Bako National Park has no road access. The only way to reach it is by boat from Kampung Bako jetty, located approximately 37 km from central Kuching. The boat journey takes 20–40 minutes depending on sea conditions and the type of vessel — a standard fibreglass speedboat at full throttle takes about 20 minutes; a larger, slower wooden boat takes closer to 40. The crossing passes through the mouth of the Sarawak River and along the western coast of the Muara Tebas peninsula, often offering early views of white-bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites overhead.
Boats are shared taxis operated by local boatmen — you pay per seat (approximately MYR 30–35 per person one-way as of 2025) and departure is when the boat is full, typically 4–5 passengers. If you want to depart at a specific time or go alone, you can charter the entire boat for roughly MYR 110–140 each way. Boat schedules from the jetty generally run 07:00–15:30 but are heavily tide-dependent — the approach to the park jetty shallows considerably at low tide and some departures are delayed or rerouted. Check conditions on the day with the boatmen at Kampung Bako.
To reach Kampung Bako from Kuching, take the red line bus (Bus 1) from the Kuching Bus Terminal at Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang — the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, a Grab taxi or private car from central Kuching takes 35–45 minutes and costs MYR 45–65 depending on traffic and the platform. There is a car park at Kampung Bako jetty. The park entry fee (collected at the Bako office in Kuching or at the park) is MYR 20 for non-Malaysians. Book park accommodation in advance through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation website — rooms fill weeks ahead on weekends and school holidays.
The return journey can catch visitors out. The last boat from the park back to Kampung Bako departs at approximately 15:30–16:00, but this changes with tides. Ask the park office on arrival when the last departure is for the day you plan to leave. If you miss the last boat, you will need to stay an additional night — which is not necessarily a hardship, given the quality of Bako's forest lodges and chalets. The boat captains are experienced with the local conditions; follow their instructions on boarding and crossing without question, particularly if seas are rough.