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Huettepe CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Taman Negara Bako

Park

Bako National Park on Sarawak's coast offers sandstone headlands, mangrove forests, coastal trails and proboscis monkeys; visitors arrive by boat from Kuching for short hikes and wildlife viewing.

Taman Negara Bako KuchingMiriSibuBintuluLimbangKapitLawasTaman Negara Bako
In this guide

Taman Negara Bako essentials

Country: Malaysia
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Ringgit (RM)
Language: Malay
Emergency: 999

Taman Negara Bako at a Glance

About Taman Negara Bako

Bako National Park is a compact coastal national park in Sarawak on the island of Borneo, established in the mid-20th century as the state’s first protected area. It protects a wide range of habitats in a small area, including mangrove, beach, sea cliffs and lowland rainforest.

Trails of varying length link beaches, cliff viewpoints and interior forest, offering short walks of 20-60 minutes and longer hikes into the forest interior; the park is especially noted for its wildlife, including frequent sightings of the endemic proboscis monkey. Coastal rock formations and isolated beaches are additional draws for visitors.

The park was designated to conserve Borneo’s unique coastal and lowland ecosystems and continues to serve as a key site for wildlife viewing and ecological study in Sarawak.

Bako lies on the northwest coast of Borneo, north of Kuching in Sarawak province, and is accessed by a short boat transfer from nearby coastal settlements.

  • Historic protected area: Established in the 1950s, the park protects a mosaic of habitats including mangrove, peat swamp and lowland rainforest and is one of Sarawak’s oldest protected areas.
  • Wildlife highlights: The park is well known for frequent sightings of proboscis monkeys, and visitors commonly encounter monitor lizards, macaques and a variety of coastal bird species along short jungle trails.

What to See#

  • Trail network and habitats: The park’s network of trails leads to distinct vegetation zones - mangrove and mudflat trails near the coast and evergreen dipterocarp forest on the interior slopes - giving access to varied wildlife viewing.
  • Coastal cliffs and beaches: Rocky sea cliffs and small sandy bays around the park are notable for distinctive coastal rock formations and provide vantage points for observing marine and coastal species.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Taman Negara Bako

Dry season offers the friendliest hiking conditions; always check local park advisories for accessibility and guides.

Dry Season (May-Aug)
May-Aug · 25-32°C
Easier trails and clearer river conditions; better for wildlife viewing and boat trips.
Wet Season (Nov-Mar)
Nov-Mar · 24-30°C
Heavier rains make trails slippery and some services limited, but the forest is luxuriant.

Weather & Climate near Taman Negara Bako

Climate

Taman Negara Bako's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3907 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAprilAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 22° - 28° 25° 654 mm overcast 90% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
February Good 22° - 29° 25° 479 mm overcast 89% 2.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
March Good 22° - 29° 26° 340 mm overcast 87% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
April Good 22° - 30° 26° 256 mm overcast 86% 1.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
May Acceptable 22° - 31° 27° 227 mm overcast 85% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
June Acceptable 22° - 31° 26° 180 mm overcast 85% 1.6 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
July Good 22° - 31° 26° 174 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
August Good 22° - 30° 26° 227 mm overcast 84% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
September Good 22° - 30° 26° 248 mm overcast 85% 1.9 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
October Good 22° - 30° 26° 296 mm overcast 86% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 12.0h
November Good 22° - 29° 26° 335 mm overcast 88% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
December Good 22° - 29° 25° 491 mm overcast 89% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Taman Negara Bako

Bako National Park is accessed by boat from the Bako Bazaar near Kuching, Sarawak. From Kuching city centre take a taxi to Bako Bazaar (about 30-45 minutes) and board the scheduled park boat.

Tips for Visiting Taman Negara Bako

  • Bako is a separate national park on Borneo-ensure this is the intended place; for Bako National Park (Sarawak) boat transfers and park fees are required.
  • If visiting by boat, check tide tables and arrange transport with a reputable operator from Kuching or local launches.
  • Hire a park guide at the entrance; guides know where to spot proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.