Best trails in Bako National Park
Bako is one of Southeast Asia's smallest national parks, but it contains nearly every species of Borneo vegetation. Bako National Park's star is unquestionably the proboscis money, the rainforest's big-nosed, pot-bellied comedian. You can also find many different kinds of animals including long-tailed macaque monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, bearded pigs, squirrels, and flying lemurs. Bako is also home to over 190 species of birds which include: White-bellied Woodpecker, Black-&-Red Broadbill, and Rufous-backed Kingfisher, just to name a few! Bako's wildlife is used to human visitors, so you have plenty of time to observe at close quarters and take good photographs. The insect-eating pitcher plants that have been known to devour small animals can be found along the sandy footpaths. If you stay longer at the park to explore more and even join the park guides' night walks, you will have a better chance of seeing more of Bako's biodiversity. Another attraction that visitors should do is to look at the Sea Stack, a rock formation created out of limestone and sandstone cliffs.
Top trails
- (74)•Moderate•4.0 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis route takes you to the most popular attractions in Bako. It winds through wooded hills overlooking the Gulf of Assam. It then continues along a sandy path lined with carnivorous pitcher plants, before reaching the top of a cliff with a spectacular view of the bay below. Climbers have to descend through cliff vegetation to reach one of the best beaches in the park. Watch out for monkeys and snakes in this area. There are many tree stumps along the path, so be careful. There is an...
- (56)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe route passes through the cliff forest and takes you to a small secluded beach. Along this route, you can expect to see proboscis monkeys, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Some places on this route may be muddy and slippery, especially in the rainy season. There are a lot of mosquitoes and bugs in this area, so insect repellent is a must. There is a fee to enter this area.
- (37)•Moderate•4.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrGelung Lintang passes through almost all types of vegetation found in Bako. If you are lucky, you might see a group of proboscis monkeys and snakes along this route. Bukit Tambi viewpoint is a short detour from the main route and overlooks the western part of the park. To get an interesting view of the surroundings, climb clockwise. If you intend to climb stairs, climb counter-clockwise. Some places on the trail have large tree roots, tree stumps, and are likely to be muddy and slippery...
- (15)•Moderate•1.4 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis route passes through cliff forest. Along this route, you can expect to see a harem of proboscis monkeys. Listen out for strange grunting noises or the crash of vegetation. Most parts of the route are flat terrain, with some rough and rocky sections. The route may be muddy and slippery, especially in the rainy season. There is an entrance fee to this area.
- (14)•Moderate•3.3 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail winds through vegetation and scrub and ascends the forested hills overlooking Telok Assam. It then continues along a sandy path lined with carnivorous pitcher plants. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys. The route may be muddy and slippery in certain sections, especially in the rainy season. There is an entrance fee to this area.
- (10)•Moderate•4.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis route winds through cliff vegetation overlooking Telok Assam, the South China Sea, and Santubong. You can expect to see many different kinds of animals and plants along this route including proboscis monkeys and carnivorous pitcher plants. Some parts of the route are quite steep, so be careful. During the rainy season, the route may be muddy and slippery in certain places. There is an entrance fee to enter this area.
- (6)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe first part of the route passes through swamp forest and a flat section where proboscis monkeys are sometimes seen. The trail then continues with a steep uphill climb and at times you must hang on to tree roots to keep your balance. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bako’s coastline. There is an entrance fee to enter this area.
- (5)•Moderate•0.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis route winds through cliff vegetation overlooking Telok Assam, the South China Sea, and Santubong. You can expect to see many different kinds of animals and plants along this route including proboscis monkeys and carnivorous pitcher plants. Some parts of the route are quite steep, so be careful. During the rainy season, the route may be muddy and slippery in certain places. There is an entrance fee to enter this area.
- (3)•Moderate•5.9 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis route branches off the Tajor trail and leads to the rocky Rhu and a small headland. Here, you can see wave-cut platforms and rock pools. You can expect to see many different kinds of animals and plants along this route especially the proboscis monkeys and carnivorous pitcher plants. There is an entrance fee to this area.
- (2)•Moderate•8.2 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis route winds through the cliff forest and ends with a steep climb down to a small beach and waterfall. Along the way, you can see wave-cut platforms and rock pools. Hikers are reminded to bring along a hat as the sun can be quite fierce on the exposed sections of the trail. The waterfall has a beautiful jungle setting and a small dip pool. Watch out for slippery rocks along the Tajor stream. There is an entrance fee to enter this area.
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Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
Fee required
General park hours
Phone
082-370 434
Taman Negara Bako/Bako National Park charges a fee to enter.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Bako National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Bako National Park is Telok Pandan Kecil, which has a 4.4 star rating from 74 reviews. This trail is 4.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 833 ft.
What is the longest trail in Bako National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bako National Park is Bukit Tambi - Teluk Tajor Loop. This trail is estimated to be 8.6 mi long.
How many trails are in Bako National Park?
There are 12 trails in Bako National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 220 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Bako National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Bako National Park has you covered. Rhu Bay - Tajor Waterfall boasts the most elevation gain with 2,129 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Bukit Tambi - Teluk Tajor Loop, which will get you 1,932 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Bako National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Bako National Park and the most popular is Lintang Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 37 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Bako National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 12 running trails in Bako National Park and the most popular is Telok Pandan Kecil with an average 4.4 star rating from 74 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Bako National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with waterfalls in Bako National Park, including Rhu Bay - Tajor Waterfall, Telok Tajor, and Bukit Tambi - Teluk Tajor Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Bako National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Bako National Park, including Lintang Loop, Tanjung Rhu, Rhu Bay - Tajor Waterfall, Telok Tajor, and Bukit Tambi - Teluk Tajor Loop.
Are there any trails with beaches in Bako National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with beaches in Bako National Park, including Telok Pandan Kecil, Teluk Paku, Telok Pandan Besar, Delima Trail - Paku Trail, and Tanjung Rhu.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Bako National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Bako National Park, including Telok Pandan Besar, Ulu Assam, Tanjung Rhu, and Rhu Bay - Tajor Waterfall.
