Bako National Park, Kuching (Sarawak)
About Bako National Park
Bako is probably the best place in Sarawak for wildlife experiences. Located just 37 km from Kuching, Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest and most accessible national park. Officially established in 1957, it covers a modest area of 27 square kilometres but boasts one of the highest biodiversity concentrations in Malaysia.
Bako is home to over 267 wildlife species, including proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, bearded pigs, and more than 600 plant species, such as pitcher plants and mangroves. The park also features seven unique ecosystems, from beach and cliff forests to peat swamps and heathlands.
Highlights
- Wildlife Watching: Spot rare proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, otters, and a variety of birds and insects.
- Iconic Rock Formations: View ancient sea stacks and sandstone cliffs shaped by erosion.
- Coastal Beaches: Telok Pandan Kecil offers secluded white sand and breathtaking sea views.
- Jungle Trails: Explore 18 well-marked trails ranging from 30 minutes to full-day treks.
- Night Walks: Guided tours offer a glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife of Borneo’s rainforest.
Things To Do
Hiking & Nature Trails
Choose from 18 colour-coded trails, including:
- Tanjung Sapi (700 m): Short and steep with a coastal view
- Telok Pandan Kecil (2.6 km): Leads to the famous beach and rock formations
- Lintang Loop (5.25 km): Crosses multiple forest types in a single hike
Wildlife Spotting
- Early morning or dusk hikes offer the best chance to spot proboscis monkeys.
- Watch out for bearded pigs, monitor lizards, and fiddler crabs near mangroves.
Beach Exploration
- Telok Pandan Kecil: Scenic beach with postcard-worthy cliff views
- Telok Assam: Near the park HQ, where wildlife roams freely
Night Walks
Join a ranger-led night tour to witness nocturnal life, such as glowing fungi, stick insects, and tree frogs.
Trails
| Trail Name | Distance | One Way From HQ | Colour Code |
| Tanjung Sapi | 0.5 km | 30 mins (0.8 km) | white / red |
| Telok Paku | 0.8 km | 1 hr (1.2 km) | white |
| Ulu Assam | 0.8 km | 1 1/4 hrs (1.4 km) | blue / red |
| Telok Delima | 0.25 km | 45 mins (1 km) | blue / white |
| Telok Pandan Besar | 0.75 km | 1 hr (1.75 km) | yellow |
| Telok Pandan Kecil | 1.5 km | 1 1/2 hrs (2.5 km) | yellow |
| Serait | 1.25 km | 1 1/2 hrs (2.2 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Lintang (loop) | 5.25 km | 3 1/2 hrs return | red |
| Tajor | 2.75 km | 2 1/2 hrs (3.5 km) | red / white |
| Tanjung Rhu | 1.8 km | 2 1/2 hrs (4.2 km) | red / yellow |
| Bukit Keruing | 2.25 km | 3 1/2 hrs (5.5 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Bukit Keruing | 2.25 km | 3 1/2 hrs (5.5 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Paya Jelutong | 0.2 km | 3 1/2 hrs (5.7 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Bukit Gondol | 2 km | 4 1/2 hrs (7.7 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Ulu Serait | 2.75 km | 3 hrs (4.8 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Telok Sibur | 0.8 km | 3 1/2 hrs (5.3 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Telok Limau | 5.75 km | 7 hrs (10 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Telok Kruin | 1.5 km | 7 1/4 hrs (10.5 km) | closed for maintenance |
| Pa’ Amit (Lakei Island) | 1.0 km | 30 mins | closed for maintenance |
Top Places to Stay
Within the Park
- Park Chalets & Lodges: Budget-friendly, basic facilities
- Dorms & Hostels: Shared accommodation for solo travellers or backpackers
- Camping Sites: BYO gear and book early
In Kuching
If you prefer a day trip, stay in Kuching City and return before evening. Recommended hotels:
- The Waterfront Hotel Kuching
- The LimeTree Hotel
- Pullman Kuching
Main Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Telok Pandan Kecil | Iconic beach and rock formations with cliff views |
| Sea Stack | Famous sandstone formation shaped by waves (note: original stack collapsed in 2024) |
| Mangrove Forests | Habitat for crabs, mudskippers, and crocodiles |
| Rainforest Trails | Multiple ecosystems in one park – from beach to hilltop |
Ticket Price
The entrance fee (ticket price) to Bako National Park starting from RM 3 for Malaysians and RM 7 for Foreigners. Tickets for Bako National Park can be booked at the entrance gate during the visit. Check out the ticket table with complete ticket price details for foreigners and Citizens.
| Visitor Type | Adult (RM) | Child 7–18 yrs (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner | 20 | 7 |
| Malaysian | 10 | 3 |
Note: Child ≤6 yrs are free.
Top Food Point
- Park Cafeteria: Located at HQ, serves buffet-style Malaysian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Prices range from RM5–RM15
- Tip: Don’t leave food unattended—macaques may snatch it!
- Alternative: Eat in Kuching before your visit or bring packed food/snacks
Must-Capture Moments
- Proboscis monkeys in the trees
- Sea stacks and cliffs from Telok Pandan viewpoint
- Jungle trails surrounded by pitcher plants
- Bearded pigs near the HQ
- Sunset on the boat ride back
Tips for Visitors
- Bring insect repellent, water, sunscreen, and proper hiking shoes
- Avoid swimming – saltwater crocodiles may be present
- Book your accommodation or day pass in advance via Sarawak Forestry website
- Be weather-prepared: November–February is the rainy season
How to Get There
- By Car/Grab:
- Drive from Kuching to Kampung Bako Jetty (~45 minutes)
- Parking is available at the jetty
- By Bus:
- Board Bus No. 1 from Kuching’s wet market (beside Electra House)
- Takes ~60 minutes to reach Bako Jetty
- By Boat:
- From Bako Jetty, take a 20-minute boat ride to the park
- Costs around RM47 one-way (shared among 4–6 people)
- Boats operate 9:00 am–3:00 pm daily
🕗 Park & Jetty Hours:
- Open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including public holidays
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Kuching or anywhere in Sarawak, Bako National Park is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s compact, rich in biodiversity, and easy to explore—whether you’re up for a short day trip or an immersive jungle stay.
