Everything You Need to Know about Bako National Park
Bako National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Sarawak and a true gem of Malaysia. Established in 1957, it’s a compact yet biodiverse spot that’s perfect for anyone wanting a taste of nature.
The park packs so much into its relatively small area—think dense rainforests, scenic beaches, and those iconic sea stacks that every visitor seems to love! And let’s not forget the wildlife; it’s home to proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and over 150 bird species.
The best part? Bako National Park feels like every ecosystem rolled into one!
Things to Know
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +60 11 6572 9294
Ticket Prices:
Tourists:
- Adult/Senior citizen – RM20
- Disabled person – RM10
- Children (ages 7 to 17) – RM7
- Children (ages 5 and below) – Free
Locals:
- Adult – RM10
- Senior citizen/Disabled person – RM5
- Children (ages 7 to 17) – RM3
- Children (ages 5 and below) – Free
Where is Bako National Park?
Bako National Park is in the state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It’s about 37 kilometers northeast of Kuching, so you’re looking at around a 30-40 minute drive from the city to Bako Village, which is the main gateway to the park.
How to Get to Bako National Park
By Grab or taxi: To get to Bako National Park, you first need to make your way to Bako Village. The easiest way is to take a taxi or Grab from Kuching, which will take around 30-40 minutes.
By bus: If you’re feeling adventurous or trying to save some cash, you can also take the Petra Jaya Bus No.1 from the Kuching bus terminal, and it’ll drop you right at the village.
By boat: Once you’re at Bako Village, you’ll need to take a boat to the park itself. The boat ride takes about 20-25 minutes—you can book the boats at the jetty.
What to Do and See in Bako National Park
Spot the famous proboscis monkeys
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Bako is famous for one thing above all else: the proboscis monkey. These guys are pretty special because you won’t find them in many places outside of Borneo, and they’re known for their huge, comical noses and potbellies.
If you’re patient, you’ll notice they usually travel in groups, often led by a dominant male. They tend to stick close to the mangroves and coastal forests because that’s where their favorite food—young leaves, fruits, and seeds—is found.
Sometimes you’ll even hear them before you see them, as they make loud, honking calls that echo through the trees. Just don’t get too close, since they’re wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Take a jungle trek along one of the many trails
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Bako National Park is filled with trails that let you explore everything from coastal cliffs to swampy mangroves. The cool part is that there are trails for different fitness levels, so you don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the hikes.
Some trails are short and only take about 30-45 minutes, perfect for beginners. Trails like Tanjung Sapi or Telok Paku are perfect for a quick experience without missing out on the beauty of nature.
For those looking for a longer trek, trails like the Lintang (5.25km) and Telok Limau (5.75km) are among the longest and most rewarding. These trails push you through various ecosystems and provide a deep dive into the heart of the park.
Check out Telok Pandan Kecil beach’s sea stack rock formations
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One of the must-do hikes in Bako is the trail to Telok Pandan Kecil. The trek itself takes you through forested paths, and after a couple of hours, you’ll arrive at a clifftop viewpoint overlooking the beach and the famous sandstone sea stack.
If you want to get closer, you can head down to the beach, which is tucked away and feels secluded. The beach is framed by cliffs, and at low tide, you can walk further out and get better views of the sea stack from different angles.
The trail itself isn’t too tough, but do bring snacks and water because the heat can sneak up on you.
Go on a night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife
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If you think Bako is only interesting during the day, you’ll be surprised at how alive it becomes at night. Joining a guided night walk is one of the best ways to see a completely different side of the park.
You’ll be led through the trails near the park headquarters. You might spot things like flying lemurs gliding between trees, slow lorises creeping, or even small reptiles and amphibians.
It’s also a good chance to see insects you’d never notice otherwise—some of them glow, while others are huge and colorful. It’s worth noting that night walks aren’t too strenuous since they usually stick to easier trails, but wear comfortable shoes.
Explore the mangrove forests at low tide
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The mangroves at Bako at low tide are one of the best places to spot wildlife that’s unique to this environment. You’ll often see mudskippers hopping around on the mudflats, climbing up roots, and even fighting each other for territory.
They look a bit odd at first—half fish, half lizard—but they’re fun to watch! Another highlight is the crabs, especially the bright-colored fiddler crabs with oversized claws.
If you look closer, you might even notice monitor lizards prowling through the area or snakes resting in the branches above.
Relax and enjoy the serene coastal views
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After a long day of trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring, sometimes the best thing to do is just slow down and enjoy the coastline. Bako has several small beaches scattered around, and while some require a bit of hiking to get to, they’re worth the effort.
Many of them are framed by cliffs or dense forest, which makes them feel private and peaceful. Even if you don’t want to hike far, there are beaches closer to the park headquarters where you can sit back and watch the tide roll in.
At low tide, the beaches transform into wide sand flats dotted with shells and small sea creatures, which are fun to explore. The views are especially stunning at sunset when the sky turns shades of orange and purple, reflecting over the water.
Where to Eat and Drink in and near Bako National Park
Keeper’s Ground
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Address: Ground Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall, 93300 Kuching
Phone: +60 1 2588 7052
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Ideal for hangouts with friends, light meals
Website
Keeper’s Ground’s setting is modern yet welcoming—it’s one of those places that’s perfect whether you want a laid-back coffee stop or a full-on meal with friends. Known for its cafe-style dishes, they truly shine when it comes to their mains and desserts.
If you’re here, don’t skip out on their pumpkin pan-seared salmon or one of their juicy burgers—they’ve become crowd favorites for a reason. Since this place doubles as a cafe, their coffees, cakes (hello, Amalfi cake!), and pastries are just next level!
Tuk Tuk Thai Boat Noodle
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Address: L3 O15 Vivacity Megamall, Q112B, 93350 Kuching
Phone: +60 8226 3456
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Perfect for casual meals with friends or family
Website
Menu
The Tuk Tuk Thai Boat Noodle menu is packed with bold, traditional Thai dishes that hit all the right notes—spicy, tangy, savory, and everything in between. If you’re unsure what to get, the kra paw chicken and tom yum mixed seafood are top picks.
Their value sets are a great option too, especially if you’re dining with friends. These sets let you try a bit of everything without breaking the bank and are also great for sharing.
Life Cafe Padungan
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Address: 62, Jln Padungan
Phone: +60 8252 1398
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10:30 PM
Good to know: Great for families, friends
Website
Menu
Life Cafe Padungan is where you’ll want to head if you’re into flavorful, wholesome meals that take influence from Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. The menu has a mix of comforting soups, rice dishes, and noodles, made with fresh ingredients.
For highlights, the laksa dumpling is a crowd favorite—it’s a small but flavor-packed bite that’s a fun twist on traditional Sarawak flavors. The Sarawak laksa dry noodle is another standout, along with their spicy terung asam noodle.
Lepau Restaurant
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Address: 99, Jalan Ban Hock Rd.
Phone: +60 1 2884 5383
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Perfect for lunch gatherings, casual meals with friends or family
Website
Lepau Restaurant is the ultimate spot to discover authentic Sarawakian cuisine. Some must-tries include their stir-fried midin with garlic—midin is a local jungle fern that’s super crunchy and light—and their stir-fried pounded tapioca leaves.
Another standout is the midin belacan, which comes with a deliciously spicy fermented shrimp paste that makes the dish pop. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check for daily specials—they sometimes offer seasonal dishes worth trying!
Ceylonese Restaurant Sdn Bhd
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Address: 23 22, 23 22, Jalan Green Hill
Phone: +60 1 2891 5385
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Good to know: Great for families or groups, ideal for Indian cuisine lovers
Website
Ceylonese Restaurant has carved out its reputation by taking comfort food to the next level. The absolute showstoppers here are their indulgent cheese-loaded creations.
Their cucur pisang cheese is something you’ve got to try—crispy banana fritters draped in an almost ridiculous amount of melted cheese. Another crowd-pleaser is their signature cheese naan, which arrives hot, stretchy, and generously stuffed with cheese!
Where to Stay near Bako National Park
Bako National Park also caters to travelers with comfortable chalets, lodges, and camping sites right within the park. But if you prefer something a little more modern or luxurious, listed below are accommodations nearby that are highly recommended.
UCSI Hotel Kuching
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Address: Lot 2864, Block 7, Muara Tebas Land District
Phone: +60 8259 6610
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
UCSI Hotel Kuching is just a short drive from Bako National Park and offers a variety of room options, from standard to spacious suites. The hotel also has a range of dining options, serving everything from local delicacies to Western favorites.
And if you’re the type who wants to wind down with a good drink, their rooftop bar offers some great cocktails with views of the surrounding cityscape. Free parking and an all-day front desk add to the convenience.
DeHome Boutique Hotel
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Address: No 175, 175A-C, Jalan Sekama
Phone: +60 8234 7799
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
DeHome Boutique Hotel is particularly great for travelers who appreciate a smaller, more personalized experience. It’s an ideal choice if you want your meals conveniently sorted after a day of adventure at Bako.
They also offer laundry services, which is a blessing if your gear needs a freshening up after a muddy hike. This hotel’s location is another advantage—it’s in the heart of Kuching, so transportation to the park, or anywhere else in the city, is a breeze.
Hock Lee Hotel & Residences
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Address: Tower A & B, Hock Lee Centre
Phone: +60 8248 4888
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Hock Lee Hotel & Residences accommodations are spacious and well-stocked with everything you’d need for a smooth stay. Options range from standard rooms to full-fledged residences that include kitchenettes.
The hotel also provides shuttle services, making your commute to Bako or any nearby landmarks much easier. Beyond its facilities, Hock Lee Hotel is within easy reach of malls, eateries, and other urban conveniences.
Kuching Riverine Resort
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Address: Jalan Petanak
Phone: +60 1 8400 2022
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
If you’re looking for a stay that combines riverside views with great amenities, Kuching Riverine Resort is a fantastic pick. The rooms here are spacious and decked out with modern essentials.
You’re right on the waterfront, giving you access to beautiful natural scenery without even leaving the hotel grounds. The on-site restaurant is a definite plus, along with services like free parking, shuttle bus, and a 24-hour front desk.