Bako National Park is located in Sarawak, a province on Malaysian Borneo. It is the oldest park in Sarawak, established in 1957. Although it is not very large (27 km²), it is the perfect place to spot the endangered proboscis monkey and many other animals. Bako National Park is a real must-see when visiting Malaysian Borneo! How do you plan your trip? And what should you consider? You can read about it below!
Bako National Park
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How to get to Bako National Park?
Bako National Park is accessible from the city of Kuching, which is 21 kilometers away. The bus stop to Bako can be found at the Open Air Market. The bus runs daily every hour from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The ride takes about 50 minutes, and you pay 1RM (approximately $0.20) per person. You can buy your ticket from the driver on the spot.
Once you arrive, it takes a five-minute walk to the boat terminal, where you can purchase your ticket. A round-trip ticket costs 100RM (approximately $20.00), which is valid for up to five people. If you are fewer than five, it’s worthwhile to wait a bit to see if more people arrive so you can share the costs. During the rainy season from October to March, it may not always be possible to share the boat because it may become too heavy. The sea can be rougher during this time, with higher waves. The boat ride lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. After this, you arrive at Bako National Park!
You need to inform the reception at least one hour prior to your desired return time that you want to go back. They will arrange for a boat to be ready to take you back.
Reserving Accommodation in the Park
You should arrange your accommodation in the park in advance, as it is often fully booked. The best time to book is 3 to 4 weeks in advance. This can only be done through the official park website. There are different accommodation options available. You can choose from camping (excluding tent and camping supplies), a hostel, shared rooms, and private rooms. We stayed in the Forest Lodge Type 5, which was a nice accommodation.
You are staying in the jungle, so do not expect luxury. However, the rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, you have access to fans, and not to forget: the surroundings are fantastic! You don’t need anything more.
→ Book your overnight stay in Bako National Park
Day Trip in Bako National Park
If you don’t have time to stay overnight in the park, you can also do a day trip. To avoid the crowds, I recommend taking an early boat to the park. Make sure to check the return boat schedule in advance.
Be sure to plan your visit carefully. If you have the time, I definitely recommend staying overnight in the park. There is so much to see that you really don’t have enough time if you come for just a day trip!
Hiking Trails in Bako National Park
Currently, there are 10 trails you can hike. In the past, there were more, but some parts are no longer accessible. You can easily hike all the routes on your own, giving you freedom. If you prefer to hike with a guide, this can be arranged at the reception.
A board at the reception indicates the routes along with their respective distances and estimated hiking times. Some distances may seem short, but don’t underestimate the heat, humidity, and potential climbing involved.
The trails are clearly marked with a color code. When starting a route, you need to fill in your details in a book at the reception so they know when you started which trail. Upon your return, you will need to sign out.
It is not necessary to wear hiking shoes, but if you have them, it is advisable to wear them. On some paths, you may have to walk through water, especially in the rainy season when it can also be slippery. If you don’t have hiking shoes, good sneakers will suffice.
A fun hike is the Jalan Lintang. This is a circular route of 5.8 kilometers that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. The trail is very diverse, taking you through jungle, mangrove forests, and open areas. Don’t forget to look around to spot the most beautiful animals!
The Telok Delima and Telok Paku routes give you the best chance of spotting proboscis monkeys, often in the early morning or late afternoon. However, I also spotted a proboscis monkey on the Jalan Lintang.
On some trails, you will reach the beach. It can be tempting to take a dip after an intense hike, but please do not do this. Crocodiles swim in the area, so swimming is prohibited.
When you only have a short time for a quick hike, the Tg. Sapi is a good option. This hike is just 700 meters, and within 15 minutes, you can reach the viewpoint; in half an hour, you’ll be back down. The viewpoint isn’t spectacular anymore due to the thick vegetation blocking the view. Don’t underestimate the effort, as the trail mainly consists of steps.
Every evening at 8:00 PM, a night walk is organized. The cost is 15RM (approximately $3.20), and you do not need to reserve in advance. Make sure to wear good shoes (flip-flops are not allowed), long clothing due to mosquitoes, and bring a flashlight. You will walk through the park with a guide. Will you be able to spot any wild animals?
Animals You Can Spot!
In Bako National Park, you are likely to spot various animals. Species such as macaques, silvered langurs, and proboscis monkeys live here. Additionally, you might encounter wild boars, flying lemurs, snakes, 190 species of birds, and various insects, including large spiders. Sometimes animals walk right in front of you, while at other times, you have to put in some effort to spot them high up in a tree. So pay close attention!
Food & Drink in Bako National Park
Next to the reception is Kerangas Café, where you can get a bite to eat and a drink from 07:30 AM to 09:00 PM. During busy periods, buffet is served three times a day, which you can help yourself to for a fee. During quieter periods, you can order from the menu throughout the day. There are plenty of choices, and they accommodate if you are vegetarian or vegan. In addition to the menu, there is a so-called “daily special,” you can order fruit, or buy snacks. A great bonus is that prices are very low.
Tips and Information Before You Go!
Make sure to bring enough water before you leave. There is no free water filling station in the park. You can buy a liter of water at the restaurant for 1RM (approximately $1.00). The water from the tap is yellow, so use drinking water to rinse your toothbrush to avoid getting sick.
Keep in mind that you are in a national park where many wild animals live and you are a guest there. Follow the instructions from the staff and guides. Keep a safe distance from the animals, do not feed them, do not take flash photography of the animals, do not litter, stay on the paths, and do not pick plants.
→ Helpful: Despite staying in the jungle, your accommodation has good reception. Handy to know for those at home!
Be sure to include an overnight stay at Bako National Park in your travel plans for Malaysia! It is incredibly beautiful and it is amazing to spot so many animals.
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