Why Visit Bako National Park?
Taman Negara Bako is Malaysia's oldest national park, established in 1957 on the Muara Tebas peninsula in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Covering just 27 km², it packs an extraordinary diversity of habitats into a small area: mangroves, cliff vegetation, swamp forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, and open kerangas heath forest — 16 distinct vegetation zones in all.
But the park's greatest draw is its wildlife. Bako is one of the few places on Earth where you can reliably see the endangered proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in the wild. The park is also home to long-tailed macaques, silver leaf monkeys, bearded pigs, sambar deer, monitor lizards, and an extraordinary array of birdlife.
Park Entry Requirements
All visitors to Bako National Park must obtain a permit from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). Non-Malaysian visitors require an additional permit to enter Sarawak's national parks, obtainable at the park HQ or online at the SFC website. Entry fees are payable in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Entry fees (approximate, subject to change):
- Malaysian citizens: MYR 10 per person
- International visitors: MYR 20 per person
- Camera fee: MYR 5 (professional photography may require additional permits)
Getting to Bako National Park
The park is accessible only by boat — there is no road access. The journey involves two stages:
- Drive or take a bus from Kuching city centre to Kampung Bako jetty (approximately 37 km, 45–60 minutes)
- Take a public or chartered boat from Kampung Bako jetty to the park headquarters (15–20 minutes)
Boats operate throughout the day but services reduce after 3:00 PM. Plan your return journey carefully, especially if staying overnight. All visitors must register at the park office before embarking on any trail.
Best Time to Visit
Bako can be visited year-round. The dry season (March–October) offers better trail conditions and calmer sea for the boat journey. The wet season (November–February) brings heavier rainfall but the forest is lush and wildlife sightings around the park headquarters increase as animals seek shelter.
What to Bring
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing (long sleeves recommended for leech protection)
- Waterproof hiking shoes or trail sandals
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Plenty of drinking water (at least 2L per person)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- MYR cash (limited ATM facilities near the park)
Overnight Stays
Bako National Park offers a range of accommodation — from forest lodges and chalets to hostel dormitories — all managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and school holidays. See our full accommodation guide for details.
Conservation Note
Bako is a protected national park. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited and may result in fines. Leave no trace: carry out all litter and respect the forest. The park's fragile ecosystem depends on responsible visitor behaviour.