A Guide to Bako National Park, Borneo (January 2026 Update)
Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest (established 1957), remains one of Borneo’s top wildlife spots—easy access from Kuching, diverse ecosystems, and high chances of spotting proboscis monkeys. It’s compact (27 sq km) but packs rainforests, mangroves, beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Overnight stays are highly recommended for the best experience (dawn/dusk wildlife viewing).
Sad update: One of Bako’s iconic sea stacks collapsed in recent years—still worth visiting for the coastline, but the classic “cobra head” formation is gone.
Money Matters (2026)
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM/MYR)
- ~1 USD ≈ 4.3–4.5 RM (check current rates)
Best Time to Visit
Drier months: April–September (still expect rain). Avoid December–February (wettest).
Getting There from Kuching (~37 km)
- To Bako Village/Terminal (~45 min):
- Bus #1: ~4–5 RM one way (hourly).
- Grab/Taxi: ~30–60 RM.
- Boat to Park HQ (20–30 min): ~40–47 RM/person return (share boat; private ~200+ RM). Pay at jetty.
Entrance Fee
- Foreign adults: ~20 RM (some sources say 10–20 RM; pay at jetty).
Accommodation (Book via ebooking.sarawak.gov.my)
Basic but functional—monkeys raid rooms, so secure everything!
- Camping: ~5 RM/tent.
- Hostel dorm: ~10–40 RM.
- Forest Lodge: ~75–100 RM (fan).
- Lodge with AC: ~225 RM.
Day Trip Option
Possible (park open ~8 AM–3–5 PM), but rushed. Book guided tours if short on time.
Food
Cafeteria at HQ: Basic meals ~16 RM. Pack snacks; no shops inside.
Trekking
18 color-coded trails (some may close for maintenance—check on arrival). Highlights: Proboscis monkey spotting at dawn on Telok Assam beach; night walks (~10 RM).
Wildlife Highlights
- Proboscis monkeys (best at HQ beach sunrise).
- Bearded pigs, macaques (cheeky—guard food!), silvered langurs, monitor lizards, pit vipers, birds (150+ species).
Flora
All 7 Borneo vegetation types, including carnivorous pitcher plants.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, bug spray, rain jacket, sturdy shoes, water filter, headlamp, snacks.
Bako delivers raw Borneo magic—wildlife up close, stunning trails, and serene beaches. Perfect intro to Sarawak’s wilderness! 🐒🌿