In short
- Red Bus No. 1 costs MYR 3.50 and takes up to 60 minutes.
- Grab rides cost MYR 35-55 and take about 40 minutes.
- Both options drop you at the jetty for the mandatory boat ride.
In this article
- How do I take the bus from Kuching to Bako National Park?
- Can I take a Grab from Kuching to Bako National Park?
- Do I need to take a boat to Bako National Park?
- What time do boats run to Bako National Park?
- Do tours include transport from Kuching to Bako National Park?
- Can I pay for transport to Bako with a card?
Getting to Bako National Park from Kuching is straightforward. You have two main road transport options before taking the required boat transfer. Choosing between the public bus and a Grab depends on your budget and group size.
How do I take the bus from Kuching to Bako National Park?
Take Red Public Bus No. 1 from the Kuching Open Air Market or Waterfront. It costs MYR 3.50 in cash.
The bus leaves roughly every hour starting at 7:00 AM. The journey to the Kampung Bako jetty takes 45 to 60 minutes. This is the cheapest way to travel to the park.
Can I take a Grab from Kuching to Bako National Park?
Yes, a Grab ride costs between MYR 35 and MYR 55. The trip takes 35 to 45 minutes.
Grab is convenient for small groups who want a faster trip. Getting a Grab back to Kuching can be difficult. Arrange your return trip in advance or be prepared to take the bus back.
| Transport | Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bus No. 1 | MYR 3.50 | 45-60 minutes |
| Grab | MYR 35-55 | 35-45 minutes |
Do I need to take a boat to Bako National Park?
Yes, you must take a shared longboat from Kampung Bako jetty to the park headquarters. The park is only accessible by water.
The boat ride takes 15 to 20 minutes. A return ticket costs roughly MYR 40 per person for foreign visitors. Boats depart when full, usually with 6 to 10 people. You must pay in cash at the jetty before boarding.
What time do boats run to Bako National Park?
Boat operations typically run from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Departures depend heavily on the tide and local weather conditions.
Plan to arrive early to ensure you get a boat. The boat ride can splash water on passengers. Bring a dry bag for your electronics.
Do tours include transport from Kuching to Bako National Park?
Many guided day trips include direct hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuching. This removes the need to arrange your own bus or Grab.
Tours use air-conditioned vehicles to reach the Kampung Bako jetty. They also handle the boat fees and logistics for you. Check specific tour details to see if your hotel falls within their pickup zone.
Can I pay for transport to Bako with a card?
No, you need cash for the public bus and the jetty boat. Cards are rarely accepted anywhere at the park.
Bring sufficient cash from Kuching. You will need MYR 3.50 for the bus, MYR 40 for the return boat, and MYR 20 for foreign adult entry. You also need cash for the park canteen.
Questions travellers ask
How long does the boat ride to Bako National Park take?
The shared longboat from Kampung Bako jetty to the park headquarters takes 15 to 20 minutes.
How much does the boat to Bako cost?
A mandatory return boat transfer costs about MYR 40 per person for foreigners. You must pay in cash at the jetty before boarding.
Can you do Bako National Park in one day?
Yes, Bako is located just 37 kilometers away from Kuching. It is a highly popular day trip destination.
