Chrismate: Bako National Park, Sarawak

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Bako National Park, Sarawak

Boat-ride to Bako National Park

Map of Borneo

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea. It is by far the largest in Southeast Asia. Three countries share their huge territory: Indonesia (Kalimantan), Brunei, and Malaysia. As opposed to Western Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), what is known as being Eastern Malaysia is composed of two states: Sabah, in the northeastern part of the island, and Sarawak in the northwestern part of Borneo. Both Sabah and Sarawak combined are larger than Peninsular Malaysia. Little known to most people, these two states have not the largest population of Malays and they have no Muslim majority as well! Their respective population is mostly made of the indigenous groups (called the Bidayuh) and of Chinese descendants. Yet, as opposed to Indonesia, Malaysia’s national religion is Islam!

Sarawak is the largest of the 13th Malaysian states and is even almost as big as Peninsular

Park sign

Malaysia. Sarawak cultural life is largely influenced by the ethnic culture of the Bidayuh, such as the Dayak or Iban peoples.

Also, since the island of Borneo is considered as one of the breathing lungs of our planet, the Sarawakians are trying to preserve their natural environment. There exist many national parks in the state of Sarawak allowing visitors to discover the exceptional flora and fauna of Borneo. The Sarawak Forestry Agency makes a good job of editing excellent brochures on its natural environment.

Near the city of Kuching, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve (about 20km south) is a forest where they facilitate the rehabilitation of orangutans, which now live back in their natural environment.

At Kampung Bako

But the nearest place to explore wildlife remains Bako National Park, whose diversity includes almost all variety of the Bornean vegetation.

It is easy to get to the park from Kuching as there is a public local bus that goes there every hour starting at 7.00am. The bus stops at Kampung Bako, a fishing village on a river, from where you take a boat to get to the park facing the South China Sea. Don’t think of swimming around as there are crocodiles here!

A day is not enough to hike the many park trails. But most visitors come here to take a

Crocodile area

chance to see the Proboscis monkeys, which are an endemic species of Borneo. The rich park wildlife includes amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and primates. It is also a great place to see insects, beetles, fireflies, and butterflies.

Besides the Proboscis monkeys, there is also a colony of Borneon Bearded Pigs, which can easily chase away the many Long-Tailed Macaques, which often steal bags or food away from visiting people! Another interesting dweller of the park is the Flying Lemur. Birds are harder to watch, but while walking along the trails you may hear some strange and melodious singing birds.

The park has a restaurant at the Visitors’ Center. There are also chalets to stay overnight. Actually, this is a great option if you intend to do more than one hike and be able to encounter more animals early in the morning or late at night.

Christian Sorand