Bako National Park – Borneo, Malaysia

Experience

Is it worth visiting Bako National Park?

Bako makes for an easy and rewarding day trip, offering a great chance to observe wildlife, including the endangered proboscis monkeys. The park’s varied climates provide an excellent hiking experience, and the journey to get there adds to the excitement of visiting Bako National Park.

My Experience

Without a doubt, Bako National Park was one of my biggest highlights visiting Malaysian Borneo. It is so close to Kuching, yet feels so far away from absolutely everything.

Bako National Park is an incredible National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, which offers one of the widest ranges of the island’s plant and animal life in one concentrated area. Only a 45 mins bus ride, and a 30 mins boat ride from Kuching, it’s incredibly accessible. Taking the boat to get there, and having no roads connecting to the park actually added a sensation of true isolation.

The facilities are quite basic here. You are not visiting Bako NP for a luxury getaway. This is entirely focused on nature, and the incredibly rich biodiversity which exists in Borneo. From the remarkable plant life, to the fascinating and unique wildlife – this is truly a nature-lovers paradise!

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See – Photos & Videos

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Go – Getting There

How do you get to Bako National Park?

There are no roads that lead straight to Bako National Park. The Malaysian government wants to protect the park, so it is only reachable by boat. First, you need to take a bus or minivan from Kuching to the Bako National Park jetty and then a boat to the entrance of the park.

To enter the park you have to pay Rm10 if you are a Malaysian National local, Rm20 for foreigners. A boat ride will cost you Rm40 for foreigners, or Rm30(sharing) for locals. You can contact Mr Zulhi 0136848492 or go to his FB page Aqua Zulhi for a boat ride package (the easiest and most economical way of organzing the journey there).

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Do – Activities & Attractions

If you are visitng Bako National Park, it is 100% to disconnect with civilization, and learn about the incredible nature of the island of Borneo, specifically to this region. Hiking, and nature walks are the biggest activity, with the ecosystems (and Proboscis Moneky) being the key attractions.

Ecosystems

While hiking on some of the trails, you walk through some pretty intense terrains. There’s everything from sea-side mangroves, to lush, musty jungle where every square inch has some form of life growing from it, to very dry, arid landscapes, with completely different plants, almost desert like in appearance. The change of scenery on the trail can happen as quickly as just stepping out of the jungle on to a rocky landscape, and then hopping back into the jungle 3 mins later. Of course, the jungle was a buzz with loud, ear piercing insects and birds. One type of cicada actually sounded like a car alarm going off. Being a bit of a tree-huggin nerd that I am, I was in my element.

PLEASE NOTE: One thing to be aware of when entering these trails is that the maps provided are not to scale. A few of us tackled what was supposed to be a 3 hour hike. 5 hours later, and we had found ourselves on a pretty amazing beach… out of water, and scorched from the sun. We luckily saw a boat we could hire to drive us back to the base camp, as we hadn’t prepared ourselves to be gone that long. Lesson: Bring snacks, sun tan lotion, perhaps a loud whistle or noise maker, and water! Lots and lots of water! It gets hot and you sweat buckets in the jungle.

There are 7 complete ecosystems found in Bako National Park, including Beaches, Cliffs, Heath Forsests, Mangrove Forests, Mixed ‘Dipterocarp’ Forest, Grasslands and Peat Swamp Forests – each ecosystem has it’s own type of flora and fauna within.

Wildlife

But it’s not the veggies you’re really after, is it? Though quite fascinating to their own respect, most people want the meat! The unique encounters with the jungle based animals found within this park. There seems to be wildlife at every turn, if you keep your own noise down, and your eyes peeled – otherwise you risk scaring them away, or just missing them all together. During my 2 night stay in the park I managed to see countless wild Bornean bearded pigs (including heaps of little baby piglets), a few too many harassing long-tailed macaque, a large sun-bathing monitor lizard, a nocturnal flying lemur (totally awesome!), and about four different green asian pit-vipers (very deadly snakes – think “Kill Bill”‘s assassins)! The beaches are covered with hermit crabs, the sky filled with colourful birds by day, and insect-eating bats by night. Those are just what I managed to see… though the list is considerably longer of what’s possible there. Being wildlife, of course, nothing is ever guaranteed, but if you talk to the local guides, they may have the best insight as to where your chances are at their highest for seeing certain creatures.

Proboscis Monkeys

One of the biggest highlights for me was the opportunity to see some of the endangered proboscis monkeys. In fact, Bako National Park is home to approximately 150 of the strange creatures. The reason I call them strange, is because they very well might be the most unfortunate looking primate I’ve ever seen. They are just a bit smaller than the average human. They’ve got beautifully coloured coats of a dark orange and dirty yellow bellies. They have  long agile arms, and strong hand-like feet, which come in handy when they’re leaping from tree to tree. The oddness comes with their large protruding bellies, brightly coloured genitalia, and their well endowed  noses. Yup. These fellas have penises on their faces. Of course, the female proboscis monkeys will tell you that size doesn’t matter, but the truth is.. the one’s with the bigger noses get their pick of the foxy-ladies. Typical. We coined their new scientific name the Monkious Promiscuous.

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Stay – Accommodation

Bako National Park Accommodation

The park is well equipped with approximately 10 rentable lodges, dorm rooms & several campsite areas, some ‘fairly’ well marked trails (I -might- have gotten lost in the middle of the jungle), a main HQ with a shop, buffet and eating area, and a registry for guided night tours to see nocturnal animals. It’s not the type of ruggedness you might expect going into the Great Canadian Wilderness, with nothing but a compass and a map… but it’s still pretty damn cool! To book your accommodation, visit the following link:

Nearby Accommodation Options

Here are some nearby accommodations located in Santubong you can check out when visiting Bako National Park.

Permai Rainforest Resort

Permai Rainforest Resort is an excellent choice for travelers who crave a balance of adventure and relaxation. While it’s not a five-star luxury resort, it delivers a one-of-a-kind experience in a stunning natural setting. The resort features a variety of accommodations, from cozy treehouses with breathtaking sea views to spacious cabins ideal for families or groups. The resort’s treehouses and cabins allow you to fully embrace the natural beauty of Santubong while enjoying modern comforts.

Check Rates and Availability Here!

Santubong Suites Lower Level

Located just 17 km from Bako National Park and only minutes away from Damai Beach and Santubong hiking trails, Santubong Suites Lower Level is perfect for travelers looking to explore the best of Sarawak’s natural wonders. This three-bedroom apartment comfortably accommodates up to six guests. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area with a flat-screen TV, and two modern bathrooms. Guests frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere and the blend of mountain and ocean scenery. For relaxation, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or unwind on the terrace.

Check Rates and Availability Here!

The Village House

The Village House in Kuching is a charming retreat just a 3-minute walk from Santubong Beach and a short drive from Santubong Mountain and the Sarawak Cultural Village. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy meals at the Blue Ginger Restaurant, with refreshing drinks available at the bar. The rooms and suites feature bold colors, wooden interiors, and four-poster beds, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With free public WiFi, complimentary private parking, and an airport shuttle service available, the resort offers both comfort and convenience. The Village House is perfectly located for exploring the best of Kuching.

Check Rates and Availability Here!

Eat – Restaurants

There’s only one food hall on site, and it is buffet style, with a few snacks by the pay counter available. The food was pretty sub-par, in all honesty. Basic noodles, rice and stir fries. If you have food requirements, it’s probably best loading up on some easy to bring food to bring with you. There is no kitchen avalable for public use though, so it would need to be things like fruits, etc which dont require cooking, if the buffet isn’t appealing to you.

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Time – Seasonality & Schedules

What time is Bako National Park open?

National park: Monday-Sunday, 08.00h till 17.00h (08.00am till 05.00pm), including holidays. 
Bako Boat Service desk: Monday-Sunday, 09.00h till 15.00h (09.00am till 03.00pm).

What is the best time to visit Bako National Park?

The best times are early in the morning or in the hours before dusk. Telok Delima and Telok Paku are the best trails for viewing the proboscis. The mangroves at Telok Assam are also a good place for viewing proboscis monkeys. Bako’s plant life is both beautiful, and readily accessible.

If you are planning to stay overnight (advanced reservations highly recommended), you will be able to go on the night hike tour, and see all the nocturnal animals come out as well.

Best season to visit Bako National Park?

The best time to visit Bako National Park is between March and October, when the island is hot, humid, and at its driest. This makes it one of Southeast Asia’s few summer destinations.

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Safety – Possible Risks

Is Bako National Park safe?

Overall, yes, Bako National Park is quite safe. that doesn’t mean it goes without risk. It is in the wilderness, and with that, comes the risks and dangers of the natural world.

The biggest risk I saw first hand while here were the pit vipers which can be fairly camoflaged on the trees. Don’t aimlessly grab branches, as you might be grabbing more than just a branch. The other concern was when we went out on our hike and got a little lost (oops). We still found our way home in the end, but had run out of water in the smoldering heat. Either bring a guide with you, or bring ample water. There’s no phone reception either, so try to stick to the easiest trails to follow (and to follow back), and don’t go off the trails if yo’re not feeling confident.

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar with their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

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Pay – How much does it cost?

How much does it cost to visit Bako National Park?

To enter the park you have to pay Rm10 if you are a Malaysian National local, Rm20 for foreigners.
A boat ride will cost you Rm40 for foreigners, or Rm30(sharing) for locals.
Accommodation ranges between Rm15 for a bed (Rm40 for a full room), to Rm225 for a private lodge.

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Responsible Travel – Best Practices

Bako National Park is exactly what the name states – a National Park. It is important as with anywhere in nature to follow the golden rule – leave only footprints, take only pictures. Try to limit your potential waste by brining a reusable water bottle. Fruit has the best biodegradable food wrappers on the planet, if you want to bring. ahealthy snack. Respect the wildlife – this is their home, and you. aretheir guest. Don’t taunt the monkeys (they will win – and probably steal your camera, bag or anything else they can get their paws onto). Just let the animals be, and you will get an incredible glimpse into their world!

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Reality Check – Be Aware

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll probably love Bako National Park. Though it’s not as “Off the beaten path” as we like, here at Where Sidewalks End, it’s still rugged and raw nature. I will never try to turn someone away from experiencing the world’s beauty. It’s got some great amenities, doesn’t feel like a theme park, and even if the only animals you see are other naked apes taking pictures, you’ve still got some breathtaking scenery, in an area that is unplugged.

Pros

• Wildlife: Of course, going into nature, the most obvious pros of being there are of course the flora and fauna (plants ‘n animals), in addition to the beautiful beaches and incredible cliffs.
• Accommodation: Having decent sleeping facilities available is also a bonus. Being able to stay in the park, full of thieving monkeys, in a room with a lock on the door just enables you to stay and enjoy the nature for as long as your heart desires. With several different options, there’s something for just about everyone. Just don’t go expecting a 5 star resort. They are basic at best.
• Staff: they were exceptionally nice. Many were villagers from nearby, who were passionate about the preservation of the land and animals… their home.
• Remoteness. Although it’s not overly far from anything, it is still isolated, and you definitely get that sensation while visiting. There are plenty more parks in Borneo which are far less accessible, and far more remote, but this is a very comfortable medium for one to enjoy nature without having to be a graduated boy-scout
• Offline: Yup… this is a pro, even for a ‘digital nomad’ like myself. Sometimes it’s hard for us to cut ourselves off from this addictive online environment that we live in… but the feeling of disconnecting, if only for a day, to be able to reconnect with nature is not only healthy, I think it’s essential for humans. If you don’t think you’ll be able to be alone with your own thoughts for that long, bring a book or a journal, take a deep breath of fresh jungle air, and enjoy yourself.

Cons

• Food: yuck. Though I’ve heard some say it was decent, especially since it fills the belly after a long day of hiking around in the sun, I found the food tables to be less than appetizing. It was a steam table buffet, which you pay for based on the quantity and types of food you select (though it’s quite hard to tell how much you’re going to have to pay with each meal.. they seem to make up the prices by eye-balling it). The food on the table just stays out all day until it’s empty, at which point they may or may not refill it. I lived mostly off rice and a couple veggie options, and hard boiled eggs, since they seemed to be the safest. Bring snacks from mainland.. just be careful about how you keep food in your rooms, as the wildlife will try to get at it.
• Remoteness: though a plus on many levels, you are subject to their transportation guidelines. The boats that get to and from the park are paid for in full, even if the boats themselves aren’t full. In other words, the boat has a flat rate, and a max capacity of 5 people. If there’s only 1 person.. you still pay for the whole boat. It’s best to find some people at your hotel to go over with. In addition to this, if there was an accident -touch wood- it will take a while to co-ordinate boats to get there with medical assistance. Lesson here: Be safe, and follow the Park’s instructions.
• Animals: This is not as much a ‘con’ as it is just a forewarning. Too many times I’ve heard people complaining about ‘not seeing the wildlife they were promised’. There is no promise or money-back guarantee to see wild life. It’s wild. These animals have a mind of their own, so it’s really a gamble. Just go with that in mind, that you may see nothing (which is HIGHLY unlikely), and then appreciate all the wild animals you actually are fortunate enough to see! I wish I had seen a leopard, but I think I’ll survive with all the other awesome animals I was able to see.

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JOIN US! Travel Packages Offered

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

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What’s your favourite National Park to visit? Have you ever had any great wildlife experiences you’d like to share? How long have you survived being unplugged in the past few years?

Go and explore more of Borneo! I recommend The Kinabatangan River and the Kota Kinabalu rainforest!

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