Bako's Extraordinary Wildlife
Despite covering only 27 km², Bako National Park supports an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Its relative isolation on the Muara Tebas peninsula has allowed animal populations to persist close to their natural densities — making Bako one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in Southeast Asia.
Mammals
- Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) — Bako's flagship species; endemic to Borneo
- Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) — very common near HQ
- Silver leaf monkey / Silvered langur (Trachypithecus cristatus)
- Bearded pig (Sus barbatus) — frequently seen on trails, especially at dawn
- Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) — occasionally seen in forest clearings
- Common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) — nocturnal; seen on night walks
- Binturong / Bearcat (Arctictis binturong) — rare; occasional sightings at night
- Pygmy flying squirrel — look up in the canopy at dusk
Reptiles
- Clouded monitor lizard (Varanus nebulosus) — common near the beach and HQ
- Bearded flying dragon (Draco melanopogon) — look on tree trunks
- Mangrove cat snake (Boiga dendrophila) — nocturnal; occasionally seen near boardwalk
- Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella)
Birds (Selected)
- White-throated kingfisher
- Collared kingfisher (very common along the mangrove boardwalk)
- Mangrove pitta
- Oriental pied hornbill
- Blue-throated bee-eater
- Rufous-backed kingfisher
- Common sandpiper (migratory)
- Little tern
Invertebrates & Other
- Raffles' pitcher plant (Nepenthes rafflesiana) — along the Lintang trail
- Bornean horned frog (Megophrys nasuta) — along stream trails
- Mudskippers — in the mangroves at low tide
- Hermit crabs — on the beaches
Night Walk Wildlife
Bako's night walks (bookable at park HQ) offer the chance to see species that are rarely visible during the day: civets, flying squirrels, stick insects, hunting spiders, and nocturnal frogs. Night walks are guided and must be booked in advance.