Bako National Park

Taman Negara Bako

Sarawak's oldest national park featuring diverse ecosystems from beaches to rainforest, home to proboscis monkeys, wild boar, and numerous bird species. It offers excellent hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and pristine beaches within an hour of Kuching.

Things to do

• Proboscis Monkey Spotting — Early morning or late afternoon treks through mangrove and dipterocarp forest offer the best chances to observe Bako's iconic long-nosed monkeys in their natural habitat.
• Telok Assam Beach Walk — A scenic coastal trail leading to a pristine sandy beach where you can swim, relax, and spot monitor lizards and various seabirds.
• Tajor Waterfall Hike — A moderate 3-4 hour round-trip trek through rainforest ending at a refreshing waterfall pool perfect for swimming.
• Lintang Trail for Bearded Pigs — This challenging coastal trail winds through diverse vegetation zones and offers excellent opportunities to encounter wild boar and various wildlife.
• Birdwatching at Pantai Soga — An accessible beach area ideal for spotting hornbills, eagles, and other tropical birds, especially during early morning hours.
• Park Headquarters Canopy Walk — A short, easy walkway offering elevated forest views and consistent wildlife sightings near the visitor center.

Food to try

• Sarawak Laksa — A tangy coconut and seafood noodle soup served at park lodges and nearby Kuching town, featuring turmeric, chili, and fresh prawns unique to Sarawak.
• Freshly Grilled River Fish — Local catch prepared with minimal seasoning at park accommodation dining areas, highlighting the region's access to fresh seafood.
• Jungle Fern (Midin) Stir-fry — A traditional Sarawakian dish featuring wild ferns foraged locally, seasoned with garlic and served at park lodges and nearby eateries.
• Kueh Chap (Layered Rice Cake) — A savory steamed rice cake sold at the park visitor area and Kuching, traditionally eaten with curry gravy and enjoyed as a light breakfast.
• Belacan Sambal with Fresh Vegetables — A spicy shrimp paste condiment served alongside meals at park facilities, essential to Sarawakian cuisine and enhancing all local dishes.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire a Local Guide — Experienced guides are essential for safe navigation, wildlife spotting, and learning about the park's ecology and indigenous forest knowledge.
• Respect Wildlife Boundaries — Maintain at least 5 meters distance from proboscis monkeys and other animals, stay quiet during observation, and never feed wildlife to preserve natural behavior.
• Start Hikes Early — Begin trails at dawn when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler, as afternoon heat and afternoon rain are common in the tropics.
• Pack Out All Waste — Bako is a protected ecosystem with limited facilities; carry all rubbish back to minimize impact and protect the delicate rainforest environment.