Bako National Park is on the Muara Tebas peninsula, 37 km north of Kuching by road. The journey has two stages: get to Kampung Bako jetty, then take a boat to the park. This article covers every option and what to expect at each stage.
Stage 1: Kuching → Kampung Bako jetty (37 km)
Option A — Public bus (cheapest)
Bus 1 (the "red line") runs from the Kuching Bus Terminal at Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang to Kampung Bako jetty. Journey time approximately 1 hour. Fare MYR 3.50–4.00 one-way. Departures every 30–45 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00. The bus drops you about 200 m from the jetty.
Option B — Grab / private taxi (most convenient)
A Grab from central Kuching costs MYR 45–65 depending on traffic. Journey time 35–45 minutes. Confirm with the driver that they will wait or drop and leave — most Grab drivers near Bako don't pick up returns, so plan your return bus or arrange an advance pickup with a local driver.
Option C — Self-drive
Drive 37 km north on the Kuching–Bako road. There's secure paid parking at the jetty (MYR 5–10/day). Useful if you have heavy gear or are continuing elsewhere after the park.
Stage 2: Kampung Bako jetty → Bako park jetty (boat)
The boat journey takes 20–40 minutes depending on the boat type and sea state. The full breakdown is in our boat transfer guide:
- Shared boat: MYR 30–35 per person each way, departs when 4–5 passengers fill the boat
- Private charter: MYR 110–140 each way for the whole boat (1–8 passengers)
- Last return: Approximately 15:30–16:00, varies with tide — confirm at park office on arrival
Time to allow door-to-door
- Hotel in Kuching → Kampung Bako jetty (Grab): 35–45 min
- Wait time at jetty for boat to fill: 10–30 min
- Boat journey to park: 20–40 min
- Total from Kuching to park: 1.5–2 hours
What you'll need at the jetty
- Cash (MYR) for boat fare — no card machines at the jetty
- Park entry fee paid at Bako park office on arrival (or pre-paid in Kuching)
- Accommodation booking confirmation if staying overnight
- Waterproof bag for your gear — the boat ride is bumpy and the dock is often wet
Returning from the park
Plan to be back at the Bako park jetty no later than 15:00 to catch the last shared boat. From Kampung Bako jetty, you can catch Bus 1 back to Kuching (last bus around 18:00) or arrange a Grab pickup. The deserted feel of Kampung Bako after 17:00 can catch first-time visitors out — there are no shops or restaurants beyond a small canteen, so confirm your onward transport before you leave the park.