Plan your visit
Plan your Bako trip
Organize your transport from Kuching early. Prepare for mud, rain, and strict park rules before you board the boat.
Getting there
You must take a bus or car, followed by a boat.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Red Public Bus No. 1 (or Q09) from Kuching Open Air Market/Waterfront to Kampung Bako Jetty. | 45-60 minutes | MYR 3.50 | Leaves roughly every hour from 7:00 AM. Cash only. The cheapest way to travel. |
| Car: Grab ride-hailing from central Kuching to Kampung Bako Jetty. | 35-45 minutes | MYR 35-55 | Convenient for small groups. Booking a return Grab can be difficult, so arrange in advance or be prepared to take the bus back. |
| Boat: Mandatory shared longboat from Kampung Bako Jetty to the Park HQ. | 15-20 minutes | MYR 40 return | Boats depart when full (usually 6-10 people). Must pay at the jetty in cash before boarding. |
When to go
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- F
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- M
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- J
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is from March to October. These drier months mean trails are less muddy and boats are less likely to be delayed by bad weather. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see proboscis monkeys.
What to bring
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Swimming is strictly forbidden everywhere in the park.
Estuarine crocodiles inhabit the beaches and rivers.
How the day runs
Suggested routes for your visit.
A full day seeing the main vegetation types and coastal views.
- Bus from Kuching
Take Red Public Bus No. 1 from Kuching Open Air Market.
- Kampung Bako Jetty
Pay your entrance and boat fees in cash. Board the shared longboat.
- Park HQ Registration
Register at the park office. Watch out for macaques near the canteen.
- Lintang Trail Loop
Hike the 5.5 km loop to see all seven major vegetation types.
- Lunch at HQ
Eat your packed snacks or buy basic food at the park canteen.
- Telok Paku Trail
Walk the 0.8 km trail quietly to look for proboscis monkeys.
- Boat back to jetty
Catch a returning boat before operations end at 4:00 PM.
Focusing purely on the easiest trails to spot animals.
- Grab from Kuching
Take a ride-hailing car directly to the jetty for speed.
- Arrive at Park HQ
Register and secure your gear in a dry bag.
- Telok Assam Boardwalk
Walk the flat 1.5 km trail through the mangroves.
- Tanjung Sapi
Climb this short, steep trail for coastal views.
- Depart Bako
Take the boat back to Kampung Bako Jetty.
What to bring
You need sturdy walking shoes with good grip. The trails are muddy and filled with tree roots. Bring a raincoat or lightweight poncho, as sudden showers happen year-round. Pack strong mosquito repellent and at least two liters of water per person.
Bring sufficient cash. Cards are rarely accepted for the bus, boat, park entry, or canteen. Keep your electronics in a dry bag because the 20-minute boat ride can splash water. Read our full Packing Guide for more details.
Easiest way to do it
Bako National Park from Kuching City
7 h 4.3 (45)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide and driver
- Lunch
From$140per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get to Bako National Park from Kuching?
You can take Red Public Bus No. 1 from Kuching Open Air Market. It takes 45 to 60 minutes and costs MYR 3.50. Alternatively, a Grab car takes 35 to 45 minutes and costs MYR 35 to 55. Both drop you at Kampung Bako Jetty.
Can you do Bako National Park in one day?
Yes. It is located just 37 kilometers from Kuching. You can easily arrive by 8:30 AM, hike two or three trails, and catch a boat back by 3:00 PM.
What time does the last boat leave Bako National Park?
Boat operations typically end around 4:00 PM. Departures depend heavily on the tide and weather. Always check with the boat operators when you arrive.