Bako National Park
A raw and honest guide to the Lintang loop adventure

I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled upon Bako National Park during my Borneo adventure.

As Malaysia’s oldest national park, this coastal gem sits just 37 kilometres from Kuching, making it perfect for a day trip. Looking for a challenge, and loving a good hike, the Lintang Trail quickly caught my attention as one of the park’s most rewarding routes in this section of Sarawak parks.

Getting to Bako National Park

The journey to Bako National Park became an adventure in itself.

I had hired a driver and car for the day. It cost me $90 AUD (in 2014) for the drive from Kuching, his wait, and the drive back again.

So, on my arrival at Bako Village, I purchased a boat ticket and as my speedboat cut through the South China Sea, salt spray and wind whipped through my hair. The twenty-minute ride felt like a scene from a movie – mangrove-lined shores and rocky coastline on one side, endless ocean on the other. I white-knuckled the side rail as we bounced over waves, my excitement building with each passing minute.

The boat ride offered tantalising glimpses of what was to come: dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and the occasional flash of wildlife in the coastal forest. Today looked like being an amazing day. Before I knew it, the sound of the outboard changes and we glided in to a small dock.

From here it was a shot and pleasant walk to the start of the trails. There are several of varying lengths, but not one to take the easy way out, I had my eye on the Lintang Loop Trail.

The Lintang Loop experience

The Lintang Loop stretches 5.25 kilometres through Bako National Park, offering an incredible snapshot of Borneo’s diverse landscapes and I started my trek early in the morning, when the rainforest was still wrapped in morning mist.

The trail took me along a wooden boardwalk, up rough mountain tracks, through low coastal scrub and back through dramatic rock crevices and dense jungle to my small dock arrival point.

My great discovery was that what the trail guides don’t emphasise enough is the critical importance of water. I made a potentially dangerous mistake by only carrying one litre for the entire loop. By the final kilometre, I was battling heat stroke and dehydration. My legs felt heavy, my head pounded, and the humidity seemed to steal every drop of moisture from my body.

Looking back, I should have carried at least three litres. Walking alone made this situation particularly worrying, and I was immensely relieved to finally reach the shop near the trailhead.

Wildlife encounters: The expected and unexpected

The highlight of hiking Bako National Park can be the wildlife to be encountered on the Lintang Trail. Remember though, not all wildlife encounters were welcome.

My heart nearly stopped when I reached for what I thought was an empty handrail, only to find myself inches away from a green tree snake basking in the morning sun. While these snakes aren’t typically aggressive, the encounter served as a stark reminder to stay alert and to watch where I placed my hands and feet.

Trail challenges and rewards

The Lintang Loop presents moderate challenges that test both endurance and awareness. I found myself climbing wooden stairs, crossing streams, and navigating root-covered paths. While some sections required careful footing, the trail markers made navigation mostly straightforward. There was one early turn that I nearly missed where the Lintang Loop left the coastal trail.

Over all, the loop took me about four hours to complete, including plenty of stops for photos and day dreaming.

The Malaysian national parks system maintains the trails well, though they can become slippery after rain. Morning proved ideal for hiking Bako, as the temperatures were cooler and the sun just a fraction less blistering. I started at about 9am and finished just after lunch, avoiding the afternoon heat.

Practical Information:

• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: RM20 for international adults
• Getting There:
  • Take a bus or taxi from Kuching to Bako Village
  • Catch a boat from Bako Village to the park (20 minutes)
  • Book boat tickets at the Bako Village terminal
• Timetable: Boats leave every few minutes from Bako Village and likewise for the return journey.
• Essential Items:
  • Minimum 3 litres of water (crucial)
  • Trail-appropriate shoes
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain jacket
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Camera
  • Sun protection
    Basic first aid kit
  • Phone with offline maps
• Safety Tips:
  • Register at the park office before starting any trail
  • Check weather conditions
  • Inform someone of your hiking plans
  • Consider hiring a guide if walking alone
  • Watch for wildlife, especially snakes
    Start early to avoid peak heat
• Dress Code: Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Best Season: March to October (drier months). I was there in April and whilsr dry, it was still exceptionally humid.
• Trail Duration: 4-5 hours average
• Difficulty: Moderate with some challenging sections

Frequently Asked Questions