Bako National Park - Discovering Malaysia

Travelling to Bako National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Bako National Park, a pretty good destination in Malaysia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Bako National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Bako National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Malaysia, here's everything to know about Bako National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Bako National Park

Bako National Park is a protected wildlife reserve located on the island of Borneo in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is one of the oldest and smallest national parks in Sarawak, covering an area of 27.27 square kilometers. Bako is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including wild boars, macaques, proboscis monkeys, and over 270 species of birds. The park also features a range of vegetation types, from mangrove forest to towering dipterocarp trees. Visitors can hike through the jungle, take a boat ride to secluded beaches, and even camp overnight in designated areas. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

What to visit in Bako National Park

Below are some of the tourist attractions in Bako National Park in Malaysia: 1. Telok Pandan Kecil Beach - This beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It offers scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations.
2. Paku Waterfall - Located in the park's interior, this waterfall is a great spot for swimming and picnicking. It's about a 1.5 hour hike from the park headquarters.
3. Proboscis Monkey - Bako National Park is home to the endangered proboscis monkey, which is only found in Borneo. Visitors can go on a guided tour to spot these unique-looking primates.
4. Sea Stack - The park is known for its distinctive sea stack formations, which can be seen throughout the area. The most famous is the "Tanjung Sapi" sea stack, which resembles a grazing cow.
5. Mangrove Forest - Visitors can take a boat ride through the park's mangrove forest to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, monitor lizards, and monkeys. Also, the mangroves play an important role in the ecosystem as they serve as a nursery for many marine species.
6. Tajor Waterfall - This 3-tiered waterfall is 24 meters high and can only be accessed by boat. It's a popular spot for swimming and hiking.
Overall, Bako National Park has a lot to offer visitors, from stunning beaches and waterfalls to unique wildlife and breathtaking views. It's certainly a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Malaysia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Bako National Park

The best time to visit Bako National Park in Malaysia is between the months of April and September. During this period, the weather is usually warm and dry with little rainfall. However, if you want to see the monkeys, it is better to visit from June to August as that is the fruiting season and the monkeys are more active during that time. It is important to note that Bako National Park can be visited year-round, but from October to March, there is typically more rainfall which might make some of the trails inaccessible.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Bako National Park

The best way to get to Bako National Park is by taking a bus from Kuching Bus Station or Kuching Sentral Bus Station to the Bako Bazaar Jetty. From there, take a boat to the park entrance. Here are the steps to get there: 1. Take a bus from Kuching Bus Station or Kuching Sentral Bus Station to Bako Bazaar Jetty. The trip takes around 30-45 minutes.
2. At Bako Bazaar Jetty, buy your boat ticket at the ticket counter. The boat ride to the national park takes approximately 30 minutes.
3. Once you arrive at the national park, register at the park headquarters and pay the entrance fee.
4. You can choose to hire a guide or explore the park on your own.
Note: Make sure to check the boat schedule before you go as boats may not operate during bad weather or low tide.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Bako National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Bako National Park

Bako National Park in Malaysia is known for its unique cuisine that reflects the diversity of Malaysian cuisine. Here are some of the typical foods of Bako National Park: 1) Laksa Sarawak - This is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, tamarind, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, and chili. It is traditionally topped with shredded chicken, prawns, and bean sprouts.
2) Umai - This is a type of raw fish salad that is made with thinly sliced fresh fish, lime juice, onions, chili, and salt. The acid from the lime juice "cooks" the fish, resulting in a tangy and refreshing dish.
3) Belacan - This is a pungent shrimp paste that is used as a seasoning in many Malaysian dishes. It is made by fermenting small shrimps and then sun-drying them.
4) Kolo Mee - This is a type of noodle dish that is typically served with minced pork or chicken, onions, and vegetables. The noodles are usually coated with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and lard.
5) Ayam Pansuh - This is a traditional dish made with chicken that is cooked in bamboo tubes. The chicken is seasoned with ginger, lemongrass, and other herbs, and then steamed to perfection.
6) Serunding - This is a type of dried meat floss that is typically made with beef or chicken. The meat is cooked with spices, shredded, and then dried until it becomes fluffy and crispy. It is often eaten as a snack or used as a topping for rice or noodles.
7) Bubur Pedas - This is a spicy rice porridge that is made with chicken, chili paste, and various herbs and spices. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
You can find general info about typical foods in Malaysia here.

Is Bako National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

Bako National Park is not considered an expensive destination for tourists. The park fee is affordable and accommodation options are also available at a reasonable rate, although they may be limited. However, keep in mind that visitors will need to factor in transportation costs to get to the park, which may be more expensive if you are coming from far away. Additionally, the cost of food and drinks at the park may be higher than in nearby cities or towns. Overall, Bako National Park can be a budget-friendly destination with some planning and research.

Where to find accomodation in Bako National Park

The best areas to find accommodations to visit Bako National Park in Malaysia are Kuching City and Kampung Bako. Kuching City is approximately 35 km away from Bako National Park and offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Kampung Bako is the nearest village to Bako National Park and also offers some accommodation options. However, options at Kampung Bako are less compared to Kuching City.
You can check hotel prices at Bako National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Bako National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Bako National Park is generally a safe place for tourists. However, as with any natural environment, it's important to take some precautions and be aware of potential hazards. In particular, visitors should be careful when hiking, as some of the trails can be steep and slippery. It's also important to follow the instructions of the park rangers and stay on designated paths, as there are some dangerous animals in the park such as snakes and crocodiles. In addition, visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and stay hydrated in the hot, humid climate. Overall, visitors who are mindful of these precautions should have a safe and enjoyable experience at Bako National Park.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Malaysia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Bako National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Bako National Park the most?

Bako National Park in Malaysia is a great destination for all types of travelers. Couples will enjoy the beautiful scenery, tranquil beaches, and the opportunity to spot unique wildlife together. Young people looking for fun will appreciate the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, swimming, and kayaking, as well as the nightlife in nearby cities. Families will enjoy exploring the diverse ecosystem of the park, where their children can learn about plants and animals, and the many walking trails are suitable for all ages.
Overall, Bako National Park offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.

How to get around Bako National Park

Bako National Park in Malaysia can only be accessed by boat, so the primary mode of transportation within the park is hiking. Visitors can either take guided tours or hike the trails on their own to explore the park's various ecosystems, wildlife, and landscapes. Boat services are available at the park entrance to take visitors to different parts of the park, and camping facilities are available for those who wish to spend multiple days exploring the area.

What to see around Bako National Park

Certainly! Here are some suggestions for interesting places to visit in a day trip from Bako National Park in Malaysia: 1. Santubong Wildlife Cruise: Take a wildlife cruise along the Santubong River to spot wild animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, and rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
2. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre: Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to see rehabilitated orangutans in their natural habitat.
3. Kampung Buntal: Visit Kampung Buntal, a coastal village famous for its seafood restaurants and picturesque views of the South China Sea.
4. Satang Island: Take a boat ride to Satang Island, a beautiful tropical island located south of Bako National Park, to swim and snorkel with sea turtles.
5. Kuching City Centre: Explore Kuching City Centre, a vibrant hub of culture and history, home to historical landmarks, museums, and shopping districts.
For every travel information about Malaysia you can click here.

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