Bako National Park, Bako National Park

Established in 1957, Bako National Park covers an area of 27.27 square kilometres at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsular at the mouth of the Bako and Kuching rivers. Although designated in the middle of the last century, the park is actually the oldest in Sarawak; it is also one of the smallest.

Small it may be, but it is certainly mighty. The park features a number of different habitats, with wildlife in abundance and scenic features such as jungle stream, deserted beaches, waterfalls, and trekking trails to name but a few.

For flora aficionados, Bako lays claim to containing almost every type of plant life found in the whole of Borneo. There are seven ecosystems with at least 25 different distinct types of vegetation including carnivorous pitcher plants. It is not only plants that one comes to see here though. Around 150 endangered proboscis monkeys call this place home, as well as macaques, langurs, bearded pigs and otters. There are even over 150 bird species known to inhabit the area.

At only an hour and a half from Kuching, Bako is a must-see for those wanting to see some wildlife without venturing into the more adventurous parts of Sabah.