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Bako National Park

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Bako National Park (Malaysia)

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Bako National Park, located on the Muara Tebas peninsula in Sarawak, is a compact treasure trove of Bornean biodiversity. Despite its relatively small size, it contains an astonishing variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, dipterocarp forests, and delicate cliff vegetation. The park is most famous for its population of proboscis monkeys, the long-nosed primates endemic to Borneo. Visitors can often spot them foraging in the mangroves near the park headquarters. Bako is also home to long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs, and the Bornean bearded pig. A network of 16 walking trails gives access to secluded beaches, memorable viewpoints, and unique geological formations like the iconic sea stacks. This park, established in 1957, is Sarawak's oldest and provides a well-suited introduction to the wildlife and landscapes of Borneo.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627272827272727272726
Rain mm547403302282239229215220241319345461

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Reached by a short bus or taxi ride from the city of Kuching directly to Bako Market, followed by a mandatory 20-minute boat transfer organized at the local terminal.
📅
Best season
The dry season from March to September is generally best, as sea conditions are calmer. Heavy monsoon rains from November to February can severely disrupt boat services.
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Terrain & paths
Trails range from flat wooden boardwalks through dense mangroves to steep, root-tangled jungle paths. Some advanced sections require scrambling over sandstone rock faces.
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What to bring
Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing, robust jungle hiking shoes, and strong insect repellent. A high-quality dry bag is crucial to protect electronics on the boat.
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Parking
Secure, long-term parking is readily available at the Bako Market terminal where you purchase boat tickets and officially register for the national park entry process.
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Safety
Beware of mischievous long-tailed macaques that may boldly try to snatch food or belongings. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost, and be mindful of the tides.
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Time needed
A full day trip is standard, but staying overnight in the park accommodations is highly recommended to properly spot elusive wildlife like proboscis monkeys at dusk.

Geography

Coordinates
1.70000, 110.46670

Facts

  • Bako National Park was established in 1957, making it the oldest national park in Sarawak.
  • The park covers an area of just 27 square kilometers.
  • It is home to approximately 275 proboscis monkeys.
  • There are 16 marked trails of varying lengths and difficulties within the park.
  • The iconic sea stack, shaped by erosion, is a major landmark of the park.
  • Bako is home to seven distinct forest types.
  • Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the park.
  • The park is only accessible by a 20-minute boat ride from Kampung Bako.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bako National ParkBako National Park2 km · SExplore →
Fort MargheritaFort Margherita14 km · SEExplore →
Mount SantubongMount Santubong16 km · SExplore →
Kampung Pasir PandakKampung Pasir Pandak17 km · SExplore →
Semenggoh Wildlife CentreSemenggoh Wildlife Centre19 km · SEExplore →
Matang Wildlife CentreMatang Wildlife Centre35 km · SExplore →
Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau)Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau)37 km · SExplore →
Mount DatuMount Datu90 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bako National Park (8)

Tanjung Po Lighthouse📍 landmark

The Tanjung Po Lighthouse is a maritime navigation beacon positioned on the rugged coastline near Bako National Park.

Kruin Bay🎡 recreation

Kruin Bay is a peaceful sandy beach situated amidst the lush tropical landscapes of Bako National Park.

Teluk Limau🎡 recreation

Teluk Limau is a highly secluded, long sandy bay in Bako National Park, usually reached only by a challenging hike.

Bako National Park🌿 nature

Bako National Park is Sarawak's oldest national park, globally famous for its rare proboscis monkeys and dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Sibur Bay🎡 recreation

Sibur Bay is a wild, pristine sandy beach located within the protected ecosystem of Bako National Park.

Ching San Yen Temple⛪ religious

Ching San Yen Temple is a hilltop Buddhist place of worship offering panoramic views of the river estuary near Bako.

Surau Taman Mesra Bako📍 landmark

Surau Taman Mesra Bako is a small Islamic prayer room serving the residents of the Taman Mesra neighborhood near Bako.

Masjid Al-Hidayah Kampung Bako📍 landmark

Masjid Al-Hidayah in Kampung Bako is the main village mosque where the local Muslim community gathers for worship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Bako National Park?
By bus from Kuching to the jetty, then continue by boat.
What is the highlight?
Seeing proboscis monkeys in their natural environment.
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, basic park huts are available in the park.
Do I need to bring provisions?
Yes, food options in the park are very limited.
When is the best time?
During the drier months from March to September.
Bako National Park: where is it located?
Bako National Park is located in Malaysia.
Bako National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tanjung Po Lighthouse, Kruin Bay, Teluk Limau.
Bako National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bako National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Bako National Park, located on the Muara Tebas peninsula in Sarawak, is a compact treasure trove of Bornean biodiversity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kuching — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Kuching
The capital of Sarawak state on the island of Borneo.
Miri — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Miri
A coastal city in Sarawak, the center of the petroleum industry in the region.
Sibu — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Sibu
A town on the Rajang River in Sarawak, a major commercial center.
Bintulu — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Bintulu
A coastal town in Sarawak that is a major industrial center.
Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau) — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau)
A historic blue-water lake in Bau, Sarawak, formed from a former open-cast gold mine.
Kampung Pasir Pandak — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Kampung Pasir Pandak
A picturesque Malay fishing village in Sarawak, known for its tranquil beaches and views of the majestic Mount Santubong.
🗺️
Kampung Penat
A traditional coastal village in Sarawak, famous for its fishing and Melanau hospitality.
🗺️
RH. Noria-RH. Linggi
A traditional longhouse community in Sarawak, serving as a gateway to Similajau National Park and its wild beaches.
🗺️
Kampung Bakam
A charming coastal village in Sarawak, known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Layang-Layang — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Layang-Layang
A remote oceanic atoll in the South China Sea, world-renowned for its diving and hammerhead sharks.
Mulu (Gunung Mulu National Park) — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Mulu (Gunung Mulu National Park)
Mulu is famous for its massive cave systems and spectacular limestone karst formations called Pinnacles.
Bario — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Bario
Bario is a remote highland plateau in Sarawak, famous for its premium rice and unique Kelabit culture.

Nature

🗺️
Tanjung Datu National Park Coast
The coast of Sarawak's smallest national park, known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs at the very western tip of Borneo.

More places

Bako National Park — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Bako National Park
Sarawak's oldest national park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and the chance to see proboscis monkeys in the wild.
Fort Margherita — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Fort Margherita
An old fort in Kuching, Sarawak.
Mount Santubong — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Mount Santubong
A prominent mountain on a peninsula near Kuching, shrouded in legends of a celestial princess.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
An orangutan rehabilitation center where visitors can observe semi-wild orangutans during feeding times.
Matang Wildlife Centre — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Matang Wildlife Centre
A rehabilitation center for rescued wildlife in Sarawak, located within a large rainforest area.
Mount Datu — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Mount Datu
A mountain within the Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a challenging climb through pristine rainforest.
Bintulu LNG Complex — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Bintulu LNG Complex
One of the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production complexes on a single site.
Niah Caves Archaeological Site — Bako National Park (Malaysia)
Niah Caves Archaeological Site
A significant archaeological site in Sarawak, where human remains dating back 40,000 years, known as 'Deep Skull', were found.