DESPITE being one of Southeast Asia's tiniest national parks, Bako National Park in Sarawak showcases almost every variety of Borneon vegetation within its lush confines.
This petite, verdant haven plays host to a captivating cast of characters, with the comedic proboscis monkey stealing the spotlight as the big-nosed, pot-bellied maestro of the rainforest. Joining this ensemble are long-tailed macaque monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels, and flying lemurs—all performing against a backdrop of bewildering plant and animal life.
For those eager to witness the full spectacle of this rainforest extravaganza, an overnight stay in the park's comfortable chalets is the secret pass. Equipped with electricity and water from a pristine mountain stream, these chalets provide the perfect vantage point to witness the rainforest's nightly performance. Complete with a cafeteria, education centre, visitor room, and information hub, Bako National Park ensures a comfortable and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
Amidst Bako's trails, where every twist and turn reveals a new facet of its vibrant ecosystem, you might encounter a peculiar sight—bearded pigs wandering gracefully along the paths. Familiar with human visitors, Bako's wildlife offers a rare chance for up-close encounters and photographic opportunities. To delve deeper into the rainforest's nocturnal secrets, consider embarking on a night walk led by park guides during your overnight escapade.
For avid birdwatchers, Bako is a paradise, boasting more than 190 species, including rare varieties. The park's 16 colour-coded walking trails cater to various preferences, offering full-day jungle hikes for adventurous and gentle strolls for those seeking a leisurely experience.
The Lintang loop trail is a very popular trek as it passes through nearly all of the vegetation types found at Bako. The whole trek takes between three to four hours, so it is probably the best choice if you can only visit for a day. The section between the Ulu Assam and Serait junctions is another good spot for seeing proboscis monkeys. The Bukit Tambi viewpoint is a short detour off the main trail and overlooks the western part of the park.
Accessing Bako National Park is a breeze, with a 45 to 60-minute bus ride from Kuching to Bako Market. Alternatively, a chartered minivan, accommodating five to seven passengers, shaves the travel time in half, providing a quicker journey from the Open Air Market in Kuching.
Park accommodation options include three-bedroom chalets, two-bedroom lodges, four-bedroom hostels, and a camping ground. To capture Bako's allure through the lens, secure a permit for professional photography or filming in advance through the National Park Booking Office.
Upon arrival at Bako Market, located in front of the jetty and visitor centre, visitors can register and purchase entrance and boat tickets. The 20-minute boat ride transports guests to the Bako National Park Headquarters, commencing their enchanting journey into the heart of Borneo's breathtaking biodiversity.