Bako National Park Tours and Activities

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


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.

Popular places to visit


Top Bako National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cove 55

Cove 55

4 out of 5
Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah, (Santubong/Damai Road), Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak
Cove 55
OYO 90287 Rb Homestay & Farms

OYO 90287 Rb Homestay & Farms

2 out of 5
No 170, Jalan Kuching-Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak
OYO 90287 Rb Homestay & Farms
Sheraton Kuching Hotel

Sheraton Kuching Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2, Jalan Padungan, Kuching
Sheraton Kuching Hotel
The Culvert

The Culvert

3 out of 5
Lot 285, Off Jalan Sultan Tengah, Block 2 Salak Land District, Kuching, Sarawak
The Culvert
The Village House

The Village House

3.5 out of 5
Pantai Puteri Santubong Village, Kuching, Sarawak
The Village House
Damai Beach Resort

Damai Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
Teluk Bandung, Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak
Damai Beach Resort
Cocoon Resort Kuching

Cocoon Resort Kuching

3.5 out of 5
Off Jalan Sultan Tengah Block 2, Lot 293, Kuching, Sarawak
Cocoon Resort Kuching
Permai Rainforest Resort

Permai Rainforest Resort

3 out of 5
Jalan Sultan Tengah, Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching, Sarawak
Permai Rainforest Resort
Hilton Kuching

Hilton Kuching

5 out of 5
1 Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak
Hilton Kuching
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 is a must-visit for any tourist, offering exciting activities like hiking, guided tours, and safari adventures. Explore its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, ensuring you pack a reliable hiking backpack. Don’t miss out on the various attractions within the park. For a seamless experience, consider travel tips and arranged tours to maximise your visit to this natural gem in Kuching, Sarawak.

Shopping

While in Bako National Park, visit Tun Jugah Shopping Center, located 20.9km away, for a vibrant shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, Damai Central is 17.7km away, offering family-friendly entertainment, and Riverside Shopping Complex, 22.5km away, features a lively atmosphere for all.

Recreation

At Sarawak Stadium, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with various sports activities to invigorate your spirit, just 19.3km from Bako National Park. Alternatively, indulge in luxury vibes at Damai Golf & Country Club, located 11.3km away, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on a thrilling trek through Bako National Park's diverse ecosystems, spotting unique wildlife like proboscis monkeys. Explore scenic trails leading to pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs, while enjoying breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Don't miss the chance to experience the park's famous mangrove forests!

Nightlife

After a day at Bako National Park, venture to the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium, located 22.5km away, for an engaging evening of stargazing and family-friendly entertainment. Experience the captivating night sky while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this unique venue.

*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 stunning blend of beach, mountain, and bay experiences, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. While exploring the park, consider staying in nearby Bako village for convenient accommodation options. Whether you're looking for relaxation by the coast or trekking through lush landscapes, Bako National Park is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway in Sarawak, Malaysia.

  • Damai Beach: Located 17.7km from Bako National Park, Damai Beach offers a stunning stretch of sandy shores, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Enjoy the beach vibes while taking in the beautiful views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal spot for swimming or a leisurely stroll along the coast.
  • Interpretation Centre: Just 1.4km from Bako National Park, this museum is a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Discover interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures, providing a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's natural wonders.
  • Teluk Pandan Besar: A mere mile from the park, Teluk Pandan Besar is a picturesque bay renowned for its breathtaking scenery. With an inviting beach and lush surroundings, it’s perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Best time to go to Bako National Park

The best time to visit Bako National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy.

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 money on your trip to Bako National Park, consider visiting in January, September, or November when prices are lower. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by sorting options from lowest to highest price, and look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Additionally, combine your flights and activities with accommodation for package deals. Don’t forget to take advantage of free activities in the park and explore affordable public transport options for getting around Kuching.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your accommodation at Bako National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.