A
National Park since 1957, Bako offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak’s
forests and wildlife. The park covers the northern tip of the Muara Tebas
peninsula, an area of 27 sq km. Despite its seemingly small size, Bako
contains a wide range of vegetation – swamp forest, scrub-like ‘padang’ vegetation,
mangrove forest, dipterocarp forest, delicate cliff vegetation and
more. In fact, at Bako it is possible to see almost every type of
vegetation found in Borneo. Bako also contains a rich variety of wildlife and a
coastline covered with small bays, coves and beaches. The park has a
number of well-marked trails offering interesting walks ranging from short
pleasant strolls to serious full-day hikes. Unlike some national parks,
visitors to Bako are almost guaranteed to see wildlife. Long-tailed
macaque monkeys and silver leaf monkeys are ever present, wild boar are often
found rummaging around the park HQ, squirrels and monitor lizards are also
common. There is every chance of seeing the rare and unusual proboscis monkeys
on trails such as Telok Paku and Telok Delima, particularly if you go late
afternoon. You are more likely to see wildlife if you quietly follow the
trails and keep listening. For example, you’ll probably hear the crash of
vegetation before you are able to locate a proboscis monkey high up in the
forest canopy.
Bako
also has some good white sand beaches that provide perfect resting spots in
between jungle treks. Telok Pandan Kecil is perhaps Bako’s best
beach. After an hour or so the Telok Pandan Kecil trail comes to a rocky
headland. The view down to a beautiful secluded bay, and the thought of a
swim in the cool waters, has a magical effect on tired calf muscles. The
following 20 minute descent suddenly becomes more enjoyable. All of the
beaches are bordered by limestone and sandstone cliffs, and the action of the
sea has left some remarkable rock formations, such as the famous Sea Stack.
Here video about Bako National Park
