Bako National Park Sarawak

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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