Explore Bako National Park in Kuching: Ultimate 1-Day Adventure Guide

Head to the ticket office to purchase your admission and boat ride tickets. A round-trip boat journey costs 200 RM, and you can share the boat with up to four other passengers. The first boat sets sail at 8 AM, and the last return trip is at 3 PM. The same group of five must travel together both ways. Since the boat doesn’t dock directly on the shore, it’s advisable to remove your shoes and socks on the boat in advance for a smooth landing.

Grab a map from the service center to explore the numerous hiking trails. If you plan to catch the boat back by 3 PM, you can select 2-3 routes based on your energy levels. The staff highly recommend trails 4, 5, and 6. Trail 6 is particularly captivating, offering a stunning view of eroded rocks and beaches being engulfed by waves from a cliff.

You can even descend to the beach for a closer look. This 2.6 km one-way trail showcases unique landforms and 26 million-year-old coral reefs submerged under the sea, where you can pause and soak in the timeless beauty. The water along the trail takes on a striking red and yellow hue due to its iron content, and you’ll encounter various types of pitcher plants, making this hike a truly fascinating experience.

Trails 4 and 5 are known for their proboscis monkey sightings. After returning from Trail 6, we ventured to Trail 4, but unfortunately, didn’t spot any monkeys, possibly because of the midday heat. Trail 4 is a shorter 800-meter one-way trek with a moderate ascent, leading to a beach, though not as expansive as the one on Trail 6.

It’s best to start with Trail 6. Upon your return, there’s a food supply station near where you get the map, and after completing Trail 6, each person will need about 2 liters of water to stay hydrated.

After the boat ride back, you’ll find transportation services at the park’s ticket office, offering rides at reasonable prices, saving you the wait for a Grab. Alternatively, there’s a bus that runs every hour, with the last departure at 5 PM. However, it’s wise to arrive a bit earlier, as the buses are known to sometimes run late.