Bako National Park

Bako National Park showing signage, forest scenes and a park
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.

Top 10 Hotels Near Bako National Park

The Culvert
The Culvert
3 out of 5
Lot 285, Off Jalan Sultan Tengah, Block 2 Salak Land District, Kuching, Sarawak, 93050
The price is S$92 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$92
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Kuching. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (46 reviews)
Something to truly remember
"This is a really unique place with a beautiful private beach. You get there and your first thought is wow this is so cool. Then after a while you think, wait this is kinda like camping. But then you come to the conclusion that camping is awesome and this place has so much to offer in its little package. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Dec,2022

The Culvert
Cove 55
Cove 55
5 out of 5
Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah, (Santubong/Damai Road), Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, 93010
The price is S$205 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$205
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury guesthouse in Kuching. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Paradise on mangrove land. Picturesque with Santubong mountain on one side and the South China Sea on the other. Warm and friendly staff. Spacious, clean and beautifully furnished rooms. Truly a space for weary souls who want to rejuvenate themselves."

Reviewed on 4 Mar,2023

Cove 55
The Village House
The Village House
3.5 out of 5
Pantai Puteri Santubong Village, Kuching, Sarawak, 93650
The price is S$120 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$120
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Kuching. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (77 reviews)
"Can replace rusty equipment should be ok."

Reviewed on 19 Sep,2022

The Village House
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.

Top Bako National Park Hotel Deals

Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching
Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching
3 out of 5
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak, 93100
Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching
Cove 55
Cove 55
5 out of 5
Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah, (Santubong/Damai Road), Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, 93010
Cove 55
The Village House
The Village House
3.5 out of 5
Pantai Puteri Santubong Village, Kuching, Sarawak, 93650
The Village House
The Culvert
The Culvert
3 out of 5
Lot 285, Off Jalan Sultan Tengah, Block 2 Salak Land District, Kuching, Sarawak, 93050
The Culvert
Permai Rainforest Resort
Permai Rainforest Resort
3 out of 5
Jalan Sultan Tengah, Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, 93050
Permai Rainforest Resort
Damai Beach Resort
Damai Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
Teluk Bandung, Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak, 93756
Damai Beach Resort
Meritin Hotel
Meritin Hotel
3 out of 5
Lot 315, 92-94 Jalan Padungan, Kuching, Sarawak, 93100
Meritin Hotel
Hilton Kuching
Hilton Kuching
5 out of 5
1 Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak, 93100
Hilton Kuching
The Ranee Boutique Suites
The Ranee Boutique Suites
3.5 out of 5
No 6 & 7, Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak, 93000
The Ranee Boutique Suites
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.