
moderate
8 hours
Suitable for people in reasonable physical condition; some short, steep climbs and uneven terrain.
A day trip from Kuching to Bako National Park condenses rainforest, rugged coastline, and rare wildlife into one remarkable itinerary. Expect longboat transfers, well-marked trails, and close-up encounters with proboscis monkeys, pitcher plants, and dramatic sea stacks.
The longboat slips away from the muddy river mouth and the city noise dissolves into a chorus of wingbeats and insect hum. On approach the coastline reads like a geology primer—steep sandstone cliffs cut by tidal action, mangrove fingers curling into the estuary, and squat headlands wearing green crowns of dipterocarp forest. By the time the boat nudges a rutted jetty, the jungle is already drawing breath, leaves glistening, the air warm and thick with possibility.

Carry at least 2 liters per person—hot, humid conditions and rainforest climbs can dehydrate you quickly.
Trails include muddy boardwalks and rocky ridgelines; closed-toe shoes with traction will keep you steady.
Boat transfers and beach access depend on the tide—confirm schedules with your operator to avoid delays.
Use a DEET-based repellent and broad-spectrum sunscreen—both are useful even under canopy cover.
Bako was designated Sarawak’s first national park in the 1950s and was established to protect the area’s distinctive coastal forests and wildlife.
Park management limits visitor numbers on trails and enforces no-feeding rules to minimize human impact; stick to marked paths to protect fragile plant communities.
Protects feet on muddy boardwalks and rocky ascents.
Quick showers are common—keeps you dry without overheating.
summer specific
Essential to prevent mosquito and leech bites in humid forest sections.
Helps photograph or observe monkeys and birds without disturbing them.