Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia

Bako National Park, Kuching Overview

Bako National Park is the oldest national park of Malaysia housing beaches, cliffs and rock formations. Covering an area of 27 square kilometers, it envelops the peninsula of Muara Tebas. The wildlife of the park is exceptional with long-tailed macaque monkeys, proboscis monkeys, squirrels and monitor lizards. Proboscis monkeys, unique to Borneo, are a major highlight of this park. It is said that one can witness all the Borneo’s vegetation at Bako.

A distinctive feature of Bako National Park are its picturesque coastlines and bays offering a unique combination of forest by the beach. The sea stack rock formations at the beaches are also among the most visited and renowned places of Bako. Trek by the well marked trails, wildlife sighting, birding and overnight camping expeditions are some of the most popular activities here.

Must Know Before You Visit Bako National Park

Tips : There are about 16 well marked trails ranging from very short strolls to day long hikes. All the trails are marked and self guided. However, those attempting the longer trails have to inform at the Park Headquarters before setting out.

Bako National Park Highlights

1. Bird Watching

Early morning and just before dusk is the best time for bird sighting at Bako. There are several species of birds found at Bako: Black and Red Broadbill, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, White- bellied woodp (Read More)ecker and several species of Kingfisher, Babbler and Barbet.

2. Guided Night Walk

These are guided night walks that cost RM 10 per person and let the visitors witness the incredible nocturnal wildlife of the park.

3. Pulau Lakei

It is a small beautiful island located at the northern tip of the park on the Muara Tebas Peninsula and can be reached by a short boat ride from Kampung Bako.

Read More on Bako National Park

Wildlife at Bako National Park

Bako is famous for rarely found endangered Proboscis monkeys which can be spotted along a few trails like Telok Paku and Telok Delima.
Arboreal creatures like long tailed monkeys and silver leaf monkeys can be spotted here.
Wild Boar, plantain squirrels, Borneon bearded pig and monitor lizards are among other frequently spotted wildlife creatures.
There are several species of harmless snakes and lizards.
It has an incredible variety of birds, with about 150 recorded species. Many species of Kingfisher, Barbets and Babbler.
Among nocturnal animals, spot buffy fish owl (commonly known as Malay fish owl), colugo, Oriental Bay Owl, Pangolin, Sunda Scops Owl and Mouse Deer.

Flora

Bako consists of mainly dipterocarp trees and mangrove forests.
The vegetation includes seven different ecosystems: delicate cliff vegetation, scrub-like padang vegetation, beach vegetation, dipterocarp trees, mangroves, heath and swamp forest. These ecosystems can easily be spotted and differentiated along the trails.
Carnivores pitcher plants along the Lintang trail are also a major component of the forest.
Teluk Assam is the best suited area to witness the incredible vegetation.

Treks and Trails at Bako National Park

Telok Pandan Kecil Trail: This is a one hour trail to the Telok Pandan Kecil beach. The beach has several limestone and sandstone cliffs including the geologically famous Sea Stack. Most tourists spend their time in the cool waters at the beach after the tiring 1 hour walk. However, saltwater crocodiles have been spotted in the waters lately, and swimming on the beach is not recommended.
Sunset at Telok Assam Beach: Located near the park headquarters, Telok Assam beach is very famous among its visitors for its tranquility and the sight of the swifts that it offers at the sunset. These two beaches are also accessible by the boat service provided at the Bako village market.
Proboscis Monkey Sighting (Telok Paku and Telok Delima Trail: Several tourists visit the park to spot the rare and indigenous Proboscis monkey. Mangroves of Teluk Assam and trails of Telok Paku and Telok Delima are the famous trails where these are spotted. The best time to go to these places is early morning or late afternoon. Telok Paku is an 800 meters trail that takes about 45 minutes while Telok Delima is a 250 meters trail taking about 30 minutes.
Tanjung Sapi Trail: 30 minute 800 meters steep trek through the cliff vegetation which gives a mesmerizing view of Teluk Assam and South China Sea.
Ulu Assam Trail: Ulu Assam Trail is about 1.4 km long trail from the headquarters which takes about 90 to 120 minutes to trek. The trail passes through the swamp forests and gets steep towards the end. At the end, witness a picturesque view of Bako’s Coastline.
Serait: A secluded trail that is 1.2 km long and takes more than an hour to reach the end of the park’s boundary.
Bukit Gondol: This 2 km long semi circular trail passes through the highest point of Bako, Bukit Gondol hill at 2660 meters.
Ulu Serait: This trail connects Serait trail and Bukit Gondol Trail and covers the area consisting of swamp forests and scrub vegetation.
Paya Jelutong: To take a shortcut and not climb the Bukit Gondol, switch to Paya Jelutong which consists of several softwood Jelutong trees that are used to make pencils.
Lintang Trail: Lintang is one of the most famous and longest trails covering a distance of 5.5 km in about 3 to 4 hours. The trail passes through the forest, letting the visitors witness all the vegetation in one trail itself.
Tajor Trail: This is a 2.75 km that can be covered in 2 to 3 hours. It covers the Tajor Waterfall and ends at a steep climb to a small beach.
Telok Pandan Besar: A 750 meter trail that can be covered in 45 minutes, ends at a cliff top with a hypnotising view of the beaches.
Tanjung Rhu: It is a 1.8 km trail that diverges from the Tajor Trail towards the Rocky Formations of the Rhu peninsula.
Bukit Keruing: It is a 2.25 km long trail that connects Bukit Gondol to Tajor Waterfalls passing through the slope of the second highest peak in Bako, Bukit Keruing.
Telok Sibur: 5.3 km trail from the park headquarters, this trail ends at the longest beach of Bako. It passes through the Tajor Waterfall and is very steep at the end.
Telok Limau: This is the longest trail of Bako covering around 6 km one way and 10 km from the headquarters. This trail has incredible vegetation passing through the scrub land, swamp vegetation, small hills and rainforest. Camping is allowed at Telok Limau beach with prior permission.
Telok Keruin: The trail is 1.5 km but from the headquarters, it is 10 km. It is one of the rarely taken trails as it is further away from other trails. It is known for scrub vegetation and pitcher plants that come through its way. It also leads to a deserted beach which is secluded and peaceful.
Except for Pulau Lakei, other places and trails can be reached on foot.

How to Reach Bako National Park

Bako National Park is located approximately 37-40 kms from Kuching.
Several buses operate from Kuching to Bako everyday. The most taken bus is the Red Public No. 1 which operates every hour from 7 AM to 6 PM everyday. One way cost per person is RM 3.5.
Mini Bus/Vans also run from Kuching to Bako charging approximately RM 30 and accommodate 5-7 people.
A Grab Car also costs RM 30 one way while a taxi costs RM 60-70 one way.
After reaching Bako, tickets to the park and the boat ride have to be purchased. The boat ride from Bako Village to Bako National Park takes about 20 minutes. The Boat Service is open from 9 AM to 3 PM only and return from the Park has to be planned accordingly.

Boat Ride Cost
Foreigners: RM 40 return fare
Malaysians: RM 30 return fare
RM 200 plus for chartered boat return fare

Where to Stay?

There are several accommodation options to spend a night at the park. Camp Ground and Forestry Service Bungalow are the two major tourist accommodations. Apart from these, there are chalets, lodges and hostels.
There are 4 types of Lodges:
Lodge type 4: RM 225/ unit, RM 150/ room
Lodge Type 5 : RM 150/ unit, RM 100/ room
Lodge Type 6: RM 75/ unit, RM 50/ room
Terrance : RM 100/ room
Chalet: RM 159/ chalet, RM 106/ room
Hostel : RM 40/ room, RM 15/ bed
Check in time : 2 to 5 PM
Check Out : 11 AM
Camping : RM 5/ person (bring your own equipment)

Accommodation Booking is to be done prior to arrival. The accommodations are usually occupied, so it is suggested that the visitors book the accommodation well-in-advance. However, the entrance ticket can directly be bought at the entrance.

Where to Eat?

There is only one cafeteria inside the park which offers 3 meals and light snacks and cold drinks. The meal consists of rice, chicken curry, stir fried vegetables and noodles. It is also recommended to carry snacks and water while trekking.

Cost per meal : RM 5- RM 7
Cold Drink : RM 4
Water Bottle : RM 4