Bako National Park

Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Bako National Park featuring signage, forest scenes and a garden
Bako National Park showing landscape views, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Bako National Park featuring animals, zoo animals and a park
Bako National Park showing a bay or harbour, a coastal town and boating


Forests, mangroves and beaches teeming with bearded pigs, otters, proboscis monkeys and macaques await at this park, less than an hour’s drive from Kuching.

Immerse yourself in a wilderness that would be perfectly tranquil were it not for the chatter and calls of the abundant wildlife. Waterfalls, beaches, peat swamp forest, thick jungle and coastal mangrove habitats lend character to this park where almost every species of Borneo’s flora can be found. The diverse habitats offer the chance to see primates, mouse deer, long-nosed tarsier, bearded pigs, civets, otters, crabs, sea anemones and starfish. From Sarawak’s capital city, Kuching, it takes about 40 minutes by bus to reach the Bako National Park office, where you need get a park permit, and pay a small entry fee. Head to the jetty to take a boat ride through scenic waters to the park itself. Early morning and evening are the best times to see Bako’s astounding array of creatures. For a more immersive overnight experience, book a rustic dorm bed or campsite, or a room with full amenities. Make sure to take your camera on your Bako adventure the animals here are quite used to humans. In fact, you’ll need to secure your tent and dorm room against the macaques as they will quite happily rummage through your things for food! When you head out on the trails, keep an ear out for the crashing and hooting of the rare proboscis monkeys, which exist only in Borneo. Only about 300 of these large-nosed creatures live in Bako National Park, so ask the park ranger which trails they have most recently been spotted on to make sure you have an encounter with these strange looking monkeys. Trails range from short, easy walks to overnight hikes, so there’s something for every fitness level.

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Cove 55

Cove 55

4 out of 5
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Cocoon Resort Kuching

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bako National Park

Bako National Park in Kuching, Sarawak, offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including hiking, guided tours, and night walks to explore the park's unique wildlife. Visitors can capture stunning photographs of various animals and participate in specially designed package tours for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're venturing into the lush trails or embarking on a safari, Bako promises an exciting adventure in Malaysia's natural beauty.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Damai Central, located 17.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family vibes. Also, Tun Jugah Shopping Center and Riverside Shopping Complex, situated 13 and 22.5km away respectively, provide a mix of business and leisure for all visitors.

Recreation

At Sarawak Stadium, indulge in invigorating sports activities surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere, just 19.3km from Bako National Park. Alternatively, experience luxury at Damai Golf & Country Club, where you can unwind with golf and exquisite dining, situated 11.3km away from the park.

Adventure

Bako National Park offers thrilling jungle treks through diverse ecosystems, where you can spot proboscis monkeys and unique wildlife. Enjoy exhilarating hikes to secluded beaches and witness breathtaking views from cliffs. Experience the beauty of mangrove forests and explore hidden trails that unveil the park's natural wonders.

Nightlife

The Sultan Iskandar Planetarium, located 22.5km from Bako National Park, offers a unique nightlife experience. Enjoy captivating stargazing sessions and educational shows in a vibrant atmosphere that invites exploration and wonder. It's a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure in the park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bako National Park

Bako National Park offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists seeking beach, mountain, and bay experiences. Whether you're after stunning outdoor scenery or a relaxing day by the shore, the park caters to all types of adventurers. Explore its beautiful beaches, trek through lush mountains, and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, ensuring a memorable visit to this Malaysian gem.

  • Damai Beach: Enjoy the serene beach vibes at Damai Beach, located 17.7km from Bako National Park. This picturesque stretch of sand is perfect for relaxation and sunbathing, offering stunning views of the South China Sea.
  • Teluk Pandan Besar: Just 1.6km from Bako National Park, Teluk Pandan Besar is a beautiful bay that combines outdoor adventure with scenic beauty. Ideal for swimming, picnicking, and photography, it provides a tranquil escape amidst stunning landscapes.
  • Interpretation Centre: Located only 1.4km away, the Interpretation Centre is a cultural gem. Here, you can learn about the unique flora and fauna of the park, as well as the indigenous cultures, enhancing your understanding of the region.

Best time to go to Bako National Park

The best time to visit Bako National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bako National Park falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Bako National Park falls in January and February. February has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.7°F (25.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February77.7°F (25.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
March78.4°F (25.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May80.2°F (26.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September79.5°F (26.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October79.2°F (26.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November78.6°F (25.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December78.1°F (25.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bako National Park

To save on your trip to Bako National Park, consider visiting in January, September, or November, when prices are lower than in peak months like July and December. Saturday is the cheapest day to stay, while Wednesday tends to be the priciest. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly accommodation, sorting results by price and selecting eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings, and keep an eye out for cashback offers for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bako National Park are January, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bako National Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Bako National Park is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Bako National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.