trails
Bako’s extensive trail system is made up of 16 colour-coded jungle trails which offer a range of walking and hiking options. The fit and adventurous can opt for full-day jungle hikes or overnight camping expeditions, whilst those who prefer to take it easy can opt for a relaxing forest walk.
Tanjung Sapi
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
0.5 km |
30 minutes (0.8 km) |
White / Red |
A short but steep climb through cliff vegetation. Takes about 30 minutes. Excellent views of Telok Assam, the South China Sea and Santubong. Proboscis monkeys can occasionally be heard crashing amongst the trees, especially early morning
Telok Paku
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
0.8 km |
1 hour (1.2 km) |
White |
The trail starts at the park HQ where everybody has to register and from there you set out into the jungle and all it has to offer. Go through swamp forest, scrub-like padang vegetation and mangrove forest before reaching the most beautiful beach with a view of the South China Sea.
Ulu Assam
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
0.8 km |
1 1/4 hours (1.4 km) |
Blue/Red |
Passes at first through swamp forest and a flat section where proboscis monkeys are sometimes seen. The trail then climbs steeply and at times you must hang on to tree roots to keep your balance. At the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Bako’s coastline.
Telok Delima
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
0.25 km |
45 minutes (1 km) |
Blue/White |
Another excellent trail for spotting proboscis monkeys, and only 45 minutes from park HQ. As the Lintang trail bears right and climbs a small hill you are in prime proboscis territory. Listen out for strange grunting noises or the crash of vegetation. If you hear something, stop, keep as quiet as possible and scan the forest. Try to ‘follow’ the strange noises with your eyes. If you are lucky you may see a harem of proboscis monkeys.
Telok Pandan Besar
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
0.75 km |
1 hour (1.75 km) |
Yellow |
The one and a half hour trek to Telok Pandan Kecil is one of Bako’s most popular. It ascends the forested hills overlooking Telok Assam, reaching a plateau covered in scrub vegetation, and continues along a sandy path lined with carnivorous pitcher plants, before reaching a cliff top with stunning views of the secluded bay below and the famous sea stack just offshore. A 10 minute descent through cliff vegetation brings you to one of the best beaches in the park. Whilst swimming, watch out for monkeys who steal unguarded bags. The Telok Pandan Besar trail ends at a cliff top with views of the beach below.
Telok Pandan Kecil & Telok Pandan Besar
| Trail Name | Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Telok Pandan Kecil |
1.5 km |
1 1/2 hours (2.5 km) |
Yellow |
|
Telok Pandan Besar |
0.75 km |
1 hour (1.75 km) |
Yellow |
The one and a half hour trek to Telok Pandan Kecil is one of Bako’s most popular. It ascends the forested hills overlooking Telok Assam, reaching a plateau covered in scrub vegetation, and continues along a sandy path lined with carnivorous pitcher plants, before reaching a cliff top with stunning views of the secluded bay below and the famous sea stack just offshore. A 10 minute descent through cliff vegetation brings you to one of the best beaches in the park. Whilst swimming, watch out for monkeys who steal unguarded bags. The Telok Pandan Besar trail ends at a cliff top with views of the beach below.
Lintang
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
5.25 km |
3 1/2 hours return |
Red |
The Lintang loop trail is a very popular trek as it passes through nearly all of the vegetation types found at Bako. The whole trek takes between 3 and 4 hours, so it is probably the best choice if you can only visit for a day. The section between the Ulu Assam and Serait junctions is another good spot for seeing proboscis monkeys. The Bukit Tambi viewpoint is a short detour off the main trail and overlooks the western part of the park.
Tajor
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 km |
2 1/2 hours (3.5 km) |
Red/White |
The Tajor trail passes scrub and padang vegetation and ends with a steep climb down to a small beach. Take a hat as the sun can be quite fierce on the exposed sections of the trail. The trail also passes the Tajor Waterfall, a popular resting spot. The waterfall is quite small (and best after heavy rain) but it has a beautiful jungle setting and a small dip pool. From the park HQ it takes about two and half hours to reach the waterfall. Watch out for slippery rocks along the Tajor stream.
Tanjung Rhu
| Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|
|
1.8 km |
2 1/2 hours (4.2 km) |
Red/Yellow |
This trail branches off the Tajor trail and leads across open country to the rocky Rhu peninsula and a small headland where you can see wave-cut platforms and rock pools. From the park HQ, it takes about two and half hours, or 45 minutes from the Tajor junction.
Close for Maintenance
These are some longer trails that are closed for maintenance at the moment.
| Trail Name | Trail Length | One Way Time & Distance from HQ |
|---|---|---|
|
Serait |
1.25 km |
1 1/2 hours (2.2 km) |
|
Bukit Keruing |
2.25 km |
3 1/2 hours (5.5 km) |
|
Paya Jelutong |
0.2 km |
3 1/2 hours (5.7 km) |
|
Bukit Gondol |
2 km |
4 1/2 hours (7.7 km) |
|
Ulu Serait |
2.75 km |
3 hours (4.8 km) |
|
Telok Sibur |
0.8 km |
3 1/2 hours (5.3 km) |
|
Telok Limau |
5.75 km |
7 hours (10 km) |
|
Telok Kruin |
1.5 km |
7 1/4 hours (10.5 km) |
|
Pa’ Amit (Lakei Island) |
1.0 km |
30 minutes (from Base) |