Tanjung Rhu Trail

Tanjung Rhu is the northern headland of Bako National Park — a rocky promontory marked by coastal kerangas, exposed sandstone cliffs, and rock platforms revealed at low tide. The trail to reach it is a moderate 7.6 km return walk from park headquarters, taking approximately 4 hours including time at the headland. It is one of the quieter trails in the park, offering a different coastal landscape from the more frequented southern beaches.

The trail begins along the same corridor as the Lintang Trail before branching north through dipterocarp forest. The middle section passes through dense kerangas heath where multiple pitcher plant species grow in close proximity — Nepenthes gracilis, N. mirabilis, and N. rafflesiana all occur along this stretch. As the trail approaches the coast, the vegetation thins dramatically to wind-stunted scrub, and the sound of waves becomes audible through the foliage.

The headland itself is a rocky plateau extending into the South China Sea, with eroded sandstone formations and tidal pools at the seaward edge. At low tide the rock platforms reveal a rich intertidal ecosystem — chitons, periwinkles, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and the occasional starfish. White-bellied sea eagles regularly patrol overhead, and on calm mornings dolphins are occasionally spotted offshore. The headland is also the best spot in the park for sunset photography, as the cliffs and sandstone glow in the late afternoon light.

Tanjung Rhu sees far fewer visitors than the southern trails, which makes wildlife encounters less predictable but often more rewarding. Bornean bearded pigs root along the trail edges; silver leaf monkeys move through the canopy above; and the rare ground-nesting birds of the open kerangas zones — including the buff-banded rail — are sometimes flushed from the trailside scrub. Bring binoculars and move quietly through the open sections.

This is a moderate trail rather than challenging, but the distance and exposure make it more demanding than the shorter southern walks. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, a sun hat, and high-SPF sunscreen — the kerangas and headland sections offer no shade. Start no later than 08:00 to avoid the worst of the midday heat. The trail is marked but receives less regular maintenance than the Lintang loop, so watch for the painted blazes on tree trunks at junctions.