17 years old.

Foreigners pay RM20 for adults and RM7 for kids 6 – 17 years old.

You pay this before taking the boat to the park as described above.

Bako National Park Tours

As you can read in this Bako National Park blog, it is possible to visit here without a tour. I visited here alone as a woman.

However, a Bako National Park day tour makes it so easy. You don’t have to worry about getting to the park and the rip off price for a boat. You don’t have to decode trails or worry about anything at all.

Plus, you get a Bako National Park travel guide to help enrich your experience. I did not see any animals on my day trip, and I think a guide is necessary if you want the best chance for this.

A Bako National Park tour package is not expensive and easy to organise as well. It would have been cheaper for me to do a tour!

Click here to see the latest tour prices and inclusions.

Accommodation At Bako National Park

While it’s easy to day trip to Bako from Kuching, staying in Bako National Park gives you more opportunity to enjoy the park and also to go on a Night Walk. Given the times you are most likely to spot wildlife is right after sunrise and right before sunset, there are definitely advantages to staying here.

All accommodation in Bako National Park is run by the Park Headquarters. It is basic and if you are looking for flash Bako National Park hotels, you are better off staying in Kuching and day tripping.

However, staying in the accommodation Bako National Park offers is the best way to get the most out of your visit here. It’s also the only way to check out the park at night.

There are basically three choices – staying in the Forest Lodge Bako National Park (individual rooms), the Bako National Park hostel (for dorm beds) or camping.

Camping is in a special area only and tents can’t be set up until 6pm and have to be put down again early in the morning – even if you are staying multiple nights. It’s also possible to try Bako National Park camping at Telok Limau when this area is open.

The Bako National Park lodge has various options and prices depending on how basic a room you want. The best ones have three single beds, air-conditioning, private bathroom and a fridge. The cheaper ones are fan cooled only and have shared bathroom.

To save money, you can stay in a dorm bed. The forest hostel has four single beds per room as well as fans and shared bathrooms.

No cooking is allowed on-site, but you can buy food at the canteen.

I will definitely stay over next time I come so I have more opportunities to spot wildlife when it’s less busy. I also like the idea of a cold shower right there after I got so hot and sweaty hiking!

You can find more information of the Bako National Park Forest Lodge and hostel and book it here . It does book out so book in advance, especially in the peak time from May to September.

When To Visit National Park Bako Kuching

It is best to visit Borneo Bako National Park in the dry season from March to September. This also coincides with the peak season of May to September so book ahead if you plan to stay at the park.

Visiting in the wettest and roughest sea months from October to February/March is still possible, but it can be a little tougher thanks to rough seas leading to infrequent boat rides across to the Park Headquarters. The Night Walk can be cancelled at this time too. Visiting on a Bako National Park package tour at this time will help make it a little easier.

What To Pack

Make sure you take a good hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and great walking shoes. Many of the trails have sections without much shade so you’ll be thankful for a hat. I didn’t use my repellent on my trip though and didn’t find any mosquitoes. This can vary at different times of year though. You’ll also want plenty of water and a snack.

If you are going to catch a boat, I also recommend a small towel. You have to wade through the water to get in and out of the boat. My feet got wet and sandy and I was stuck putting them back in my socks and shoes which isn’t ideal.

Final Words

I hope you have found this guide to Bako Kuching National Park useful. It’s a great place to visit when you are in Kuching and should be on every visitor’s list who wants to explore Sarawak’s jungles and coastline. Bako National Park reviews are always very positive.

I loved exploring here and how out of the city I felt when it really wasn’t far at all.

It was super busy when I went and I would avoid a Saturday in August if you can.

The trails were also much more open than I would have expected with a lack of shade on the longer ones. To be honest, I have never been so sweaty in all my life and this was the fifth national park in Sarawak I hiked in within a week! My t shirt was so covered in sweat, I had to wring it out!!

It was so worth it though. I really enjoyed exploring here.

Click here to see the latest tour prices and options.

Looking for other things to do in Kuching? Find our full guide here . You can also find our full guide to where to stay in Kuching here and our full travel guide to Kuching here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Bako National Park Day Trip

Book This Tour

Bako National Park is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural setting. Commonly spotted at Bako are the Borneo endemic proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs (monkeys), long-tailed macaques, wild boar, monitor lizards and numerous species of birds. The park has an impressive range of forest types from mangrove to kerangas (heath forest), tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. A trail network provides access to different parts of the depending on level of fitness and areas of interest. The park’s spectacular coastline is dotted with small bays, coves and beaches.

0750-0810 hours pick up from your hotel in Kuching. Bako National Park is situated on a peninsula on the coast and the departure point for trips to the park is Bako village, 35 minutes drive from Kuching. From the village, proceed by boat for approximately 25 minutes to the park headquarters. En route there is a chance to see crocodiles, sea eagles and other shore birds. Arrive at the park HQ and begin exploring the trails and searching for wildlife. Return to Kuching mid-afternoon.

We operate fixed departure, small group tours to Bako on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. We can arrange private tours to Bako on any day. Please email us on [email protected] to arrange a tour on dates not shown in the booking engine.

For more information about the park see our Guide to Bako National Park

Tour & transfer, boat, lunch, entrance fee and English speaking guide.

Juices and alcoholic beverages

This is a fixed departure, small group tour. You will be joining in with other people. The group size usually ranges between 2-8 people.

These small group day tours to Bako do not operate during the wet season months from November to February.

If you are staying at outside of Kuching city (e.g. Damai Beach, Santubong, etc) there is a surcharge of RM 50 per person. The pick-up time from Santubong / Damai is 7am.

If you are interested in a private Bako tour please email us. Different prices apply.

These tours operate on the principle that you may be in a small group of other people.

Interested in this tour? For more information on this tour and our other tours contact us

Also look at these tours inSarawak:

In Search of Tarsiers & Creatures of the Night

Embark on a jungle night walk and go in search of tarsiers & other creatures of the night on this tour departing from Kuching

Bidayuh Farm & Food Experience

Learn about local farming traditions and Bidayuh food on this immersive farm, food & cooking tour

Kuching & Cove 55 Resort 6D5N

6 days / 5 nights tour includes Kuching, Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orangutan and 2 nights at Cove 55 boutique resort

Mulu Marriott & Showcaves 3D2N

Discover the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park and stay at the Mulu Marriott on this 3 days / 2 nights tour

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How to Visit Bako National Park Borneo – What To See + Do

Bako has been a Malaysian National Park since 1957 and this park covers just 27 square kilometers (10.42 square miles).  Bako National Park, Borneo is easiest to reach from the city of Kuching and there are a variety of activities here in the park.  You’re almost guaranteed to see wildlife here in Bako National Park, and there are some great hikes here.  Bako, though, is most famous for being home to 275 rare proboscis monkeys, which are found only in Borneo. Our guide to Bako National Park covers how to get to Bako National Park, what to expect at Bako, Bako National Park hikes, Bako National Park Tours as well as Bako National Park Accommodation. 

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

BEST WAY TO VISIT BAKO NATIONAL PARK

BEST WAY TO VISIT BAKO

Get door-to-door transport from Kuching + Visit the Sea Stacks on this full Day Tour of Bako National Park. Includes lunch, bottled water + English speaking guide.

Why Come to Bako National Park Borneo

Bako National Park is the oldest National Park in Malaysia, and while it’s small, about 10 square miles, it has some lovely beaches, and great hikes and is the park where you are most likely to see wildlife in Malaysia.  So if seeing the rare proboscis monkey is of interest you should come here.  If you’re staying in Kuching, then visiting Bako is one of the top things to do in Kuching . 

How to Get to Bako National Park From Kuching

You’ll need to get to Sarawak’s state capital, Kuching before heading to Bako National Park.  From Kuching to Bako is about an hour and there are a variety of ways to travel to Bako from Kuching.

The easiest way to get to Bako National Park is to take a tour from Kuching and there are a variety of options available

A Day Tour to Bako from Kuching:  This 7-hour day trip will take you into Sarawak’s oldest National Park – hike the coves, trails, and rainforests of Bako, get to see the proboscis monkeys, and also see the famous sea stacks of Bako National Park.  You’ll get transport from your accommodation and a guide to making sure you spot wildlife and also take the right trails around the park.  Take a look at more information on this great Bako day trip here.

2 Day – and overnight – in Bako National Park from Kuching.   This longer option gives you a night’s stay in the National Park (it’s one of my biggest regrets that we did NOT do this).  This 2 day trip to Bako includes one night in the National Park and includes meals – as well as an English-speaking guide who will introduce you to the flora and fauna of Bako. This trip also includes a night jungle safari.  Check out this great day trip here.

If you’re looking to visit Bako National Park independently, then here are the details of how to get to Bako from Kuching.

How to Go from Kuching to Bako National Park

To go to Bako from Kuching you need to first take a bus, minivan (or taxi) to the Bako boat jetty and then take a boat.  You cannot drive directly to Bako National Park (from anywhere), everyone has to enter the park by boat.

Kuching Bus to Bako National Park

Getting to Bako is easy from Kuching The big red number 1 (Rapid Kuching) bus leaves from the open (but covered over) market near Jalan Masjid (see the map) and as we were going just for the day we made sure we were on the first bus of the day at 07:00.  There is a bus on the hour, every hour during the day.  I’d recommend getting the first bus of the day, if you decide you’ve had enough in the National Park, then you can always leave earlier.  These buses also stop to pick passengers up at the Riverside Majestic Hotel.  The last bus of the day is at about 6 pm.

When we traveled there were a few food stalls open at the market but nothing that looked like it could be consumed in a hurry should the bus decide to leave.  The bus wasn’t completely full, but it wasn’t far off, this first part of our journey to Bako cost us 3.5RM each.  In 2022, this price is still correct.

If you miss the bus, then there are plenty of minivans plying this route too, they’ll likely charge you 5 RM per person for the same route.

Buses from Kuching to Bako and minivans to Bako from Kuching take about 45-60 minutes to go from Kuching to Bako and they arrive at the Bako Boat Terminal,  where you’ll need to pay for and take the boat to Bako.

Taxi from Kuching to Bako Boat Jetty

A taxi to the Bako boat jetty will cost around 60 RM.  You can arrange a taxi from your accommodation or find out by the Open Air Market bus station.

Minivan from Kuching to Bako Boat Jetty

Minivans wait by the Open Air Market bus station in Kuching and cost 5 RM per person to go to Bako.  They depart when full and if you’re waiting for a bus, they’ll likely tell you that the bus isn’t running today.  If you are traveling in a group, then you can charter the whole minivan for about 30 RM.  Minivans are faster than the bus and take about half the time to get to the Bako boat terminal.

Bako Ferry Boat Terminal

50 minutes after leaving Kuching we pulled up at the Bako Boat Terminal, where the first thing we did was join a line. It’s not particularly organized here, and you’ll see a variety of lines.  The first line you need is the line to pay for the ticket to the National Park.

Tickets to Bako National Park cost 20 RM for adults and 7 RM for kids.  You’ll also need to buy your boat ticket.  The boat trip from Bako village to Bako National Park takes about 20 minutes.

Boat tickets to Bako National Park cost 200 RM per boat return.  You can fit 5 adults in the boat. If there’s only one of you, then you have to pay 200 RM. Find some friends.

If you want a guide for Bako, then you need to organize it here and your guide will travel with you, you will NOT have the opportunity to arrange a guide once you get to the park. 

There’s a small cafe at the boat jetty here that also sells packaged snacks and water, but nothing looks appetizing (either on the way in or out), so we head towards the boats, heading down the ramp and getting on the boat with about 12 other folks.  We all got life jackets, and our load seems fair, even appropriate for the boat size and we zoomed off down the river.

You can also ask (and pay extra) to be taken to see the Sea Stacks that Bako is famous for.  This tour, from Kuching, includes a visit to the Sea Stacks.

Arriving at Bako National Park

It’s pretty as we come up to the jetty, dead trees line the shore. Live ones closer to the land show the promise of additional vegetation.  You’ll be advised when you arrive on the boat what time the last boat of the day will be, so make sure you don’t miss it!

From the boat jetty in Bako, it’s an 8-minute walk to the park headquarters where everyone must check in, so we set off down the boardwalk.

We come to a standstill almost immediately, because right there, in the tree just by the boardwalk are a pair of Proboscis Monkeys.

Up close they’re big and they look somewhat muscular.  It isn’t until one jumps onto another tree and we hear the resulting thud that we realize quite how big they are.

It’s a great start to our visit to Bako.

On our way to check into the National Park office (there’s no signposting, it’s just “off to the right” after we were dropped from the boat), we pass the accommodation blocks. Some of it looks nice, and some of it looks hot and humid.  It would have been nice to wake up to a sunrise and see the animals earlier in the morning.

Checking In at the Bako National Park Office

There are two elements to the check-in at the National Park office, which is in the main building just after the cafe/restaurant.  First of all, check-in who you are with your passport number and collect a map of the national park with suggestions from the rangers as to which hikes you might like to take.  Then note down on a separate sheet which hikes and route you’re taking and what your departure time is, plus when you expect to return. Many of the trails are closed.

This is normal. They close off huge swathes of the park to allow it to regenerate.  It’s not detailed on the park website, but the rangers will tell you when you arrive where you can and can’t hike.

If you like hiking, then the best hiking in Peninsular Malaysia is up at Cameron Highlands, and I wrote about the best 7 hikes in Cameron Highlands here.

Food & Drinks at Bako National Park

The café here serves breakfast, which is a self-service option of fried rice or noodles. Leathery fried eggs are an additional extra. It’s food, Malaysia, but not as we know or like it.  This restaurant here is basic and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and they’re all buffet-style. They also serve drinks.  There are no food stores in Bako National Park.

It’s hot here, so bring lots of water, or better still, use a filter water bottle and use it to drink tap water wherever you are in the world– I wrote about that here .

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Hiking Trails at Bako National Park

When you check in at the National Park Office the rangers will advise which of the Bako National Park trails are open for hiking and will recommend which trails to take.

There are 16 different trails at Bako National Park.  It’s worth taking a look at them before you head to the park, to see which you might want to take, although bear in mind that not all of them will be open.  The park indicates the length of the trail and also the time it’s likely to take to hike it.

• Tanjung Sapi: 0.5 km, 30 minutes (0.8 km)
• Telok Paku: 0.8 km, 1 hour (1.2 km)
• Ulu Assam: 0.8 km, 1 1/4 hours (1.4 km)
• Telok Delima: 0.25 km, 45 minutes (1 km)
• Telok Pandan Besar: 0.75 km, 1 hour (1.75 km)
• Telok Pandan Kecil: 1.5 km,1 1/2 hours (2.5 km)
• Serait: 1.25 km,1 1/2 hours (2.2 km)
• Lintang: 5.25 km, 3 1/2 hours return
• Tajor:2.75 km, 2 1/2 hours (3.5 km)
• Tanjung Rhu: 1.8 km, 2 1/2 hours (4.2 km)
• Bukit Keruing: 2.25 km, 3 1/2 hours (5.5 km)
• Paya Jelutong: 0.2 km, 3 1/2 hours (5.7 km)
• Bukit Gondol: 2 km, 4 1/2 hours (7.7 km)
• Ulu Serait: 2.75 km, 3 hours (4.8 km)
• Telok Sibur: 0.8 km, 3 1/2 hours (5.3 km)
• Telok Limau: 5.75 km, 7 hours (10 km)
• Telok Kruin: 1.5 km, 7 1/4 hours (10.5 km)
• Pa’ Amit (Lakei Island): 1.0 km, 30 minutes

Bako National Park Trail Map

This Bako National Park Map shows the trails available.  Be sure to check in at the National Park and see which trails are open.

Hiking the Lintang Trail (Loop) at Bako

We decided to go on the only loop walk available when we visited. The Lintang Trail. It’s a 5.25km trail, which begins on a boardwalk, has climbs and descents, and also takes you through all the different vegetation types that are present here in Bako.

It takes, so the park says, 3.5 hours. Immediately after we leave the park offices we find our second lot of wildlife. A family of wild pigs, snuffling their way both along the boardwalk and to the side of it. They’re unperturbed by us, we’re more scared of them by the looks of it.

The boardwalk is pretty old, pretty slippery, and broken in a lot of places, but that’s ok because it doesn’t last very long. 

Before long we’re clambering up small wooden ladders, with missing rungs, those with short legs really need not apply here!  We’re also skirting around huge boulders and scrambling over rocks.

There’s not just a lot of different types of forest here, but also a huge variety of trails underfoot, we even share the path with streams mid-way around our hike.

For the first half of the hike, we’re under the canopy of the forest.

As we get to the highest point we come out onto the Savannah and into the heat of the sun.

And the sun is hot – even though it’s only mid-morning.

There’s no shade, little breeze and we still haven’t met a single person.  The hike is interesting from the different terrain, but once we hit the top, we didn’t find shade again until almost back to the park offices.

There are occasional signs, directing us on the way, but on the first part, it’s hard to go wrong.  It’s only when we join the trails heading toward Pandan that we get lost.  This happens after we’ve helped someone go in the right direction!  After 10 minutes of wandering on baking hot stones, we find the trail again.

A guide would definitely enhance the hike that you take, pointing out different vegetation, but the wildlife is easy to spot.  Wildlife spotting is best in the early morning or late afternoon, so we’d timed it just right, being on the first boat in this morning.

The Lintang trail might have only been a 5.25km hike, but we’re done, it’s been hot and the last part of the trail had no shade.

All other hikes, apart from this looped Lintang trail that we took return the same way you go out on. 

After a self-service lunch, which is remarkable only in its mediocrity and the opportunity it lends to watch the pigs foraging outside.  We’re also amused by the long-tailed macaques that sneak up behind unsuspecting tourists scare them silly, then steal their food and fruit.

It’s quiet here on Bako today, we passed only 6 folks when we were taking our hike (and that was at the end of our trail).  We’re lucky when we head to the Boat Office to buy our 20 RM tickets out, we can get on the next boat out, so we sit in the shade and contemplate more macaques. (If it’s busy, I’d suggest booking your return boat as soon as you arrive in the Park).

We were warned when we arrived that the last boat would not be the publicized 4 pm, but that it would be much earlier at 3 pm, that’s not a problem for us, as it’s so hot today. The reason that there are early returns is because of the tide and of course, there’s nothing we can do about that.

Low tide means that catching the boat involves wading out into the ocean to get in the boat. To stop the boat from grounding as it fills up with passengers, the boatman moves the boat into deeper and deeper water.

My shorts are wet, but at least I’m not the large members of the Chinese family who are soaked to the waist before they throw themselves over the side almost capsizing us in the process.  Still, it bonds the rest of the boat instantly.

Next time I’d be first on the boat and I’d also put my shoes back on before the boat arrived at the other end, a metal and wood walkway that’s sat in the sun all day does burn the soles of your feet somewhat!

Getting from Bako Village to Kuching

Back at the boat terminal, it looks like we’ve just missed a bus, or, more likely, that there never was one in the first place. Timetables are merely a guide to what is possible, not probable.  And so we loitered with a slowly growing group for 30 minutes until the bus arrives. 

FAQs about Visiting Bako National Park

Here are our frequently asked questions about visiting Bako National Park. If you have questions about Bako, then check the answers below, or ask a question in the comments below.

How do I get from Kuching to Bako National Park?

The trip to Bako National Park from Kuching involves a road journey of 23 miles (37 kilometers) and then a 20-minute boat ride.  There is no road transport available for the final part of the journey.  You can drive, take a taxi, get a bus or take a minivan for the road transport part of this journey.

Where is Bako National Park?

Bako National Park is about 37 kilometers from Kuching, Sarawak’s state capital.   Bako is on the Muara Tebas peninsular at the mouth of the Kuching and Bako rivers.

When is the best time to visit Bako?

You’ll have better weather if you visit Bako National Park during the dry season – which is from March to September.  The monsoon season runs from October to February, when it’s more humid and hikes at night might be canceled.  Boat trips are likely to be a bit rougher too.

What is the Bako National Park Entrance Fee?

The fee to enter Bako National Park is 20 RM per (foreign) adult and 7 RM per child.  If you are taking this one day tour to Bako , or this two day overnight Bako tour , then your entrance fee is included in your tour fee, as is your transport to and from the park.

Where Can I Buy Bako National Park Tickets?

You buy Bako National Park tickets at the Bako village boat jetty. 

How much is a tour guide at Bako National Park?

The regular price for Bako National Park tour guides is 10 RM per person.  You can book a private tour for usually 20 RM per person, depending on the size of your group.

How long should you go to Bako National Park?

You can visit Bako National Park on a day trip – either independently or as an organized tour with a guide.  Even if you arrive independently you can find a guide at the Bako boat jetty (before you get on the boat).

If you decide to stay overnight in Bako, then you’ll need to book accommodation – or this 2 day tour – well in advance.  Staying overnight also means that you’ll be able to take a jungle night walk.  We didn’t stay overnight at Bako but did take night walks in Mulu National Park (and that was AMAZING!)

Visiting Bako National Park is the most popular day trip from Kuching – read our guide to the 7 best day trips from Kuching.

What are the opening hours of Bako National Park?

Bako National Park is open from 8 am until 5 pm, 7 days a week.  Bako is open on public holidays.

How do you book Bako National Park Accommodation?

If you want to stay overnight at Bako National Park, then it’s advised to book well in advance.  The Malaysian Government booking service for stays at Bako National Park is here.   You need to book ahead, especially in this holiday season which is August here in Borneo.

The National Park has an online (sometimes) “booking” site, but it’s little more than a request for availability.  You’re much better off going into the offices in Kuching, where they have real-time availability, although the definition of real-time isn’t quite what I’d expect.  It took us 20 minutes to ascertain that there might be a room, but we might have to come back later to confirm. So we decided to visit on a Bako National Park day trip and stay in Kuching.

What can we do in Bako National Park?

Bako National Park is famous for the rare proboscis monkeys, other wildlife, the sea stacks, and hiking. 

Why is Bako National Park famous?

Bako National Park is famous for being Malaysia’s oldest National Park as well as its diverse ecosystem.  Bako is famous also for being the home of rare 275 proboscis monkeys.

Where to Stay in Kuching

The Waterfront Hotel is an incredible place to stay in Kuching, it offers a great view of the Sarawak River. It’s also conveniently located near all must-see attractions in Kuching. The Waterfront hotel has a fitness center, an infinity pool with a view, and a sauna.  You can check rates and availability of Kuching’s Waterfront Hotel here.

The Kuching Hotel is a great choice for accommodation due to its value for money. The Waterfront is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Although the Kuching Hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, outside its doors are various places to eat from a quick bite to fancy dining.   There are more reviews on the Kuching Hotel here.

The Meritin Hotel is conveniently located near a busy area offering various tourist activities. Even though the rooms are small, the beds are comfortable and the AC works great. There is basic furniture, the rooms are very clean, and the staff are super helpful. The hotel has its own restaurant which also offers a buffet.  This is a great location check it out here.

Malaysia Travel Tips

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Final Words on Visiting Bako National Park

As Malaysia’s oldest and one of the smallest National Parks, Bako is within easy reach of the city of Kuching.  It’s easy to take a day trip to Bako, it’s a great place to see wildlife, including the endangered proboscis monkeys and it’s a super place to take a hike throughout a variety of different climates.  Part of the fun of visiting Bako National Park is actually getting there too!

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Sarah Carter

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5 thoughts on “ How to Visit Bako National Park Borneo – What To See + Do ”

• 5 comments

Excellent review. Thank you very much.

Actually boat ticket to Bako National Park are per boat – RM 200 for go & back trip to Bako National Park Hq. One boat can accommodate 1 to 5 passenger only.

Thanks! That seems to be new for 2023, so I’ve updated the content, thank you !

Hi, may I know if you have engaged a guide during your visit to Bako. There is a list of licensed guide but if you could recommend one that would be great and much appreciated

We did not use a guide when we went to Bako, we simply explored by ourselves, sorry I can’t help. Sarah

Privacy Overview

BAKO NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP

Bako National Park is famous for its trekking trails – wander through multiple biomes from jungle to beach, and stay on the lookout for the park’s bountiful wildlife.

Pickup from hotel at 8:30 AM and drive for about 35 minutes to Bako Village. From the village, take about a 25 minutes boat ride (depending on the tide) to the park situated on a peninsula. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural setting. The various types of animals that are commonly spotted at Bako include the proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards and numerous species of birds. Forest types range from mangrove to kerangas (heath forest), tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. There are several trails to follow inside the park depending on level of fitness and interest. The park’s coastline is dotted with small bays, coves and beaches. Return to Kuching mid-afternoon. Please note that schedule may depend on tide.

Return land and boat transfers from Kuching, park entrance fees, lunch and nature guide.

Carbonated or alcoholic drinks, tips and gratuities.

What to Bring?

Comfortable hiking backpack including raincover, head lamp, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, your favorite trekking snacks, raincoat, sunglasses, binocular, leech socks, dry-bag, swimwear, good walking/trekking shoes, personal medication and first aid kit, electrolytes (hydration salts), light clothing for trekking.

Daily based on a minimum booking of 2pax per departure. Single supplement applies for solo travellers.

Recommended for

Travellers looking to experience the forest, beach and wildlife into a single trip. Weather conditions and water level of local rivers may force us to modify the tour in the interests of safety. Itinerary above is for guideline only.

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Please send us an email to [email protected] for enquiries or click “Book Now” to use our contact us form.​

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Contact info.

Sticky Rice Travel 3rd Floor, 86 Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia

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How to Plan the Perfect Bako National Park Day Trip

Oleh 🌍The Merdeka Migrant🌍

30 November 2023

Have you ever dreamed of seeing a monkey with a long nose, a pig with a beard, or a lizard with a forked tongue? If you have, then you should visit Bako National Park, the oldest and one of the most popular national parks in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Bako National Park is located at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula, about 37 km from Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. The park covers an area of 27.27 square kilometers, and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is also known for its stunning coastline, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and sea stacks.

Visiting Bako National Park is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of Sarawak’s nature and culture. You can see the endemic proboscis monkeys, the rare silvered langurs, the friendly bearded pigs, and the impressive monitor lizards. You can also explore the different types of vegetation, from mangrove to kerangas to swamp to cliff. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the sea, the rocks, and the waterfalls. And you can also learn about the local people, who live in fishing villages, longhouses, and temples.

If you are looking for a place to see wildlife and nature in Sarawak, Malaysia, you can’t miss Bako National Park. In this article, we will show you how to plan a perfect Bako National Park day trip, and what to do, see, bring, and avoid in this amazing park. We will also tell you how to book a tour with my.trip.com, the best travel website for your Malaysian adventure.

How to get to Bako National Park

There are two ways to get to Bako National Park from Kuching: by car or by public bus. Both options require a boat ride from the Bako village to the park headquarters, which is the only entrance to the park.

If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to Bako village, which is about 37 km from Kuching. The drive takes about an hour, depending on the traffic and the road conditions. You can park your car at the Bako village jetty, where you can buy your boat ticket and your park entrance fee. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes, and costs RM40 per person for a return trip. The park entrance fee is RM20 per person for foreigners , and RM10 per person for Malaysians .

By public bus

If you prefer to take public transportation, you can catch the bus number K6 from Kuching to Bako village. The bus departs from the Kuching Waterfront, near the Open Air Market, every hour from 7 am to 5 pm. The bus fare is RM4 per person for a one-way trip. The bus ride takes about an hour and a half, depending on the traffic and the stops. You can buy your boat ticket and your park entrance fee at the Bako village jetty, as mentioned above.

• To save money and time, you can share a car or a boat with other travelers, especially if you are traveling solo or in a small group. You can find other travelers at the Kuching Waterfront, the Bako village jetty, or the park headquarters.
• To avoid the crowds and the heat, you can go early or late in the day, when the park is less busy and the weather is cooler. The first boat leaves at 8 am, and the last boat leaves at 3 pm. The park opens at 8 am, and closes at 5 pm.
• To ensure your safety and convenience, you can book your boat ticket and your park entrance fee in advance with my.trip.com, which offers a hassle-free and secure online booking service. You can also book a guided tour with trip.com , which includes transportation, boat ride, park entrance fee, and a professional guide.
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What to do in Bako National Park

There are many things to do in Bako National Park, depending on your interests and preferences. The main activities are hiking, wildlife watching, beach hopping, and photography.

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the park, as there are 16 marked trails that range from easy to challenging, and from 0.5 km to 12.8 km in length. The trails cover different types of terrain and vegetation, and offer different views and attractions. Some of the best trails are:

• Telok Pandan Besar trail: This is a moderate trail that is 2.6 km long, and takes about 2 hours to complete. It leads to a secluded beach with a spectacular sea stack, which is one of the most iconic landmarks of the park. The trail also passes through a kerangas forest, which is a type of heath forest that is unique to Borneo.
• Telok Paku trail: This is an easy trail that is 0.8 km long, and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It leads to a small beach with a view of the Muara Tebas peninsula, where you can see the Malay fishing village and the Chinese temple. The trail also offers a good chance to see the proboscis monkeys, which are usually active in the morning and evening.
• Tanjung Sapi trail: This is a challenging trail that is 1.75 km long, and takes about 2 hours to complete. It leads to a rocky cliff with a panoramic view of the South China Sea, where you can see the Serait rock, another sea stack that resembles a cobra. The trail also passes through a mangrove forest, which is a type of wetland that is home to many aquatic animals.

Wildlife watching

Wildlife watching is another popular activity in the park, as there are over 150 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, and 17 species of amphibians that live in the park. Some of the best wildlife to see are:

• Proboscis monkeys: These are the star attraction of the park, as they are endemic to Borneo, and can only be found in a few places. They are known for their distinctive long noses, which are used to attract mates and to communicate. They are also known for their loud calls, which can be heard from a distance. They usually live in groups of 10 to 30 individuals, and feed on leaves, fruits, and seeds. They are most active in the morning and evening, and can be seen along the coast or near the water sources.
• Silvered langurs: These are another rare species of monkeys that can be found in the park. They are also endemic to Borneo, and have a silvery-gray fur that blends with the environment. They are also known as leaf monkeys, as they mainly feed on leaves, especially young ones. They usually live in groups of 5 to 15 individuals, and are very agile and acrobatic. They are most active in the morning and afternoon, and can be seen in the forest canopy or on the ground.
• Bearded pigs: These are the largest and most common mammals in the park, and can be seen almost everywhere. They are named for their long whiskers, which are used to sense their surroundings. They are also known as omnivorous pigs, as they feed on almost anything, from roots to fruits to insects to carrion. They usually live in groups of 2 to 10 individuals, and are very friendly and curious. They are most active in the morning and evening, and can be seen near the park headquarters or the beaches.
• Monitor lizards: These are the largest and most impressive reptiles in the park, and can be seen in various habitats. They are named for their long tails, which are used for balance and defense. They are also known as carnivorous lizards, as they feed on eggs, fish, birds, rodents, and even smaller lizards. They usually live alone, and are very territorial and aggressive. They are most active in the morning and afternoon, and can be seen near the water sources or the trails.

Beach hopping

Beach hopping is another fun activity in the park, as there are several beaches that offer different features and attractions. The beaches are not suitable for swimming, as there are strong currents, sharp rocks, and stinging jellyfish. However, they are great for relaxing, sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the scenery. Some of the best beaches are:

• Telok Pandan Besar beach: This is the most famous and most visited beach in the park, as it has the Sea Stack, which is a huge rock that stands out from the sea. The beach is also surrounded by cliffs and forest, which create a dramatic contrast. The beach is accessible by the Telok Pandan Besar trail, or by boat from the park headquarters.
• Telok Assam beach: This is the closest and most convenient beach in the park, as it is located near the park headquarters. The beach has a view of the Bako village and the Muara Tebas peninsula, which create a cultural and historical atmosphere. The beach is also a good spot to see the sunset, as the sky turns into different colors. The beach is accessible by a short walk from the park headquarters, or by boat from the Bako village.
• Telok Delima beach: This is the most secluded and most pristine beach in the park, as it is rarely visited by tourists. The beach is also a good spot to see the proboscis monkeys, as they often come to the beach to feed on the fruits and leaves. The beach is accessible by the Telok Delima trail, or by boat from the park headquarters.

Photography

Photography is another rewarding activity in the park, as there are many opportunities to capture the beauty and diversity of the park. The park offers a variety of subjects, such as the wildlife, the vegetation, the coastline, and the rock formations. Some of the best spots to take photos are:

• Sea Stack: This is the most iconic and most photographed landmark of the park, as it is a huge rock that stands out from the sea. The Sea Stack can be seen from the Telok Pandan Besar beach, or from the boat ride to the park headquarters. The best time to take photos of the Sea Stack is in the morning, when the sun is behind it, or in the evening, when the sun is in front of it.
• Serait rock: This is another impressive and unique landmark of the park, as it is a rock that resembles a cobra. The Serait rock can be seen from the Tanjung Sapi trail, or from the boat ride to the park headquarters. The best time to take photos of the Serait rock is in the afternoon, when the sun is above it, or in the evening, when the sun is behind it.
• Mangrove forest: This is a fascinating and diverse habitat of the park, as it is a type of wetland that is home to many aquatic animals. The mangrove forest can be seen from the Tanjung Sapi trail, or from the boat ride to the park headquarters. The best time to take photos of the mangrove forest is in the morning, when the light is soft, or in the evening, when the light is warm.
• To make the most of your time in the park, you can check the tide times, as some of the beaches and trails are only accessible during low tide. You can also follow the park rules, such as not feeding or disturbing the wildlife, not littering or damaging the plants, and not making loud noises or playing music. You can also hire a guide, who can show you the best spots and tell you more about the park.
• To book a tour with my.trip.com, you can visit their website, where you can find various options and packages for your Bako National Park day trip. You can also read the reviews and ratings from other travelers, who have enjoyed their experience with my.trip.com. You can also contact their customer service, who can answer your questions and help you with your booking.

What to see in Bako National Park

There are many things to see in Bako National Park, besides the wildlife and the beaches. The park also has a rich and diverse vegetation, which reflects the different types of terrain and climate. The park also has some amazing rock formations, which are shaped by the erosion and weathering of the sandstone. The park also has some cultural and historical sites, which showcase the local people and their traditions. Some of the best things to see are:

The park has seven types of vegetation, which are mangrove, kerangas, swamp, cliff, grassland, mixed dipterocarp, and peat swamp. Each type of vegetation has its own characteristics and adaptations, and supports different kinds of plants and animals. Some of the best examples of the vegetation are:

• Mangrove: This is a type of wetland that grows along the coast, where the salt water and fresh water meet. The mangrove plants have special roots that help them to breathe and anchor in the muddy soil. The mangrove plants also provide shelter and food for many aquatic animals, such as crabs, fish, and mudskippers.
• Kerangas: This is a type of heath forest that grows on poor and acidic soil, where the nutrients are scarce. The kerangas plants have small and thick leaves that help them to conserve water and prevent evaporation. The kerangas plants also have colorful and fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
• Swamp: This is a type of wetland that grows in low-lying areas, where the water is stagnant and shallow. The swamp plants have large and broad leaves that help them to float and photosynthesize. The swamp plants also have aerial roots and stems that help them to absorb oxygen and nutrients from the air and water.

Rock formations

The park has some spectacular and unique rock formations, which are formed by the erosion and weathering of the sandstone. The rock formations have different shapes and sizes, and create a dramatic landscape. Some of the best examples of the rock formations are:

• Sea Stack: This is a huge rock that stands out from the sea, and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the park. The Sea Stack is formed by the erosion of the waves and the wind, which carve out the base of the rock, leaving a narrow and tall pillar. The Sea Stack is also covered by vegetation, which adds to its beauty and contrast.
• Serait rock: This is a rock that resembles a cobra, and is another unique landmark of the park. The Serait rock is formed by the weathering of the sandstone, which creates cracks and fissures on the surface of the rock, giving it a snake-like appearance. The Serait rock is also surrounded by water, which creates a reflection and a mirage effect.
• Tajor waterfall: This is a waterfall that flows from a cliff, and is one of the most scenic attractions of the park. The Tajor waterfall is formed by the runoff of the rainwater, which collects on the top of the cliff, and then falls down to the pool below. The Tajor waterfall is also a good place to cool off and relax, as the water is fresh and clean.

Cultural sites

The park has some cultural and historical sites, which reflect the local people and their traditions. The park is inhabited by three main ethnic groups, which are the Malay, the Bidayuh, and the Chinese. Each group has its own culture and history, and contributes to the diversity and richness of the park. Some of the best examples of the cultural sites are:

• Malay fishing village: This is a village that is located near the Bako village jetty, and is the oldest and largest settlement in the park. The Malay fishing village is composed of wooden houses that are built on stilts, and are connected by wooden bridges. The Malay fishing village is also a source of income and livelihood for the locals, who fish and sell their catch to the tourists and the park staff.
• Bidayuh longhouse: This is a house that is located near the park headquarters, and is the only remaining longhouse in the park. The Bidayuh longhouse is composed of a single structure that is divided into several rooms, and is shared by several families. The Bidayuh longhouse is also a source of culture and heritage for the locals, who preserve and practice their customs and rituals, such as the Gawai festival and the bamboo dance.
• Chinese temple: This is a temple that is located on the Muara Tebas peninsula, and is the only religious site in the park. The Chinese temple is composed of a colorful and ornate building that is dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu. The Chinese temple is also a source of faith and devotion for the locals, who pray and offer sacrifices to the sea goddess, especially during the Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghost festival.
• To appreciate the beauty and diversity of the park, you can learn more about the plants and animals that live in the park, and how they adapt and survive in their habitats. You can also respect the local culture and history, and observe their way of life and their traditions. You can also be environmentally friendly, and avoid harming or disturbing the natural and cultural resources of the park.

What to bring to Bako National Park

Packing light and smart is important for your Bako National Park day trip, as there are no lockers or storage facilities in the park. You will have to carry everything you need for the day, and keep your valuables close to you. Here are some of the essential, optional, and avoidable items to bring to the park:

Essential items

These are the items that you must bring to the park, as they are necessary for your safety and comfort. They are:

• Water: You will need at least 2 liters of water per person, as the park is hot and humid, and you will sweat a lot. You can refill your water bottle at the park headquarters, or buy bottled water at the canteen. You can also bring a water filter or purification tablets, as the tap water is not safe to drink.
• Snacks: You will need some snacks to keep your energy and mood up, as the park is large and tiring, and you will burn a lot of calories. You can bring some nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, or chocolate, as they are easy to carry and eat. You can also buy some snacks at the canteen, or bring your own lunch, as there are no restaurants in the park.
• Sunscreen: You will need some sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, as the park is exposed and sunny, and you will be outdoors for a long time. You can bring some SPF 30 or higher, and reapply it every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating. You can also bring some lip balm, as your lips can get dry and cracked.
• Insect repellent: You will need some insect repellent to protect yourself from the insects, as the park is full of mosquitoes, flies, ants, and leeches. You can bring some DEET-based or natural repellent, and apply it on your skin and clothes, and avoid scratching or rubbing the bites. You can also bring some antihistamine cream, as some insects can cause allergic reactions.
• Hat: You will need a hat to cover your head from the sun, as the park is hot and bright, and you will be exposed for a long time. You can bring a wide-brimmed hat, a baseball cap, or a bandana, as they are easy to wear and carry. You can also bring a scarf, as it can protect your neck and face from the sun and the insects.
• Sunglasses: You will need some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, as the park is bright and glarey, and you will be looking at the sea and the rocks. You can bring some polarized sunglasses, as they can reduce the glare and enhance the contrast. You can also bring some eyeglasses, as they can protect your eyes from the dust and the branches.
• Camera: You will need a camera to capture the beauty and diversity of the park, as the park is full of amazing sights and scenes. You can bring a digital camera, a smartphone, or a GoPro, as they are easy to use and store. You can also bring some accessories, such as a tripod, a lens, or a battery, as they can improve the quality and quantity of your photos.
• Binoculars: You will need some binoculars to see the wildlife and the scenery in the park, as the park is large and distant, and some animals are shy and elusive. You can bring some compact binoculars, as they are easy to carry and handle. You can also bring some magnifying glass, as they can help you to see the details and the colors of the plants and animals.

Optional items

These are the items that you can bring to the park, as they are not necessary but useful for your enjoyment and convenience. They are:

• Swimsuit: You can bring a swimsuit if you want to swim or snorkel in the park, as there are some pools and reefs that offer a refreshing and exciting experience. However, you should be careful, as there are strong currents, sharp rocks, and stinging jellyfish in the water. You should also wear a life jacket, and stay close to the shore or the boat.
• Towel: You can bring a towel if you want to dry yourself or your belongings in the park, as there are some water sources and activities that can make you or your things wet. However, you should bring a small and light towel, as a large and heavy towel can take up space and weight in your backpack. You should also wring out and fold your towel, and keep it in a dry bag or a waterproof case.
• Change of clothes: You can bring a change of clothes if you want to change or freshen up in the park, as there are some showers and toilets that are available in the park headquarters. However, you should bring a simple and comfortable outfit, as a fancy and elaborate outfit can be impractical and inappropriate in the park. You should also pack your clothes in a dry bag or a waterproof case, and keep them in a separate compartment in your backpack.
• Raincoat: You can bring a raincoat if you want to protect yourself or your belongings from the rain, as there are some showers and storms that can occur in the park. However, you should bring a lightweight and breathable raincoat, as a heavy and suffocating raincoat can make you sweat and uncomfortable in the park. You should also fold and roll your raincoat, and keep it in an accessible place in your backpack.
• Flashlight: You can bring a flashlight if you want to see or explore in the dark, as there are some trails and caves that are dim and dark in the park. However, you should bring a small and bright flashlight, as a large and dim flashlight can be bulky and ineffective in the park. You should also bring some spare batteries, and keep them in a safe and dry place in your backpack.

Avoidable items

These are the items that you should not bring to the park, as they are unnecessary and harmful for your safety and the environment. They are:

• Plastic bags: You should not bring plastic bags to the park, as they are non-biodegradable and polluting, and can harm the wildlife and the vegetation. You should also not use plastic bags to store or carry your items, as they can tear or leak easily. You should use reusable or biodegradable bags, such as cloth bags, paper bags, or bamboo bags, as they are eco-friendly and durable.
• Food wrappers: You should not bring food wrappers to the park, as they are non-biodegradable and littering, and can attract the wildlife and the insects. You should also not leave or throw your food wrappers in the park, as they can cause choking or poisoning to the animals and the plants. You should use reusable or biodegradable containers, such as boxes, bottles, or jars, as they are eco-friendly and hygienic.
• Noisy devices: You should not bring noisy devices to the park, such as speakers, radios, or musical instruments, as they are disturbing and annoying, and can scare or stress the wildlife and the visitors. You should also not play or use your noisy devices in the park, as they can interfere with the natural sounds and the ambiance of the park. You should use earphones or headphones, as they are discreet and personal.

Go on a day trip to Bako Park today!

Planning the perfect day trip to Bako National Park involves a well-considered approach to transportation, activities, and preparation. Whether arriving by car or public bus, it's important to plan your journey in advance.

Once there, a multitude of activities await, including hiking through diverse trails, wildlife watching for unique species, beach hopping along picturesque shores, and capturing the beauty through photography. The park's highlights include its rich vegetation, striking rock formations, and cultural sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the natural and historical tapestry of the area.

For a successful visit, it's crucial to pack essential items for safety and comfort, consider optional items for enhanced experience, and be mindful of items to avoid for environmental preservation. By following these tips and immersing yourself in the wonders of Bako National Park, your day trip is bound to be an unforgettable adventure that balances adventure with respect for the natural world.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit Bako Park today through trip.com!

Bako National Park day trip

How do i get to bako national park from kuching, what are the must-see trails in bako national park, what wildlife can i expect to see at bako national park, what should i bring to bako national park, are there any cultural sites within bako national park, what unique vegetation can i find in the park, what are the best beaches in bako national park, how can i book a tour to bako national park.

Bako National Park Day Trip

• 1. How to get to Bako National Park
• 2. What to do in Bako National Park
• 3. What to see in Bako National Park
• 4. What to bring to Bako National Park
• 5. Go on a day trip to Bako Park today!

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Bako National Park Day Trip – Sarawak – Incredible Sightseeing and Hiking

Sep 25, 2019 | Malaysia , Sarawak | 0 comments

A Bako National Park Day Trip in Sarawak.

A Bako National Park Day Trip to Remember in Sarawak 

Getting to bako national park.

How to get to Bako National Park from Kuching is straight forward, and it won’t cost a great deal, no matter which method you choose. 

Catching a bus is the cheapest way to get to the Bako Park by getting on the Red Number 1 bus from Kuching City for only 4-ringgit. The bus departs Kuching and the Bako boat terminal every hour between the times of 7 am – 5 pm.

For a quicker yet more expensive method of transportation, you can order a GRAB driver from the App. The prices vary, depending on which time of the day you travel, but it usually costs between 30-45-ringgit.   

All aboard the plank to Bako.

Bako National park Entrance Fee

Once you arrive at the Boat Terminal, you’re greeted by staff members once out of the vehicle and will help you organise boat and entrance fees to the Park.

The Bako National Park Boat fees cost 20-ringgit for a return trip, with the first boat to Bako leaving at 8 am and the last boat leaving Bako at 4 pm. If you haven’t organised an overnight stay, you don’t want to miss that last boat.

You’ll also pay your Bako National Park entrance fees with a foreigners fee costing 10-ringgit for the day, with further expenses for an extended stay over multiple days.

The Longboat to Bako

At the boat terminal, it appears to look like organised chaos, when you don’t know whether you’re coming or going, with a bit of wait time required.

Finally, you’re head over to the jetty to the longboats on the Sungai Tabo River and confronted with a busy river filled with private and commercial boats.

While it looks chaotic on the waters, it’ll capture your attention from the get-go as you look downriver and out towards the nearby villages that saturate the banks of the river.

Once you’re on the longboats and heading to Bako, the fresh, crisp air flows through you for the duration of the journey and is a relief from the Malaysian Heat.

Through the journey, you’ll look out towards the surrounding nature and for hidden crocodiles from the safety of the boat.

The journey takes approximately 20-minutes and what awaits you on arrival at Bako National Park is a gorgeous beach and the highly anticipated day trip has officially begun.  

the longboats on the Sungai Tabo River.

The Bako Headquarters

Before you can go exploring in Bako, you start the Bako Headquarters and Canteen area.

At the headquarters, you’ll receive a map of the walking trails with the advice of the best trails to take for your allotted time in the National Park.

It’s at that time you must sign in and note the trail paths you’ll make for the day.

Usually, travellers on a Bako National Park day trip receive the same advice and take similar treks, meaning you’ll have many hikers on the same path. 

The Canteen area also provides you with the last opportunity to top up with the essentials, such as snacks and water for energy and hydration for the walk.

Make sure you carry at least two litres of drinking water for the day, it will get exhaustive walking around in the humid conditions and dehydration can creep in.

You’re now ready to take on the Bako National Park trails and discover genuine scenic beauty.

Which way are you heading?

The best way to spend a Bako National Park Day Tour

Firstly, it’s essential to know your fitness limits and capabilities when at Bako. You don’t want to arrive back at the Headquarters after the last boat has departed and left stranded.

If you do stick to the specific trails I mention within this article, you’ll have plenty of time take in mesmerising views within the Park, without feeling the need for urgency.

On the map, you’ll see a total of 16 trails; some go for approximately 45-minutes and others into the hours.

For this day trip, I travelled on two separate trails, the number three Telok Paku trail and the number five Telok Pandan Besar trail.

An adventure along the Telok Paku trail.

I commenced with the Telok Paku trail, a beautiful rainforest trek with constant shade and a moderate trail which was relatively risk-free.

However, you need to watch your footing as the ground is continuously uneven throughout the trek with rocky slopes and unstable staircases.  

What awaits at the end of the trail of Telok Paku beach is an open sandy beach with beautiful sights of the rugged coastline.

Telok Paku Beach.

In the waters are several longboats, and this is when things get interesting, but for the total betterment of your trip, especially if you’re eager to save energy.

The longboats are available to take you to another part of the National Park, where you can walk back to the main centre using a different track.

That’s a bonus because it means, you don’t have to walk back on the same track you came from initially, and you’re not seeing the same thing twice on your day trip.

The more people on the boat, the cheaper it costs. I was fortunate enough to round up a few more people to save money and take about the boat ride to the end of the number five trail, the Telok Pandan Besar.

The boat price is certainly worth the admission fee. Not only are you taken to the next location, but you’ll receive a short tour of the coastal area to a few hidden places only accessible by boat.

It truly is a mesmerising sightseeing experience.

Sightseeing on the longboat takes you to incredible sightseeing places.

After a fifteen-minute journey, you arrive on the beach of Telok Pandan Besar, a mostly deserted beach, with fewer people seen on the sands.

Once at the beach, there’s a staircase to ascend to the cliff that overlooks the beach. It’s one of the best views inside the Bako National Park, and much appreciated, before hiking back to the Headquarters.

The trek back is much longer than the first trail of Telok Paku, and the landscapes are vastly different. The Telok Pandan Besar trail is more open with a desert feel and much less shade than the jungle walk done previously.

The two trails take approximately take five hours in total, including time spent sightseeing and the boat trip between the two walking trails.

It’ll give you ample time for a leisurely walk back to the canteen, where you can enjoy a buffet lunch and a refreshing drink at a reasonable price. I’ll admit, the food is nothing fancy.  

Telok Pandan Besar.

Other Bako National Park Trails for when you have longer to stay

When you have 16 trails within a National Park that comes in all sorts and sizes, you can’t help but want to go back to Bako for an extended stay.

On the Bako National Park trail map, you’ll receive a basic of the fantastic trails available, the approximate time to get the endpoint and back again. Quite useful for when staying at Bako for multiple days and wanting to see more.

Not all the walking trails, mind you, lead to a gorgeous coastline.

You can discover inland attractions such as the Tajor Waterfall, enjoy a loop trek along the Lintang trail, or head further into Bako and find more coastal areas in the name of Tajor and Tilok Limau.

Whatever you do, keep your map nearby, follow the colour codes of the trail at all times and keep a note of the approximate time it takes to walk the path.

 BRING PLENTY OF DRINKING WATER!

Stay a little longer and endure more trails.

Bako National Park Accommodation

When you seek Bako accommodation, there is a range of Lodges available when desiring to stay a little longer and walk many more trails.

The Bako National Park lodge has a variety of rooms to cater a various number of guest for groups or families, and a hostel for the budget travellers.

You can check out the range of accommodation choices at the National park on their website.

Stay at Bako longer for more sightseeing.

Further things to look out for at Bako

An adventure in Bako is fulfilling, especially with a range of hidden surprises to find during your day at the National Park.

From the plant species to the unique wildlife, here are a few things to watch out for exploring the Borneo rainforest.

The Bako Wildlife: The Bako wildlife comes in all shapes and sizes; you have unique red coloured long-nose monkey that lives large in the tree.

You’ll find the curious Silver Leaf Monkey and near to the Bako headquarters are the unique looking Wild Boar.

Other animals to look out for are slithering snakes, which are well hidden, and other common animals of various bird species, insects and other creepy crawlies.

The Wild Boar of Bako.

The Pitcher Plant: The Pitcher plants are commonly found on the walking trails and are carnivorous plants known as pitfall traps. 

The plant is a trapping mechanism featuring with a digestive liquid. It traps insects and even small mice with its formed leaves, and in which case, the insect cannot escape.

The Pitcher Plant.

Crocodiles: At the main headquarters you’ll notice signs to be aware of crocodiles. A horrifying thought I know.

Don’t be too alarmed, crocodile attacks are sporadic, but it’s good to know they are about when visiting. 

When in doubt, listen to the staff members or locals in the area. 

The ever-changing landscapes: One moment you could be walking in the shaded rainforests with many surrounding trees, and in another instance, you’re feeling the heat in the open plains.

The vast changing landscapes of Bako is excellent while exploring the National Park, and it’ll captivate you for the whole journey and ease the pain of hiking in extreme heat.

The ever-changing landscapes.

One thing is for sure while walking the Bako trails, you’ll end up somewhere merely gorgeous and the hard slog to get there would have been worth it.

It’s the final reward you get for having a Bako National Park Day Trip and discovering the real beauty of Sarawak in Malaysia.

Check out more sightseeing in Sarawak with a Borneo rainforest walk with backyard Tours!

A day at Bako, where else would you rather be.

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The ULTIMATE Guide to Bako National Park

We climbed out of the boat into the ankle-deep sea water and walked up the beach. We had arrived to explore Bako National Park. After checking in at the visitor’s center and scanning over the trail maps, we were off to trek through the jungle in search of Bako’s unique wildlife.

Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest national park and is famous for sightings of the Proboscis monkey. Located nearby Kuching, Malaysia, Bako National Park is a great destination for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and jungle trekking. In the park, you will find a variety of trails. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Malaysian Borneo.

Where is Bako National Park?

Bako National Park is located on a peninsula off the northwest coast of Malaysian Borneo, near Kuching in Sarawak. It is roughly 45 min-1 hour away from the city of Kuching and is only accessible by boat from the Bako National Park Terminal.

Wildlife in Bako National Park

You don’t come to Bako National Park unless you are hoping to see some unique wildlife. This park is home to some amazing animals, some only found in Borneo itself. The best time to spot wildlife is dawn and dusk so, as we mention a lot in this post, it’s highly recommended to spend the night. Some of the animals listed below are nocturnal so you won’t see them unless you choose to do a night tour while staying at the park’s accommodation.

The most popular animal and biggest draw to Bako National Park is the Proboscis Monkey. These monkeys are known for their orange coloring and uniquely shaped noses.

There are 3 types of monkeys in Bako National Park. Besides the Proboscis Monkey you will most likely spot Macaques near the beaches on trails 2 and 3, and Silver leaf Monkeys (Silver Langur) up in the trees.

Other mammals that call Bako home include squirrels, mouse deer, pangolin, flying lemur, and bearded pigs.

With over 150 bird species calling Bako home, this national park is a birdwatcher’s dream. However, if you are looking to spend time birding, we highly recommend staying overnight to be at the park at dawn and dusk.

There are also reptiles found in Bako National Park, including crocodiles near the beaches, water monitors, a variety of snakes (most not dangerous), and different kinds of lizards.

If you’re into bugs and insects, Bako National Park has those too! During our trip to Bako, we saw a variety of butterflies, giant ants (that apparently are not dangerous, so don’t worry too much if they crawl over your feet), and large spiders.

How to Get to Bako National Park

Getting to Bako National Park is quite easy but you can’t just take a grab to the park’s headquarters.

Step 1: Grab a bus (or taxi) to Bako National Park Terminal

There is a red bus that runs from Kuching to Bako every hour starting at 7 am. It will say Bako National Park on the front. We caught the bus at the bus stop outside the City Inn Hotel.

Since the first stop is closer to the waterfront, the bus picked us up closer to 7:10. Your accommodation should be able to direct you to the closest stop but if not, grab the bus outside the City Inn Hotel at the stop along Jalan Abell Road.

Step 2: Ride the Boat

The bus will stop a short walking distance from the Bako National Park Boat Jetty and Car Park. If you take a taxi here instead of the bus, they should drop you off right out front. When you walk inside, the staff will direct you where to go. First, you must purchase your bus ticket and then your park entrance ticket at the counter next it to.

To hire a private boat, it will cost 100 MR each way (200 MR total). If you are able to join a group (just for the boat ride, not necessarily all day) your ticket should be about 20 MR each way per person (40 MR).

After you purchase your boat transfer, buy your ticket from the next counter and head to the boat. It is a short ride through a river and around the coast of Bako National Park.

Our Experience:

Luckily, as we were trying to purchase our boat transfer, 2 other couples came in and we were able to split the boat fee. We were charged 40 MR per person for transfer to and from the park instead of having to pay the 200 MR for the two of us. If you are going for the day, you must decide on a departure time so your boat knows when to pick you up. We chose the latest time available, 3 pm and were glad we did.

Step 3: You’re here!

Upon arrival at the national park, you may be exiting the boat either onto a boat dock or onto a beach depending on the tide. You must check in at the visitor’s center, show your ticket, and list the trails you plan to hike, more on choosing trails later.

When you arrive at the headquarters by boat, you will find signs with trail and park information, accommodation, and a restaurant.

If you head left after checking in, you will walk past the restaurant, some of the different forest lodges, and the boat dock (if you arrived at the beach). You will walk along a boardwalk through mangrove trees before reaching the trailhead for trails 3, 5, 6, and part of 10.

If you head to the right of the headquarters station, you will find public bathrooms right outside, pass by more forest lodges, the campsites, and after a short walk the trailheads for 2, 4, and part of 11.

Some trails are not mentioned in this blog post because they were closed during our stay and we are not aware of their reopening date.

Getting Back to Kuching

To get back to Kuching, you will board your boat at the time decided upon arrival and then catch the red bus back to Kuching. The bus departs roughly every hour, with the last departure being 4 or 5 pm. We were told 4 pm but another group 5, so it’s best to play it safe. Leaving the beach at 3 pm on the boat gives you more than enough time to catch the 4 pm bus!

Cost of Visiting Bako National Park

If you are staying for one day, we have the cost breakdown below. But, if you plan to stay the night you can use this website or reach out to this email for more information: [email protected]. We only visited for the day but would have much preferred staying overnight after talking to some travelers we met on the trails, more on this later.

TOTAL PER PERSON FOR 1 DAY : 61 MYR (not including food or extras), this is roughly $13.5 USD

• Bus to Bako Boat Terminal: 1 MYR
• Boat to the park entrance: 40 MYR (both ways, if you can find a group) 200 MR (both ways for a private group)
• Ticket for Park Entrance: 20 MYR
• Optional Guide: 150 MYR for the day
• Optional Overnight Accommodation: Starting from 15 MYR per bed
• Optional Lunch: 10+ MYR

Day Trip or Overnight?

We visited Bako for just the day and were happy with what we saw but we got really lucky. We got the earliest bus at 7 am and were on the hiking trail. The last boat left the park at 3 pm and we stayed until then.

If you choose to stay only one day at Bako National Park you should choose your trails wisely, putting emphasis on what you are really looking for. We hiked 3 trails and that was the most that we had time for at the park for one day. Visiting for one day does limit how much time you have at the park, limits your chances of seeing wildlife, and you may feel rushed.

Staying Overnight at Bako National Park

We talked to two groups of travelers who stayed overnight and they were so happy they did. Staying overnight means that you don’t have to get to the park as early as possible, gives you more free time to enjoy the trails, and provides the opportunity for guided night hikes, and sunrise/sunset on the beach.

Although basic, the accommodation is quite decent and comfortable for a short 1-2 night stay. Dorm beds (4 per room) at the park start at 15 MYR and depending on availability, you might have the entire room to yourself. They seem to space visitors out this way if there’s room, and we thought this was very nice. There are also campsites at the park if you have your own gear, it is not available to rent.

If you choose to stay overnight, there is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is a buffet of rice, noodles, eggs, meats, and fruit. Lunch is a buffet of rice, noodles, meats, and vegetables, and dinner is ordered from a menu. Each meal is around 10 MYR give or take a few. There are also coffee, tea, and canned/bottled drinks available for purchase, even beer! You will have the option to buy lunch during a day trip as well.

Pros of Staying Overnight

• More time in the park, your time isn’t cut short by bus or boat rides.
• At the park during the times are day when animals are more active.
• Opportunity for guided night hikes to see wildlife active after dark (15 MYR)

If you plan to spend the night at Bako National Park, it is best to book at least 2 nights beforehand. When you are purchasing your boat transfer, you may ask to purchase only your boat transfer to the park and hope you can join a group leaving the park the next day if you wish to take the chance. Since there are boats leaving most of the afternoon, there is a high chance you will find someone willing to let you on board, but this is up to you!

Hiking Trails in Bako National Park

There are a total of 16 Hiking or Trekking Trails in Bako. During our visit, 7 were open for the day trip and the others were under reconstruction or maintenance.

The trails range in length and difficulty, however, I would not say any of them are “easy”, especially if you are travelling with someone that has any physical disability that would affect hiking. This doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip since the long paved stretch in front of the headquarters to each trailhead is where we saw the most wildlife and is still beautiful!

On the map, you are given at the park, the trails are all marked and estimated times are listed. We believe that if you are in decent shape, the times are quite long. We finished in half or 2/3 the time listed and took our time for each trail, stopping often for pictures.

BEST FOR WILDLIFE:

Trails 1, 2 and 3 are shorter trails and best for wildlife viewing. Trail 1, Telok Sapi, is the shortest but closed during our visit. Telok Delima or Trail 2 is 1km each way. Trail 3 named Telok Paku is 800 m long each way. We hiked both 2 and 3, but preferred trail 3 for the exciting trek, wildlife sightings, and beautiful beach ending.

Trail 4 named Ulu Assam is a 700 m one-way hike and is a steep hike up to a viewpoint. On this trail, we spotted some interesting insects and a large lizard. The beginning of the trail is flatter, however, the majority of the trail heads UP to a viewpoint overlooking the sea.

Trails 5 and 6 are connected for most of the way and take you to beaches with rock formations. Trail 5, named Telok Besar is 1.9 km one way. Trail 6 is named Telok Pandan, known for the Kecil rock formation on the beach and is 2.6 km one way. If you are looking for a beautiful beach to relax on after the trek, these are the trails to do!

Trail 11 is a large loop that circles part of the park and connects to the trailheads of 2-6. On the map, it is called the Lintang Loop and is 5.8 km.

There are 9 other trails on the map in Bako National Park. However, these trails were open during our visit. We cannot advise on the other trails deeper into the park without experiencing them. We hope more is available during your stay at Bako!

Tips for Visiting Bako National Park

• Hire a guide for the opportunity to spot the most wildlife. Guides can be hired right at the Bako National Park Terminal. It was offered to us, but if it isn’t offered, ask to find out if there are any available that day.
• If you are only going for one day, get on the earliest bus!
• SPEND THE NIGHT! This way you are at the park during peak wildlife spotting hours; dawn and dusk!

What to bring to Bako National Park:

Hiking Attire : When preparing for your trip to Bako National Park, make sure to wear comfortable trekking clothes and comfortable hiking shoes. Although we wore our hiking sandals, we believe close-toed hiking shoes or boots would have been better for comfort and safety in the park.

Bug Spray : On top of clothing, make sure to bring mosquito repellent. I (Sam) am prone to bug bites and was the only one that the mosquitos seemed attracted to. Our eco-friendly repellent was not strong enough for me but it did work well for others. It is extremely hard to find bug spray with DEET in Malaysia so if you wish for the stronger kind bring it with you.

Sunscreen : Although you might be covered by the canopy for part of your day, it’s always important to protect your skin!

Snacks : Although there is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will want to bring some snacks to ensure you have enough food during your visit. We bought fruit, nuts, and ramen to bring with us on our trip to Bako National Park.

Binoculars : Not necessary but would sure make wildlife sightings easier if you have a pair to bring along!

Toilet Paper: Bring some with you if you use it normally.

Cash : Lastly, it is important to bring CASH with you on your trip to the park. There are no ATMs nearby the boat terminal or park entrance. You will need cash to pay for your transportation and your entrance to the park. How much cash? Keep reading to find out!

Do I need a guided tour to visit Bako National Park?

NO! You do not need a guide to visit Bako National Park, especially for a day trip. You can explore the park on your own, however, a guide is recommended if you are hoping to get the most out of your time and see the most animals.

We saw groups of nature photographers with guides since they often know where to find the animals throughout the day. At night, you do need to hike with a guide in Bako but this is offered by the park when you stay and is affordable.

You don’t need to book a tour to visit Bako National Park. We have seen some outrageous tour prices for Bako it’s so affordable to visit on your own, especially if you follow the directions above.

Depending on your goal and budget, we believe visiting Bako National Park on your own and booking directly through the park is your best option!

Final Thoughts: Bako National Park

We had such a great day hiking around Bako National Park. Seeing the proboscis monkeys in the wild was so exciting! They are definitely odd-looking animals. If we could do it over, the one thing we would change is not having spent the night. It’s definitely worth the overnight trip if you have the time for it. Remember to respect the wildlife, stay on the trail, and clean up after yourself. The animals are WILD so do not approach them, admire them from afar!

For more information on visiting Bako National Park, click here.

• Sarawak Destinations
• Bako National Park

About Bako National Park

Bako National Park is the oldest national park in the state of Sarawak, and it was gazetted in 1957. With an Area of 2,742 hectares which covers the Northern Tip of the Muara Tebas Peninsula, it is one of Sarawak’s smallest national parks. Nonetheless, due to its geographical variety and wildlife diversity, it has become one of Sarawak’s most interesting and well known national parks. Visitors can find nearly every type of vegetation found in Borneo in this area. The seven distinct ecosystem -mixed dipterocarp forest, mangrove forest, beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, heath forest, grasslands and swamp forest- are accessible through a series of treks and trails.

Bako’s extensive trail network is consisted of 16 colour-coded jungle trails which offer a series of walking and trekking options from short and easy walks close to the park headquarters to full-day hikes into the jungle.

The 16 trails available are Tanjung Sapi, Telok Paku, Ulu Assam, Telok Delima, Serait, Telok Pandan Kecil & Telok Pandan Besar, Lintang, Tajor, Tanjung Rhu, Ulu Serait, Bukit Gondol, Paya Jelutong, Bukit Keruing, Telok Sibur, Telok Limau, Telok Keruin, and Pulau Lakei.

The great thing about Bako National Park is that it is almost certain for visitors to encounter wildlife in close proximity or the other way around. Bako is home to the Proboscis monkeys –locally known as Bayau, with long pendulous nose and a huge pot-belly, which can only be found in the isle of Borneo. There are about 275 Proboscis monkeys in Bako and they are mostly tree-dwelling from one tree to another. Other types of monkeys such as the Long-tailed Macaque monkeys and Silver Leaf monkeys can be seen roaming around the park headquarters, Bearded boars, Monitor lizards, and various species of birds are also commonly spotted.

Accommodation In Bako National Park

In terms of finding for a place to stay, there is no worry for visitors as there are various options to choose inside the park itself. In fact, an overnight stay or two is highly recommended for the vistors to afully experience diversity that Bako has to offer. The Accommodation available are 4-bedroom hostels, 2-bedroom Lodges, 3-bedroom Chalets and also designated campsite (will need to bring own camping gear and equipment), ranging from RM15.90 to RM159.

Who is it for?

Bako National Park is commonly known for its incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. Nature and Wildlife lovers will definitely have a great time exploring the area as they will encounter various types of ecosystems and landscapes, as well as many species of wildlife. The park is also suitable for families with kids as they can experience the park in a relaxing vibe.

How to get here?

With only 37 Kilometres away, visitors can get themselves to the Bako National Park carpark and boat jetty from downtown Kuching via public transportation. By taking the Rapid Kuching No. 1 bus from the Open Air Market, it will take approximately 45 minutes for them to get there. The bus ticket will cost RM3.50 each for a one-way ride to the National Park and the operating hours starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Aside from that, visitors can also take a Taxi for RM45 or by mini bus for RM5 each –this mini bus is actually a van which only departs once it is full with passengers.

As visitors arrive at the Bako Wet Market, they will have to purchase their entrance ticket as well as their boat ticket at the jetty which is only within a 2-minute walking distance. The entrance fee to the park is RM10 for locals and RM20 for foreigners, whereas, the boat ticket will be RM47 per one-way trip or RM97 for a return trip consisting of 4-6 passengers. This 30-minute boat ride will lead visitors to the National Park Headquaters.

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Family · Travel · Adventure

International Travel , Asia · December 14, 2023

Bako National Park: Travel Guide

Location: Kuching, Sarawak

Nestled on the northwestern tip of Borneo, Bako National Park stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of Malaysian wildlife and landscapes. My recent journey to this ecological gem was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Join me as I recount the highlights of my visit to Bako National Park and why it should be a must-see on every nature lover’s itinerary.

Spread across 27 square kilometers, Bako is a biodiversity hot spot, showcasing an incredible variety of ecosystems, from mangrove swamps to dipterocarp forests. The park is home to an extensive array of wildlife, including the rare proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and vibrant bird species. Exploring the network of trails reveals the richness of Bako’s natural tapestry.

Although the park is only accessible by boat, it was not hard to get to. The journey to Bako National Park begins with a boat ride from Kampung Bako, which was only about a half hour drive from downtown Kuching . While you could do this yourself, we hired a guide from a local tour company called Amansar Travel and Tours .

Our guide arranged the boats for us and we set off through the South China Sea. The sense of adventure immediately sets in as the mountains come into view. The boat ride was only a half hour but we felt worlds away.

On our way to the park, we paid our boat captain a few extra dollars to bring us a bit further to see the sea stacks. You will see photos of these famous rock formations jutting out of the ocean on most of the Borneo tourism materials. Getting to them will depend on the tide.

The tide was out so we docked right on the beach. (tip: bring a small towel to brush sand off and dry your feet). We walked from the beach to the Ranger Station which has bathrooms and a cafe. Our guide pointed out on a map the hike that we were going to do that day.

One of the biggest reasons we came to Bako National Park was to search for the elusive proboscis monkey. I half didn’t believe that they existed. It was my dream to see one. There are less than 7,000 proboscis monkeys left and they are endemic to the island of Borneo.

Our guide explained that sometimes they see them, and other times they are no where to be found. We were on the beach for maybe five minutes when a troop swung through the trees. It was so exciting and we were so grateful for the experience.

Bako National Park has rangers walking around the area at all times to see where the wildlife is. Before we set out on a hike, they wanted to show us a snake that someone found nearby.

I was trailing behind as usual because I take so many pictures. The guide was just finishing up his spiel on the snake as I leaned it to take a picture. He very calmly said “you are within striking distance of the most poisonous snake in Borneo right now.” I immediately back off wishing I hadn’t missed the intro, but hey I got a great picture of the snake!

The rangers also wanted to show us where there was a Malayan colugo sleeping in a tree. These unique animals are referred to as “flying lemurs” which really confused me because I thought lemurs were endemic to Madagascar. Colugos are not in the lemur family at all. They were once thought to be related to flying squirrels or bats, but studies have proven that their closest relatives are actually primates.

While we were walking through base camp, we passed many bearded pig. While they are accustomed to walking around people, they are actually wild.

We also admired the sleeping accommodations around camp. If we had more time, I think that would be an incredible experience. The accommodations range from basic hostels to new suites with air conditioning. Staying the night would give you an opportunity to do a night hike and see nocturnal animals in action.

We set off into the forest to explore more of the wilderness as our guide pointed out plants and trees of interest along our way. It wasn’t long before our path was blocked by long-tailed macaques. While we thought it was cute, our guide got a stick in hand and shook it to ward them off. Apparently, tourists have fed them and they will now jump on people in search of snacks.

We walked on an elevated boardwalk to reach the trailhead. As we head up into the forest, we walked up a giant tree root that had created a stairway. It reminded me of something from the Jungle Book.

There are many hiking trail options at Bako National Park and I was very impressed with how well marked the trails were. Don’t expect all of the trails to be open, because they have to perform maintenance on them throughout the year.

The hikes will vary in length and difficulty. The Telok Pandan Kecil trail, for instance, offers panoramic views of the coastline, while the Paku Trail leads through dense rain forest, providing glimpses of exotic flora and fauna. Each trail promises a unique adventure, catering to all levels of fitness.

Since it was so hot the day we were there, we opted for an hour long hike that ended on the beach. The forest was teeming with wildlife. When we returned, we enjoyed lunch overlooking the beach.

Almost every day we were in Borneo, the day would start off hot and sunny and by the afternoon, there would be a deluge of rain. There was a storm on the horizon, so we head back a bit early. Since the tide was in, we could use the dock. We beat the rain but could see the dark clouds on the horizon.

Bako National Park isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersion into the heart of Borneo’s wilderness. From diverse ecosystems and captivating wildlife to scenic trails and tranquil beaches, the park offers a myriad of experiences for nature enthusiasts.

My journey through Bako was the highlight of our entire two week trip through Malaysia. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature novice, Bako National Park promises an unforgettable expedition into the heart of one of Malaysia’s most remarkable natural wonders.

To read our complete guide to Kuching, click here .

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Bako Wildlife Trek

Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak for wildlife experiences. With its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, secluded beaches, and trekking trails, Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest of Borneo.

from MYR 451 / person

• Tour Highlight

Recommended Tours

• Duration: Day Tour
• Booking Pax: Min. 2
• Physical Level: Soft

Introduction

Key highlights of this tour.

Kuching - Bako National Park

The journey to the park involves a 37-kilometer car ride from Kuching to Kampung Bako and from Kampung Bako a 30-minutes boat ride to the park. Commonly seen wildlife includes the proboscis monkey which is endemic to Borneo, silver-leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, bearded pigs and a variety of bird life. Transfer to Kuching Airport.(Recommended Flight after 7pm)

Price Remarks

• Validity Rates are valid for travel by 31 March 2025. 
• Availability   This tour runs everyday. Prior booking is required.
• Transfer Inclusion   This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from  Kuching Airport or city hotel in Kuching . Additional charge per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside this area and pick up time may vary.

Explore Borneo Your Way!

Our Borneo Specialist can tailor this itinerary for you.

Notes [ Expand All ]

Tour includes.

• Tours and transfers and meals as specified
• English speaking guide
• This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Kuching Airport or city hotel in Kuching

Tour Excludes

• Items not mentioned
• Domestic airfare

Things to Bring

• Walking shoes or boots with good grip
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle

Additional Notes

Monsoon December to February Subject to rough sea conditions, especially during the monsoon season (December - February) time of the year.

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Bako National Park Day Tour

Duration : 6 hours

Depart Time : 8:00 am

Meet at hotel lobby than proceed for Bako National Park Tours.

Bako National Park, the oldest and one of the most popular national parks in Sarawak, offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak's forest and wildlife. It contains a wide range of vegetation, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, trekking trails and coastlines covered with small bays, coves and beaches. Visitors can see wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, Borneo bearded pigs, monitor lizards, etc. You will be able to experience almost desert-like scrub or "padang" on the plateau to lowland dipterocarp forest. Erosion has left some remarkable rock formations such as the famous Sea Stack (sandstone formation).

Transfer back to hotel.

RATES ARE BASED ON PER PERSON BASIS & MININUM 2 PERSON

• All rates above valid till 31 December 2024 (tour commencement date).
• Child rate applies for children between 2 - 11 years old.
• Infant below 2 years old is FOC
• RATES INCLUDED
• 1 simple lunch
• Entrance fee, guide fee & boat transfers
• All transfers & tours a states in the package
• RATES EXCLUDED
• Accomodation, Travel insurance and tipping
• REQUIREMENT FOR THE TRIP
• Insect repellent, raincoat, own drinking bottle and first aid kit.

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Bako National Park Day Trip | Kuching Day Tour

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Trip Overview

Price & terms.

• Price: USD 100 80

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Bako National Park Day Trip which is also Kuching Day Tour is a tour enable you to escape from the hectic life of the city and enjoy the fresh air at rainforest, experience walking or hiking at 16 color-code jungle trails, watching wildlife, vegetation and beautiful ocean.

This is a really nice tour to explore wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkey, crocodile, birds, frogs, snakes, wild boars etc.

We are providing other tours at Kuching, such as Kuching City Tour | Half Day Tour in Kuching ; Kuching Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights [See Kuching] Year 2022 Promo ; Kuching Tour Package | 3 Days 2 Nights and etc.

Click here if you are looking at overnight Bako National Park Tour Package .

We wrote a Bako National Park Day Trip Blog too. Click for more.

Day 1: Kuching City - Bako Fishing Village - Kuching City

08.45 hrs: Pick up from hotel at Kuching city and heading to Bako Fishing Village . The journey will take approximately 45 minutes.

00.00 hrs: Arrive at Bako Village jetty. Take a boat ride for approximately 30 minutes before arriving at Bako National Park . Bako National Park.

00.00 hrs: Arrive at Bako National Park . At Bako National Park, you can enjoy watching wildlife, vegetation, have a short walk or long hike at the 16 color-code jungle trails.

00.00 hrs: Take boat back to Bako Village jetty. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes.

15.00 hrs: Heading and drop back hotel at Kuching city. Tour ends.

What is included?

• Tour guide.
• Entrance fee.
• Land transportation.
• 1 bottle of mineral water.

What is not included?

• Item not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Travel insurance.

Bako National Park Day Trip | Kuching Day Tour enable you to see:

• each type of vegetation which can be found in Borneo.
• wildlife (guaranteed), such as wild boar, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaque monkeys, lizards, squirrels and etc.
• 16 color-coded jungle trails which offering short walk or whole day hike.

Note : Visitors are advisable to wear trekking attire and shoes, bring along sunblock, swimming gear, insect repellent and injury necessities.

Tour Style:

Private Journey

Sightseeing

Minimum pax:

Minimum two person

Accommodation:

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USD 225 135 per pax (2 to go)

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Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

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Private Arrival Transfer : Kuching International Airport (Sarawak) to Hotel

Private Return Transfer : Kuching International Airport (Sarawak)

Airport Transfer

Things to do, bako national park day trip - 6 hours.

What You'll Experience

This small peninsular, accessible only by boat, is home to seven distinct ecosystems, giving rise to a remarkable diversity of animals and plant life. Bako’s most famous residents are the bizarre proboscis monkeys.

It is also home to silvered langurs (leaf monkey), long-tailed macaque monkeys, bearded pigs, flying lemurs, monitor lizards as well as many different bird species.

Fascinating plant life includes the mangroves, a system onto itself. There are also the strangling fig trees, carnivorous pitcher plants, and symbiotic insect-plant relationships. Unique geological features mark the coastline, whilst well-marked trails lead to rugged jungle-covered hilltops and secluded beaches.

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