Sarawak's oldest national park was
established in 1957 on a 2,728 hectare site, about 37km from Kuching. Bako is known for
its extraordinary variety and contrast in its natural scenery, habitats, plant life, and
its wildlife. Constant erosion over millions of years had turned Bako into a picturesque
coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands, and many stretches of sandy bays. The erosion
caused by constant waves at the base of the cliffs had carved and created many of the
rocks into sea arches and sea stacks. Beautiful sandstone formations featuring pink and
iron patterns on the cliff faces can be seen along most of the coastline. Many who have
visited the Park commented that the Bako National Park is a treasure chest of flora and
fauna. Naturalist will be thrilled to find a wide range of vegetation including the
varieties of pitcher plants and wild orchids. The varieties of vegetation found in Borneo
can also be seen in the park's mangrove forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, peat swamp
forest, and kerangas forest. Trekking through any of its 16 well-maintained jungle trails
is an interesting experience. Within the park, it is not uncommon to see troops of
long-tailed Macaques and silver leaf monkeys along with giant monitor lizards, plantain
squirrels, wild boars, and mouse deer. The most significant animal in the park is the
bizarre long-nosed proboscis monkeys found only in Borneo Island. Swimming, beach combing
at low tide, and watching the sunset are popular activities along the sandy bays of the
park. Bako National Park is truly an ideal place for nature lovers and eco-minded
adventurers!
