Why I Took My Child to Bako National Park

Why I Took My Child to Bako National Park

If you've ever dreamed of a place that combines the profound depths of a forest, the mysterious allure of mangroves, the serene tranquility of sandy beaches, and vast, open skies, then Bako National Park is absolutely worth a personal visit.

This is Sarawak's oldest national park, designated as a protected area as early as 1957. Although it spans only 27 square kilometers, it condenses seven distinct ecosystems, making it a miniature, compressed version of a tropical natural wonderland. You only need to walk a few steps along the trails to potentially encounter proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, otters, wild boars, and even crab-eating macaques. You don't need to track them; they'll simply ‘appear’ on their own, as if welcoming every visitor who steps into the jungle.

Getting There & Arrangements: Easier Than You Think

From Kuching city center, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Bako Village. You can choose to drive yourself or use GRAB (for the return trip, you can directly contact the ticket counter to arrange a driver, approximately RM60). Taking the bus is not highly recommended, as schedules are extremely unreliable, and the wait alone can make you question your life choices, plus the journey takes 90 minutes.

Upon arrival at Bako Village, you’ll need to transfer to a speedboat to reach the national park headquarters, a journey of about 20–25 minutes. Along this boat ride, you’ll see local fishermen’s traditional bamboo fishing traps, adding a touch of authentic local flavor. It’s important to note that the jetty is only usable during high tide. When we arrived, we had to take off our shoes and jump off the boat to wade ashore. However, the beach isn’t deep, and there are foot-washing taps available after landing, which is quite a thoughtful design.

🚨 Pre-Trip Advice: Arrive Early + Bring Enough Cash!

Ideally, you should aim to arrive at Bako Village by 8:00 AM. At this time, it’s easier to share a boat with others, which saves money and is convenient. Boat tickets are charged per boat; a round trip for a 5-person speedboat costs RM200, averaging RM40 per person. If you’re lucky, you might even get on a larger shared boat with 20 people, costing only RM8 per person for a round trip.

But be warned—they only accept cash here!

Credit cards and Grab Pay are completely unusable. Sarawak Pay and Touch 'n Go sometimes work, but the system is unstable, so don’t gamble on it. The nearest ATM is nearly 45 minutes away round trip, so it’s strongly recommended to prepare at least RM100 cash per person in advance.

Entrance Fees & Guided Tour Options

Entrance tickets have different prices for locals and foreigners:

• Foreigners: RM20 per person

• Locals: RM10 per person (for Malaysian IC holders)

Additionally, upon arrival, you can choose whether to hire a guide. A guide costs RM180 per day. They are familiar with every trail and possess extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, making it highly worthwhile for first-time families. However, we didn’t arrange one this time due to time constraints; we arrived at the jetty at 1:00 PM, and generally, you need to leave the park by 3:00 PM. We’ll plan for a guide next time when we can arrive earlier.

After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive a paper ticket. Please keep it safe, as you’ll need to register at the park headquarters upon arrival and hand it over to the counter staff. They will assist you in planning suitable trail options based on your needs. You must sign in and out on the register book when departing and returning to ensure safety.

Trail Options & Family-Friendly Routes Recommended

This time, we chose the “beginner-friendly” Trail No. 1, suitable for first-time visitors and families with children. This route is neither long nor steep, offers varied scenery along the way, and you might even encounter monkeys and wild boars, making it fresh and adventurous for kids.

All trails in the park are primarily wooden boardwalks with clear signage. As long as you choose the right time and weather, it won’t be too strenuous. Recommended items to bring:

• Sunscreen, hat

• Insect repellent (mosquitoes are actually not that many)

• Water bottle, light snacks

• Baby carrier (especially for children aged 2–4 years)

Is It Suitable for Kids? What Age Range?

Answer: Absolutely suitable!

As long as you’re willing to slow down and adjust your expectations, Bako is an excellent natural classroom for families to explore together.

Recommended for ages 2 and above.

• Under 2 years old: Use a baby carrier, only suitable for safe routes like Trail No. 1 and 2.

• 3–5 years old: Can walk short trails, best with a guide, only suitable for Trail No. 1 and 2. • 6–11 years old: Sufficient stamina, Trails No. 1, 2, and 4 are all feasible.

European and Australian families are very common visitors. Many children here see proboscis monkeys, mudskippers, and hermit crabs from their books for the first time, their eyes sparkling with wonder.

Thinking of Staying Overnight? Book in Advance!

While accommodation options are available within the park, they are limited and cannot be booked on-site. It’s recommended to book in advance through the official website. Room types include:

• Dormitory beds / simple tents: RM15–40

• Lodge cabins (with air conditioning, private bathroom): RM50–100+

If you choose to join a package tour (Day Tour or 2D1N / 3D2N packages), you can pay online via credit card or PayPal. Package prices are approximately:

• Day Tour: RM230 per person (includes guide, transportation, lunch)

• 2D1N: From RM840

• 3D2N: From RM1180 (varies based on accommodation conditions)

🧳 Parent’s Pre-Trip Survival Kit Checklist

Please make sure to bring the following:

• 💰 Cash (at least RM100 per person)

• 🍼 Baby carrier or child hiking backpack

• 🌂 Rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent

• 👟 Non-slip or water shoes

• 🍪 Small dry snacks, water bottle

• 🧸 Familiar comfort items (towel, small toy)

In Conclusion: Not Just a Sightseeing Trip, But a Family Nature Ritual

Bako National Park is not a place for a quick photo op. It’s a place where you and your child can walk in, pause, observe, marvel, and collectively exclaim, “So this is what nature is!” It’s a very practical, yet deeply profound small adventure. There’s no air conditioning, no convenience stores, and no luxurious constructions, but there’s real earth, the scent of animals, and the sound of wind in your ears—these are the authentic experiences we encounter less and less in our daily lives.