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Bako National Park, Sarawak
Introduction
With its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life,
secluded beaches, panoramic rocky shoreline, bizarre rock formations and extensive network of
trekking trails, Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest
and coastline of Borneo. Bako may not have an instantly recognisable star attraction, but there
can be very few places in the world that pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area,
all just 37 km from Kuching. Its accessibility - and its sheer range of attractions and
activities - have made Bako National Park one of the most popular parks in Sarawak.
Gazetted in 1957, Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest national park, covering an area of 2,727 hectares
at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula. It is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak,
yet one of the most interesting, as it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.
The well-maintained network of nature trails - from easy forest strolls to full-day jungle
treks – allows visitors to get the most out of this unique environment.
The rainforest and other vegetation
Bako National Park contains an incredible variety of plant species and vegetation types, and this is
one of the park’s great attractions. At Bako it is possible to see almost every type of
vegetation found in Borneo. 25 distinct types of vegetation form seven complete
eco-systems - Beach Vegetation, Cliff Vegetation, Kerangas or Heath Forest, Mangrove
Forest, Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, Padang or Grasslands Vegetation and Peat Swamp Forest.
It is easy to explore these eco-systems via the jungle trails. The contrasts are so
distinct that you do not have to be a scientist to notice the differences. Furthermore,
most of the different vegetation types are found close to the park HQ at Telok Assam.
Wildlife
Bako National Park is probably the best place in Sarawak for wildlife experiences. The park
has been a protected area since 1957, so the animals are less wary of humans.
Visitors, especially those who stay overnight, will have countless opportunities
to observe and photograph various types of wildlife.
The best times for seeing wildlife at Bako National Park are just after dawn and just before
dusk, when the animals are at their most active. You are more likely to see
animals on the trails if you go in small groups, walk slowly, keep as quiet
as possible, and listen out for sounds and movements in the forest. For
example, you are likely to hear a strange grunting sound or the crash of
leaves long before you actually see a proboscis monkey.
Telok Assam, the area around the HQ, is a great place for seeing wildlife.
Long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs or leaf-monkeys, common water
monitors, plantain squirrels, wild boar and mouse deer are all found here.
Watch out for the macaques as they are possibly the most fearless monkeys
on earth. They will raid dustbins and kitchens in the resthouses, or
scamper into the canteen to steal food or an unguarded bag. Keep all doors
locked and never encourage them by offering food. In contrast to the unruly
macaques, the silvered leaf-monkey or silvered langur is a docile and
attractive creature. Adults have silver-grey fur and a spiky crest of head
hair, whilst the infants are covered in bright orange fur.
Bako National Park is also home to approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys, found only
in Borneo. The male is an odd-looking creature, with a huge pendulous nose
and a large pot-belly, weighing in excess of 20 kg. Both male and female
are covered in reddish-brown fur with grey limbs and a white tail. They
are mostly arboreal (tree-dwelling), moving about the forest or mangroves
in small groups and feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds.
Although it requires some patience, an encounter with a group of proboscis
is likely to be the highlight of your trip to Bako National Park . The best times are
early in the morning or in the hours before dusk. Telok Delima and Telok
Paku are the best trails for viewing the proboscis. The mangroves at
Telok Assam are also a good place for viewing proboscis monkeys.
Otters are delightful creatures to watch, and two species are found at
Bako National Park - the oriental small-clawed otter and the hairy-nosed otter. They
spend most of their time in the water, feeding on fish, frogs and other
small animals. Oriental small-clawed otters are occasionally seen at Sungai
Assam, swimming in the river or running across the mud searching for food.
Hairy-nosed otters are sometimes seen early in the morning around the
mangroves at Telok Assam.
The Bornean bearded pig, Bako’s largest mammal, is distinguished from
other wild pigs by prominent bristles either side of its snout. Bearded
pigs are often found around the park HQ scavenging for food or wallowing in mud.
The largest of Bako’s many lizard species is the common water monitor,
olive green in colour and reaching a length of 2 metres. Young monitors
are green with yellow spots and therefore easier to see. They are strong
swimmers and can stay submerged for a considerable length of time.
Monitors are scavengers, feeding on carrion and occasional live prey.
They are often found near the accommodation area or near the boat jetty,
scavenging for scraps of food. You may also see their tracks at the park’s
beaches.
The small, brownish grey skink or sun lizard is often seen basking on
rocks at the beach or scurrying away from the paths. The attractive
green crested lizard, common throughout the park, is usually bright
green but is capable of changing colour if alarmed. Flying lizards are
occasionally seen launching themselves from tree trunks and gliding
through the air.
Bako National Park is home to a number of snakes, most of which are harmless. They
are well camouflaged, and usually slide off into the undergrowth at
the first sign of danger. The grass green whip snake is easily
recognised by its bright colour, pencil-thin body and long snout. The
paradise tree snake’s black upper body is marked with green spots
whilst its underside is yellowy-green with red spots. The only poisonous
snake that is occasionally seen is the Wagler’s pit viper that, like all
pit vipers, has a broad, flat, triangular head.
Bako National Park is a fascinating place for bird watching, as over 150 species have
been recorded here. Although many of these can be seen around the
accommodation area, you need to hit the trails to appreciate the full
variety of Bako’s bird life. The mangroves at Telok Assam are an excellent
place to start. Serious bird watchers should take a good pair of binoculars
and the Pocket Guide to the Birds of Borneo, which is widely available in
Kuching.
Rock pools and mangroves are good places to search for small animals such
as mudskippers and crabs, especially sky-blue fiddler crabs and
shell-dwelling hermit crabs. Bako National Park also has its fair share of insects.
Watch out for them on the forest floor and hear them everywhere.
Bako’s nocturnal creatures include the flying lemur, pangolin, mouse
deer, various bats, tarsier, slow loris and palm civet. If you take a
night walk through the forest near the Park HQ you may catch sight of
some these creatures, as well as spiders that shine when a flashlight
is played on them, glow worms and fireflies, You will certainly hear
crickets, cicadas, frogs, and maybe owls. The beach by the park HQ
is also a great place for a night walk. If the tide is out you may
see crabs, prawns, anemones, starfish, annelid worms and young
shrimp in the small pools.
Treks and trails
Bako’s extensive trail system is made up of 16 colour-coded jungle trails
which offer a range of walking and hiking options. The fit and
adventurous can opt for full-day jungle hikes or overnight camping
expeditions, whilst those who prefer to take it easy can opt for a
relaxing forest walk. The following table provides details of
approximate trekking times and distances and the colour codes used in the park.
| No. |
|
Trail Name |
|
Trail Length |
|
One Way Time & Distance From HQ |
|
Colour Code |
| 1. |
|
Tanjung Sapi
A short but steep climb through cliff vegetation. Takes about
30 minutes. Excellent views of Telok Assam, the South China Sea
and Santubong. Proboscis monkeys can occasionally be heard
crashing amongst the trees, especially early morning.
|
|
0.5 km |
|
30 minutes (0.8 km) |
|
White/Red |
| 2. |
|
Telok Paku
Takes about one hour and passes through cliff forest
before reaching a small secluded beach. Proboscis monkeys
are often seen during early morning or late afternoon. One
of the best trails for seeing proboscis monkeys. Move
slowly, keep as quiet as possible and listen out for
strange grunts or movements in the canopy.
|
|
0.8 km |
|
1 hour (1.2 km) |
|
White |
| 3. |
|
Ulu Assam
Passes at first through swamp forest and a flat section where
proboscis monkeys are sometimes seen. The trail then climbs steeply
and at times you must hang on to tree roots to keep your balance. At
the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Bako’s coastline.
|
|
0.8 km |
|
1 1/4 hours (1.4 km) |
|
Blue/Red |
| 4. |
|
Telok Delima
Another excellent trail for spotting proboscis monkeys,
and only 45 minutes from park HQ. As the Lintang trail bears
right and climbs a small hill you are in prime proboscis
territory. Listen out for strange grunting noises or the
crash of vegetation. If you hear something, stop, keep as
quiet as possible and scan the forest. Try to ‘follow’ the
strange noises with your eyes. If you are lucky you may see
a harem of proboscis monkeys.
|
|
0.25 km |
|
45 minutes (1 km) |
|
Blue/White |
| 5. |
|
Serait
This trail takes about one and half hours and ends at the
park boundary. It is not frequently used and is somewhat
secluded. Good for seeing some of Bako’s rainforest giants.
|
|
1.25 km |
|
1 1/2 hour (2.2 km) |
|
White/Yellow |
| 6. |
|
Telok Pandan Kecil & Telok Pandan Besar
The one and a half hour trek to Telok Pandan Kecil is one
of Bako’s most popular. It ascends the forested hills
overlooking Telok Assam, reaching a plateau covered in scrub
vegetation, and continues along a sandy path lined with
carnivorous pitcher plants, before reaching a cliff top with
stunning views of the secluded bay below and the famous sea
stack just offshore. A 10 minute descent through cliff
vegetation brings you to one of the best beaches in the
park. Whilst swimming, watch out for monkeys who steal
unguarded bags. The Telok Pandan Besar trail ends at a cliff
top with views of the beach below.
|
|
1.5 km |
|
1 1/2 hours (2.5 km) |
|
Yellow |
| 7. |
|
Lintang
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 3 and 4 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.
|
|
5.25 km |
|
3 1/2 hours return |
|
Red |
| 8. |
|
Tajor
The Tajor trail passes scrub and padang vegetation and ends
with a steep climb down to a small beach. Take a hat as the
sun can be quite fierce on the exposed sections of the trail.
The trail also passes the Tajor Waterfall, a popular resting
spot. The waterfall is quite small (and best after heavy rain)
but it has a beautiful jungle setting and a small dip pool.
From the park HQ it takes about two and half hours to reach
the waterfall. Watch out for slippery rocks along the Tajor stream.
|
|
2.75 km |
|
2 1/2 hours (3.5 km) |
|
Red/White |
| 9. |
|
Tanjung Rhu
This trail branches off the Tajor trail and leads across open
country to the rocky Rhu peninsula and a small headland where
you can see wave-cut platforms and rock pools. From the park
HQ, it takes about two and half hours, or 45 minutes from
the Tajor junction.
|
|
1.8 km |
|
2 1/2 hours (4.2 km) |
|
Red/Yellow |
| 10. |
|
Ulu Serait
This trail connects the Lintang trail with the Bukit Gondol
hill walk. It is deep inside the park and passes through
scrub, padang vegetation and swamp forest. From the Lintang
junction to the base of Bukit Gondol is about one and a half hours.
|
|
2.75 km |
|
3 hours (4.8 km) |
|
Blue/Yellow |
| 11. |
|
Bukit Gondol
This semi-circular loop trail passes over Bukit Gondol, the
highest point in Bako National Park at 260 metres. From the top of the hill
there are excellent views of Pulau Lakei and the Muara Tebas
areas. The loop trek takes about 45 minutes.
|
|
2 km |
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4 1/2 hours (7.7 km) |
|
Yellow/White |
| 12. |
|
Paya Jelutong
This trail is actually a short cut for those who do not
wish to climb Bukit Gondol. Although it is a very short
trail it offers the opportunity of seeing fresh water swamp
forest in unique setting that is extremely high above
the sea level. The most dominant species in the area
is Jelutong, a softwood species used for making pencils
and the latex for chewing gum.
|
|
0.2 km |
|
|
|
White/Blue |
| 13. |
|
Bukit Keruing
This trail connects Bukit Gondol with Tajor and passes
some mighty rainforest giants. It passes along the slopes
of Bukit Keruing, the second highest point in Bako National Park. From
Paya Jelutong to the Tajor waterfall takes about one and half hours.
|
|
2.25 km |
|
3 1/2 hours (5.5 km) |
|
Blue |
| 14. |
|
Telok Sibur
A full day trek. From the park HQ it takes about three and
half hours to reach the end of Telok Sibur trail, first
following the Tajor trail to the waterfall. Continue along
the main trail for another 45 minutes until you reach a
junction and the start of the Sibur trail. After a very steep
45 minute descent, a walk through the mangroves and a wade
across a the Sibur river you finally reach the longest
beach in Bako.
|
|
0.8 km |
|
|
|
Red/Black |
| 15. |
|
Telok Limau
This is Bako’s long distance trail, six or seven hours from the
park HQ to the small beach at Telok Limau. You pass through rich
rainforest, scrub land and swamp forest, cross small streams
and climb a number of hilly sections affording excellent
views of the whole Muara Tebas peninsula. You can camp at
Telok Limau and return the next day or arrange for a boat to
pick you up, or the trip can be made vice-versa; using a boat
to Telok Limau and then trekking back to the park HQ. Only
physically fit, experienced trekkers should attempt this
trail, and must inform the park management before leaving.
|
|
5.75 km |
|
7 hours (10 km) |
|
Red/Blue |
| 16. |
|
Telok Kruin
Being so far from the park HQ, the Telok Keruin trail
is rarely used. It is usually done as a side trek
from Telok Limau. From Telok Limau, the first section
is a 15-20 minute climb through the forest until you
reach a scrub section. You must then trek for another
25 minutes before you reach the Telok Keruin trail. Shortly
after the junction the trail descends to an area of scrub
vegetation. Look out for pitcher plants that line the
side of the trail. There are four short side-trails which
lead to the Bukit Kruin lookout, a small rock pool, the
Muara Tebas lookout point, and the Tanjung Keruin and
Tanjung Po viewpoints. The last section of the trail is a
very steep descent to a mangrove forest. The trail then
continues through the mangroves. Look out for the marks
on the trees that show the way to the deserted beach -
one of the best in the park.
|
|
1.5 km |
|
7 1/4 hours (10.5 km) |
|
Blue/Black |
| 17. |
|
Pa’ Amit (Lakei Island)
This small island at the northeastern tip of the Bako
Peninsuala has a delightful white sand beach and crystal
clear waters for swimming. At the highest point on the island,
at the top of a 160-step wooden ladder, is the grave of a
legendary Malay warrior. Datuk Ibrahim was an early
resident of the island, and believed to be so strong that
he could engrave Islamic ‘khats’ (religious calligraphy) on
rocks with his bare fingers, such as those found at the
Salamun Pool on the island. The pool is popular with local
visitors, some of whom believe that the water in the pool
has spiritual and curative powers. The grave also attracts
devotees seeking to have wishes granted or to see into the
future. The Pa’ Amit Trail, the only trail on the island,
leads to two viewpoints that offer excellent photo-opportunities
when as the sun sets over Mount Santubong. Accommodation is
available on the island but space is limited.
|
|
1.0 km |
|
30 minutes (from Base) |
|
Orange |
Travel Notes
Entry Fees & Permits
There is a nominal entry fee for all National
Parks in Sarawak. Check with the National Parks Booking Office in
Kuching for the latest fee structure. A permit is required for
professional photography or filming, which should be arranged in
advance with the National Parks Booking Office.
Getting There
From Kuching, take a taxi or Petra Jaya Bus No. 6 to
Kampung Bako (Bako Village). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Boats can be chartered at the National Parks Boat Ticketing Counter next
to the jetty for the 30-minute boat ride to the Park HQ whilst registering
your arrival at the Park Arrival Booth. Check with the National
Parks Booking Office in Kuching for the latest boat fares. Local tour
operators also organise guided trips to Bako.
The Park Headquarters
Upon arrival, visitors are required to register
and pay their Entrance Fee or other park fees at the registration counter.
The Park HQ also has a cafeteria selling food and beverages, a small
sundry shop, and an excellent information centre with an interesting
selection of wildlife videos (upon request). Enquire at the registration
counter for details.
Accomodation at National Park
Park accommodation consists of 3-bedroom Chalets, 2-bedroom
Lodges, 4-bedroom Hostels and a camping ground. Barbecue pits are provided
for visitors to prepare their own meals. Please contact the National Parks
Booking Office for the latest room rates and to make reservations.
Reservations & Enquires
National Parks Booking Office,
Visitors Information Centre,
Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg,
93000 Kuching Sarawak,
Tel: (+6) 082 248088 Fax: (+6) 082 248087
Online booking: http://ebooking.com.my
The Visitors Information Centre is located in the Old Courthouse Complex
at the junction of Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Gambier and Main
Bazaar, opposite the Kuching Waterfront.
Opening Hours
| National Parks Booking Office | | |
| Monday-Friday | | 0800 hrs – 1800 hrs |
| Saturday, Sunday& Public Holidays | | 0900 hrs – 1500 hrs |
Bako National Park Registration Counter | | |
| Daily (including Sundays & Public Holidays) | | 0800 hrs – 1615 hrs |
Boat Ticketing Counter (Kg. Bako) | | |
| Daily (including Sundays & Public Holidays) | | 0800 hrs – 1615 hrs |
Further Information
SARAWAK FORESTRY
Tel: (+6) 082 348001 Fax: (+6) 082 488654
Toll free line: 1 800 88 2526
Website: www.sarawakforestry.com
Email: info@sarawakforestry.com
Bako National Park
Tel: (+6) 011-225049
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