Bako National Park is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Kuching as it is only half an hour by car and another 20 minutes boat’s journey away.  Many go for day trip, but there are also chalets for those wanting to stay for a night or longer.

It is advisable to go early in the morning to catch at least an hour or so of the coolness before the heat of the day takes over.  Registration at the reception of the jetty terminal is required and an entrance fee is levied. The warden then direct visitors to the jetty where designated motor boats wait to pick up the visitors, usually in group of fives, but larger boats can take up to ten.

The trip to the Park HQ takes about 20 minutes, beginning along the river where picturesque kampung houses stand on stilts line the banks, in a short while the boat is out to the sea and the coastline of Mount Santubong can be seen against an azure sky if it is sunny.  Along the way unusual rock formations are seen and often rocky cliffs rise vertically hundreds of feet high. The iconic sea stack of Bako National Park can only be seen up close if one takes an optional trip by  boat from the park jetty to the Telok Pandan Kecil beach.

If the tide is low, the boatman may have to land about 300 metres away from the park jetty, then it is a muddy trek toward the landing point, sometimes even on ankle deep water. Muck haters better check tide schedule to avoid this.

On arrival at the jetty, a short walk will take you to the Park HQ, where you can pick up a map of the various trails and information for your visit. There is a storage place for putting your baggage, but no lockers.

There are 16 trails in all and range from a half hour trek to one lasting 8 hours (one way) - assuming that one’s fit of course! Most trails wind through well marked path and proper signage in colour code. Some trails pass through waterfall and streams, others end in beaches or cliffs with panoramic views.

Chances of encounter with wildlife are higher in the early morning and dusk and the easiest of all to watch is from the park’s chalet and canteen, where marauding troops of macaques come out to forage for food, thus leaving your belongings unguarded is inviting them to be pilfered by these mischievious monkeys. In contrast the more well behaved silver leaf langurs keep their distance, while the elusive proboscis monkey are equally shy.  There are bearded pigs and monitor lizards hanging around the compound too if one is lucky.  Bird lovers will be glued to their binoculars as there are on record 150 species of local and mirgratory birds in the park. On the mud flats are mudskippers, fiddlers crab, hermit crabs and many others.

The long jungle walking trails (over one hour) are quite strenuous and unless one is physically fit,  it should not be attempted, but rather hang around the Park HQ and canteen areas.  Some parts of the trails may require one to clamber on fours but no actual climbing is required. On wet days, the rocks can be treacherously slippery and because of the nature of the terrain, chances of twisting an ankle is high for the unwary.  A pair of good walking shoes is strongly advised.

An overnight stay is highly recommended as a day trip really does not do justice to the many attractions that Bako has to offer.  The only drawback is the spartan canteen’s bland food.  Thus for day trippers, do fill up your tummy with all the yummy food of Kuching prior to embarking on this trip.  Another thing I cannot be accused of  over-emphasizing : - Do pack lots of water before beginning a trek as you will be sweating buckets.  Wear sport shorts instead of long pants as the humidity of the jungle will make you want to strip down!  Fortunately there are no mosquitos in the jungle but do bring your mozzies repellant just in case.  A sun block is an absolute must if your skin is sensitive to sunlight as is a hat or cap.

Fact box

How to get there:-  Take a taxi or Petra Jaya bus No.6, ask to be drop off at Bako National Park Jetty, trip takes 40 minutes. On arrival at the jetty terminal, proceed to the registration  counter to register and pay for the entrance fee of RM10.00 per person, and wait to be directed to your boat.  Best if travel in 5’s, as that’s the minimum number for the boat to go. Cost of hiring a boat is RM47.00 (fixed, no bargaining). If  it’s more than 5 in a boat, the charge is RM9.00 per head.  Last boat leaving for Park HQ is 4.15 pm and last to return from Park HQ is 5.00 pm, after which the fare increases.  Park regisration counter at the jetty terminal opens at 8.00 am and close at 4.15 pm and is opening 7 days a week, including public holidays.  Except for day trippers, booking of chalets is necessary at the counter to ensure availabilty of rooms. For more details,  call 082-348001  or call toll free 1800 88 2526

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