Hotels near Bako National Park

Bako is Sarawak’s oldest national park, covering an area of 2,727 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula since 1957. Despite its seemingly small in size, Bako contains a wide range of vegetation, swamp forest, scrub-like padang vegetation, mangrove forest, dipterocarp forest and other vegetation. Bako also contains a rich variety of wildlife such as long-tailed macaque monkeys, wild boar, lizards and silver leaf monkeys and a coastline covered with small bays and beach. There is also the rare and unusual proboscis monkeys on trails such as Telok Paku and Telok Delima and Bako’s nocturnal creatures also include the flying lemur, pangolin, mouse deer, various bats, tarsier, slow loris and palm civet. If you take a night walk through the forest near the park, you may catch sight of some these creatures, as well as spiders , glow worms and fireflies that shine when a flashlight is played on them.

How to Get There

By Bus

A bus ride from Kuching to Bako Market takes about 45-60 minutes from the wet market beside the Electra building and costs RM3.50 each way. Buses leave to or from Bako about once every hour starting from about 7 in the morning from Kuching and end at 6pm from Bako.

By Minivan

Minivan available here also departs from the same location as the bus throughout the day. Minivans depart when full and a minivan can be chartered for around RM30, and seats 5-7 people It will take a shorter time to arrive than taking a bus.

By Boat

You can register, purchase your entrance ticket and buy your boat ticket (each way RM20 per pax for foreigners, RM15 for Malaysians). Departure times might depend on the tides because boats do get stuck at low tide and the stormy weather. The last boat back leaves at 3pm and you need to register beforehand at the boat counter next to national park.

Tourist Attractions

Teluk Assam Beach

Teluk Assam Beach is a Malaysian beach which nearby Bako National Park. The park can only be accessed by boat from Kuching town. The beach features many spectacular and unique rock formations caused by erosion and exhibiting colorful layers. This beach is suitable for family and friends to have a walk and jog during day and evening.

Kuching Esplanade

The Kuching Esplanade is situated on the southern bank of the Sarawak River which located the western and eastern part of the city centre. It is a 900 metres long esplanade with arranged park zones and diners and also nearby Sarawak Steamship Building, Square Tower and Chinese Museum. There are activities such as kayaking, river boats which available whole day. If you come by taxi or car from Kuching city, this place is only about 20 minutes away. It open daily from 8am to 5pm and the entrance fee is free.

Sarawak Orchid Garden

This garden is situated next to Astana which is the official Residence of the State Governor, across the Sarawak River and opposite of the Kuching Waterfront. The 3.54 acres garden commenced in November 2007 and was completed in May 2009 has a collection of 75,000 orchids from 65 epiphytic and terrestrial species and hybrid growing in open and shaded areas resembling their natural habitats. The garden also features the world-renowned Borneo Orchids, known for its beauty and potentials as horticultural plants.

Hotels

Cove 55

The hotel is only 25-minute drive from Kuching City and a 45-minute drive from the Kuching International Airport. Bako National Park is located 40-minute drive away, while Talang Salang Nature Reserve is an hour away by using speedboat. Its concept is based on simple yet beautiful decorations with Iban-traditional ambience which make visitors feel like they are in traditional home. With spectacular views of the South China Sea and the mystical Mount Santubong, Cove 55 offers 8 deluxe rooms, 2 suites and 2 private chalets. It features an outdoor pool, sea view accommodation and free Wi- Fi access in its public areas. They also come with a balcony and an attached bathroom with a rainshower and guests can spend their leisure time to read in the library and play a game of Frisbee.

Penview Hotel

Penview Hotel is located in Kuching town which features a restaurant and 165 air-conditioned guest rooms with a television. Free Wi-Fi and parking are also provided. There are many places nearby this hotel such as South City Park, Sarawak Convention and Exhibition Centre and Spring Shopping Mall. Among the amenities and facilities provided here are dry cleaning or laundry service, free breakfast and free WiFi, conference space and wedding services.