TravelTill

Travel to Bako National Park


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The journey to Bako has two stages; the first stage can be made overland but the park itself is reached only by boat.

A bus ride from Kuching to Bako Market takes about 45-60 minutes (red public bus number 1, originating from the wet market) and costs RM3.50 each way. Buses leave to/from Bako about once every hour starting from about 7AM from Kuching and finishing about 6PM from Bako, but the schedule is not firm. You can get a daily schedule at the bus station 1 in Kuching (next to the open market, near the main mosque) in the morning.

The other travel option is by minivan, which departs from the same location as the bus throughout the day. Minivans depart when full, or when the waiting passengers offer the driver enough money. A minivan can be chartered for around RM30, and seats 5-7 people. They can reach Bako in half the time of the public bus.

Hotels and tour operators also offer regular shuttle buses; as a pricier but more reliable alternative.

Boat

When you arrive at the Bako Market right in front of the jetty/visitor center, register, purchase your entrance ticket, and buy your boat ticket (RM94 round trip per boat, max. 5 passengers). The 20 minute ride on small motor launches is all part of the Bako experience as you pass through stunning scenery, but it isn't for the faint hearted. Depending on tides, you may either be deposited at a small jetty on the northern end of the headquarter's beach or on the beach opposite them (take your shoes off and prepare to wade).

Tell your boatman when you plan to return and he'll wait for you at the dock. Note that the boatmen are a small, close-knit community and so other boatmen are likely to refuse to take your group if you are waiting for a previously agreed pickup, even if he is late. Departure times might depend on the tides (boats do get stuck at low tide), and the weather, as the small speedboats are ill-suited to stormy conditions
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