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Proboscis monkeys and the rocky coast of BakoBako MalaysiaBako National Park, tucked away in a mangrove forest near Kuching, lies on the edge of a beautiful coastline scattered with intriguing rock formations. During your trek through the jungle, keep a close eye on the tree branches above you and you may see the most famous inhabitant of this charming forest: the proboscis monkey.While walking on a Bako National Park tour you'll see many other different types of monkeys as well. Small, winding paths will take you through the forest and will lead you to dreamy deserted tropical beaches. After long steamy hikes through the jungle, these deserted beaches are a refreshing tropical surprise. |
| Duration: | 2 days / 1 night | Accommodation: |
wooden jungle chalet accommodation category 2 |
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Price: |
from $229 per person - based on 2 people sharing | Includes: | accommodation with breakfast, return transfer Kuching, entrance fee, jungle walks with English speaking guide, lunch and dinner |
| Transport: |
car or minibus, boat |
Day 1 - Kuching - Bako National Park tourThis morning you'll be picked up at your hotel in Kuching and driven to your next destination. After a short 40 minute drive you'll arrive at a small village of stilted houses named Kampung Bako. From here it won't be long till you reach your final destination for today: Bako National Park. One of the first things you'll notice when you reach the park are the bizarre rock formations standing proudly in the surf. A boat will take you past these rock creations and within a half hour you'll reach the mangrove forest. Although you'll hear the skipper call out, 'We're almost there', you probably won't believe him. You won't see anything resembling a pier or National Park at first. However as the skipper slowly steers through the mangrove, you'll finally see a pier for the boat to dock at. |
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When you reach the park, you'll find yourself in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by unusual tropical plants and trees. In the distance you'll hear monkeys screeching, curious about these new visitors lurking about their home. At 'Park Headquarters' you'll fill out a form requiring personal details and then you'll be treated to a cool drink and a short video about the park and its inhabitants: long tail macaques, silver leaf monkeys, bears and small species of deer. The most prominent inhabitant of the park is the world famous proboscis monkey, which can only be found on Borneo. Locals also call this monkey 'Monyet Belanda' or 'Dutch monkey'. Comically, locals call the Proboscis monkeys 'Dutch Monkeys' because they believed they resembled the first Dutch who set foot on Borneo in search of herbs of spices. After the formalities and introduction to the park, you and a guide will trek deeper into the jungle. By late afternoon you'll find yourself at a beautiful beach; just in time to watch the fiery golden globe sink into the sea. You'll spend the night in a rustic cabin at the edge of the jungle, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. |
Day 2 - Bako National Park - KuchingWant to see lots and lots of monkeys (and other animals)? Then wake up early and explore one of the park trails right after breakfast. The shortest trail includes a steep climb to the top of Tanjong Sapi, good for a spectacular view. The most popular trail on this Bako National Park tour is a sturdy 3.5km trek to Tajor waterfall. Paths can be a little slippery at times, so wear proper walking shoes if you choose this route straight through the jungle. You'll see quite a few extraordinary trees and plants, such as the unusual Venus Flytrap, while the roof of leaves high above sways and rustles and drops a few leaves from time to time. Young monkeys 'monkey around', jumping from branch to branch and screeching to one another. At some point the trail will branch out and you'll reach a tropical deserted beach with monkeys scurrying to find breakfast. A picture perfect crystal blue sea will beacon and offer cool refreshment after the jungle humidity. After a swim you'll trek back into the jungle, while curious macaques keep an eye on you. Depending on your route, you'll reach 'park headquarters' in the afternoon or late afternoon for lunch. After you'll sail through the mangrove forest to the village of Kampung Bako where a bus will be waiting to take you to back to Kuching. There's nothing quite like this jungle experience in the oldest, most intimate Sarawak National Park. |
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If you still want to see more of Sarawak after completing this Bako National Park tour module, then you add on a visit to the Iban tribe and spend the night with headhunters. If you prefer to spend a couple of days relaxing, then check out our Kuching module.
Accommodation images
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TipsCamera/ Video equipmentBringing along a camera or video equipment into the park requires a photography permit. For a (digital) camera you'll pay a little over $2 and for a video camera you'll pay approximately $6. If you bring along a professional camera the permit will cost you approximately $110. Footwear If you would like to walk comfortably through the rainforest, bring along shoes with a good tread. A sturdy type of sneaker is fine. Food Monkeys are fun, but also very cheeky, bold animals. Watch your food and close your bags well. Want to see it all? If you want to see as much as you can, it's best to get up early in the morning and to walk quietly during your trek. Pace yourself or you'll miss large groups of monkeys hiding up in the trees staring down at you. |
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