Back in 1957, Bako National Park emerged as Sarawak’s very first national park, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in the stunning jungle forests and wildlife of Borneo. Nestled 28km northeast of Kuching in Malaysia, Bako boasts a coastline adorned with pristine beaches, hidden coves, and captivating bays. But do you know who the real stars of the show are? The quirky Proboscis Monkeys, with their distinctive potbellies and large noses! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in this natural haven. 🌴🐒

The longtailed macaque monkey is quite the cheeky character! They can often be found lurking around the Headquarters, scheming to swipe your food. And guess what? You can even stay overnight in Bako! As nightfall descends, the jungle comes alive, with nocturnal creatures embarking on their hunt for a tasty meal. Picture yourself strolling through the darkness, gazing at the glittering stars, and being serenaded by a mesmerizing symphony of creatures in the heart of the dense forest. It’s an experience that will leave you utterly captivated!

Proboscis Monkey

The Proboscis monkey, a fascinating creature, loves to hang around the HQ or wander along the Telok Paku trail. Spotting them in the early morning or late afternoon is quite common. Interestingly, during the scorching day, these monkeys prefer to retreat and take a nap. To catch a glimpse of them, try moving slowly and keeping utter silence, allowing yourself to hear the slightest rustles in the forest.

I vividly remember a memorable encounter when a Proboscis monkey silently observing me from a tree. It almost felt like the tables were turned, with me being the spectacle. Even as I walked away, it seemed to keep a watchful eye on my every move.It was an eerie sensation, giving me a glimpse into the world of zoo animals! Unfortunately, I’m no professional photographer, so I don’t have a personal snap of the Proboscis monkey to show off. But fear not! I’ve got an incredible image from Google Images lined up for you. Get ready to be blown away by these captivating creatures!

How (not) to treat wild animals?

Spotting the longtailed macaque monkeys is a breeze! Swing by the HQ during lunchtime and brace yourself for a food theft adventure. Watch in awe as they expertly snatch your lunch if al fresco. But remember, these hungry monkeys mean no harm, they just want to get a taste like you. Don’t fancy their company? Simply retreat to the cafeteria’s cozy confines. Don’t provoke the animals or attempt to chase them off. Trust me, it’s a futile effort and you may even find yourself being chased, along with their gang of friends. If you’re not a fan of their presence, simply eat indoors. I witnessed a foreign visitor armed with a stick launching an attack on the monkeys. Remember, it’s their habitat, not ours! Treat them with respect and they’ll keep their distance.

Nightwalk

Bako is truly a haven for birdwatchers, a paradise of vibrant winged creatures and breathtaking biodiversity. The air is alive with the graceful presence of various kingfishers, mesmerizing owls, and a multitude of other fascinating species. During my visit, I was captivated by an array of enchanting birds and an abundance of colourful butterflies that filled the air with their delicate beauty. Admittedly, I’m no expert when it comes to identifying these winged wonders, but their captivating display left me in awe.

For an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend the nightwalk if you choose to stay overnight. It’s a mere 10RM well spent! During our excursion, our group struck gold with not one, but two sightings of magnificent green venom vipers. We also encountered an astonishing variety of frogs, mesmerizing walking sticks, intricate spiders, an elusive owl, and even luminous mushrooms and fungus that illuminated the night. And yes, we also came across a red/brown snake, though its movements were lightning-fast, it posed no venomous threat. Our guide’s spirited dash to keep up with the snake’s agility added an unexpected thrill to our adventure! Bako is an absolute haven for nature enthusiasts, and there’s no shortage of remarkable encounters.

Hiking trails

There are 17 incredible trails in Bako, but when I visited in October 2018, only 9 were open. I set off from Kuching bright and early, reaching the park by 9.30am. Eager to explore, I ventured onto the Lintang Trail, a challenging 5.8km hike that can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, depending on your hiking speed. Let me tell you, it’s no leisurely stroll. The lush forests can get scorching hot and humid, and those steep climbs and descents are no joke, they can be slippery as heck! That’s why I strongly recommend wearing shoes with a firm grip or proper hiking shoes. And believe me, when I saw someone strolling in flip-flops, I couldn’t believe my eyes! I swear, if that had been me, I would have broken my neck in no time!

The trails at Bako are cleverly colour-coded, making it unlikely to lose your way. However, every now and then, it still happens. If the trail lacks colour marks or signs, it’s probably wise to retrace your steps and check if you veered off course. For the hiking enthusiasts, Bako offers the adventure of a full-day jungle hike or even an overnight camping expedition. The Telok Pandan Besar and Telok Pandan Kecil trails both reward you with breathtaking views from atop magnificent cliffs. At the end of Telok Pandan Kecil, be sure to venture to the right side of the plateau for a glimpse of the remarkable Sea Stack.

How to reach Bako from Kuching?

With excitement coursing through my veins, I set off on a thrilling two-day escapade to Bako. Briskly, I hopped aboard the 7am bus to Bako Village, my heart brimming with anticipation. Details etched in my mind, Bus 1A patiently awaited me in Kuching, right in front of the Electra building on Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang, adjacent to the vibrant Padang Merdeka. And believe it or not, if you trust in the power of Maps.me, you’ll discover that the bus gleams with glory, proudly identifying itself as Bus 1a, your gateway to the wondrous Bako NP!

General info

At the boat jetty, a charming little café awaits, offering steaming coffee and a delicious breakfast. The boats to Bako set sail as soon as they are filled with eager adventurers. Grab a return ticket for the shared boats at just 60RM. But before boarding, don’t forget to visit the visitor centre. Here, you’ll pay the entrance fee, which is 20RM for Non-Malaysians, and if you’re planning to stay overnight, accommodation charges apply as well. In case you haven’t booked your accommodation, make sure to have a booking number. The entrance fee is valid for multiple days, so you only pay it once. Choose from a range of options for park accommodation, including cozy 3-bedroom chalets, comfortable 2-bedroom lodges, or budget-friendly 4-bedroom hostels. For hassle-free bookings, make use of Sarawak Forestry’s convenient online booking system.

Embark on a thrilling 20-minute boat ride to the Bako National Park Headquarters (HQ). Depending on the tide, you might either step onto the boat jetty with dry feet or make a splashy entrance on the beach. And don’t miss registering at HQ, informing them about the exciting trails you’ll be exploring!

Explore Borneo

In two days, you can experience the best of what Bako National Park has to offer. From trekking to beaches, wildlife spotting, and mangrove cruising, you can live up all your nature adventure dreams at one location near Malaysia’s cultural and culinary hub. Just remember to respect the rules of the park, travel green, and keep the destination wild and pristine for future generations to enjoy.

Discover the hidden gems of Borneo’s National Parks! Uncover the mysteries of ancient cave paintings at Niah National Park. Dive into the crystal clear waters off Sabah’s stunning white sandy beaches, where vibrant fish await. Embark on an epic jungle adventure in Mulu National Park. Unveil the wonders of Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding attractions. Can’t make it in person? Take a captivating virtual picture tour of Borneo and soak in the island’s breathtaking beauty!

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