bako

Bako National Park is a protected area in Sarawak, Malaysia, located at the western tip of the island of Borneo, near the city of Kuching. Established in 1957, it is Sarawak's oldest national park and is managed by the Sarawak Forestry Department in collaboration with local authorities. The park covers about 27 square kilometers and preserves a mosaic of coastal ecosystems including mangrove swamps, tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and lowland tropical rainforest, set against a backdrop of rugged granite and sandstone coastlines.

Bako is renowned for its wildlife, particularly a population of proboscis monkeys, along with silvered leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and monitor lizards. The bird life is diverse, with hornbills and other tropical species observed throughout the park. The varied habitats also support numerous insects, reptiles, and a rich array of plant life, including many endemic and threatened species typical of Borneo.

Access is primarily by boat from Kuching or by park facilities at the entrance. The park offers several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty that lead to viewpoints, beaches, and forest interiors, providing opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Visitor facilities include a visitor center with information and basic amenities; most visitors undertake day trips, though longer stays may be possible in limited accommodations nearby.

Conservation aims focus on protecting the park's habitats from encroachment and degradation, monitoring wildlife populations, and supporting research. As a popular attraction, Bako contributes to regional conservation awareness and ecotourism, while emphasizing sustainable visitor practices.