LOCATION:
At the National Park HQ in Pantai Teluk Assam. The most convenient way to get here from downtown Kuching is by taxi, but that can easily set you back anywhere between RM30-40 per trip to the boat jetty at Kg Bako.

I decided to follow the tip from a local travel guide to rough it up a little by taking a local bus (Petra Jaya bus #6) from the bus terminal at Kg Masjid in Kuching. The bus fare was minimal, something like RM3 for the 45 minutes journey across the expansive suburb of Kuching. Anyway, be warned that the buses are really old (something that KLites would refraining from embarking since many years ago). There is no air conditioner and the bus engine is very noisy.

As you arrive at the boat jetty in Kg Bako, there will be a registration counter for visitors into Bako National Park, day-trippers and overnighters alike. Entrance fee is RM10 per person. The park-approved boatmen will normally be waiting here. The one-way transfer will cost RM40 per boat and each boat can fit in 5 pax. If you do not want to wait until the boat is full, just charter the whole boat to yourself for RM40.

DESCRIPTION:
Bako Park Lodge is located within the compound of the National Park HQ. The check-in counter is located at the reception centre. Note that the lodge check-out time is 1200hrs, which means if you arrive early, you will have to wait for your room to be vacated before you can check-in. A luggage storage room is conveniently provided at the reception area for you to keep your belongings while waiting for your room to be ready.

The breakdown of room types available at the park lodge is summarised below:

Most of the units are designed in a nice rainforest-themed lodge with adequate foliage to provide cooling ambience from the humid weather outside. I stayed in a Forest Lodge Type 5 that has three single beds and shared bathroom outside of the room. It is rather unfortunate because the unit that I was assigned to was not exactly under the tall shades of the trees, hence it was quite unbearably hot during the day. The fan that comes inside the room certainly does not help, really. The windows are installed with nets to prevent any unwanted bugs or mosquitoes from getting in while allowing fresh air to circulate inside. I do recommend bringing mosquito repellant because you will never know how these little creatures get into your room. The shared bathroom outside the room is quite drag, but I should not complain much.

The park lodge host a small canteen for your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. To be honest, the food was forgettable at best, but splurging on the finest delicacies is definitely not on the menu in this Sarawak's oldest national park.

REVIEWED ON:
September 2006

MY VERDICT:
Great forest ambience. Somewhat expensive at RM115 per night for a non-air-conditioned room.

MY RATING: