The short answer
Bako National Park: what visitors should know first
Yes, for fitter travellers who want wildlife. The boat transfer and trails make it demanding for some older visitors. Choose a short trail, start early and check boat and weather conditions before you travel.
History and context
The story behind Bako National Park
Bako was gazetted in 1957 as Sarawak's first national park. It is about 27 square kilometres and has sixteen marked trails. A well-known cobra-head sea stack collapsed in February 2024.
Useful facts
Bako National Park facts at a glance
- Location
- About 40 km from Kuching
- Access
- Road to Bako Bazaar, then boat
- Established
- 1957
- Area
- About 27 square kilometres
- Known for
- Proboscis monkeys, sandstone cliffs, 16 trails
Why it matters
Why Bako National Park is worth your time
Established in 1957, Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak, covering about 27 square kilometres. It holds about 150 proboscis monkeys, a species found only on Borneo, plus silvered langurs, monitor lizards and over 150 bird species.
It packs coast, cliffs and rainforest into a small area, so it gives the clearest taste of Borneo's wild side within a day of Kuching. Because the landing and trails are physically demanding, choose your route honestly, and treat the shorter walks near headquarters as a fine day in themselves.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Proboscis monkeys
A species found only on Borneo, seen near the headquarters.
- 02
Boat ride
About 20 minutes along the coast to the landing.
- 03
Coastal trails
Sandstone cliffs and beaches on longer routes.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Take BusAsia bus No. 1 from Kuching to Bako Bazaar, which Wikivoyage describes as about 45 minutes, or hire a taxi for comfort. At the jetty you pay the park fee and share a boat; the ride takes roughly twenty minutes.
On arrival, walk the short trails near park headquarters first to see proboscis monkeys, macaques and bearded pigs. Longer trails lead to beaches and sandstone coastal scenery. Stay on marked paths, carry water and do not feed animals.
You can see the park on a day trip, though camping and forestry bungalows exist for those who stay. Check weather before leaving, because boat services can be affected by sea conditions.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early to catch boats and cooler hours
- Wear grip shoes and carry water
- Do not feed or approach animals
- Check sea and weather conditions
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Bako Bazaar and Kampung Bako, about 40 km from Kuching
- Time needed
- Full day
- Best time
- Early morning, outside heavy rain
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Access is by a small open boat from the village, with steps and a wet landing, and the trails are uneven. Older visitors can stay near the landing and short trails or skip it.
- Tickets and access
- Wikivoyage lists a park fee and boat fare (both change). Boats run from Bako Bazaar; confirm prices and sea conditions locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Bako National Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Access is by a small open boat from the village, with steps and a wet landing, and the trails are uneven. Older visitors can stay near the landing and short trails or skip it.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How do I get to Bako?
By bus or taxi to Bako Bazaar, then a boat of about 20 minutes to the park.
Is Bako suitable for older visitors?
It is demanding because of the boat landing and uneven trails. Short trails near headquarters are more manageable.
Can I see proboscis monkeys?
Yes, the park has about 150 and is considered one of the best places in Sarawak to see them.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
