Sarawak’s national parks
Wildlife spotting and colourful Kuching
Starting in kaleidoscopic Kuching, take the time to stroll along the riverfront, taking in the colonial architecture, Weekend Market and a day trip to Gunung Gading National Park — especially if the giant Rafflesia flower is in bloom. Next, begin your orangutan adventure in the Semenggoh Nature Reserve at the orangutan sanctuary, where you can watch this playful ape feed and learn survival skills before being re-released back into the wild. Continue your wildlife adventure with a boat trip to Bako National Park to see macaques and proboscis monkeys, before ending in Kuching Wetlands National Park for crocodiles, lizards and an amazing array of birds.
Key information
| Destinations | Kuching, Bako National Park, Semenggoh Nature Reserve |
|---|---|
| Activity | Nature & Wildlife |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Spend some time in Sarawak’s capital city
Day 1–2 in Kuching
Nestled between the jungle and the sea, Sarawak’s capital began life as a trading post, built up by the family of Sir James Brooke, the first of the line of “white rajahs” who ruled Sarawak for a century. The city has boomed in the last two decades, due in large part to its close proximity to a number of national parks and wildlife destinations. Kuching’s historic waterfront makes for perfect sunset strolling, before exploring the city’s sophisticated food and bar scene.
Don't miss
See the legendary rafflesia flower
Blooming up to 1m in diameter, the world’s largest flower takes nine months to mature and only lasts for a week. Keep your ears pricked for a tip in Kuching, and take a day trip to nearby Gunung Gading National Park.
Get up-close with orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Day 3–4 in Semenggoh Nature Reserve
A couple of hours south of Sarawak’s capital Kuching, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is a research and rehabilitation centre for orphaned, displaced and injured orangutans, hornbills and honey bears.
Like Sabah’s Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, the centre’s population of semi-wild orangutans are accustomed to human encounters, meaning visitors are able to get close to these playful orangutans during feeding time every morning and afternoon.
Visitors can also explore the reserve’s botanical research centre, which cares for a wide variety of plants and has a picturesque bamboo garden and pond with a floating pavilion. There is also an Orangutan Museum where you will learn about orangutan behaviour and conservation, as well as seeing the resident crocodiles.
Don't miss
Learn about the Iban in a longhouse
Batang Ai National Park is the only place to see orangutans in the wild in Sarawak. While here, learn more about the indigenous Iban people – once headhunters, but now forest conservationists.
Listen out for wildlife in Bako National Park
Day 5–7 in Bako National Park
Sarawak’s oldest national park is just over 20km from capital city Kuching, and is a popular day trip for tourists wanting a taste of the region's wildlife. Although Bako National Park is quite compact, it is home to a multitude of flora and fauna which call the mangroves, swamp forest and beach-speckled coastline their home.
Travellers can take advantage of the park’s well-marked trails, which range from short and sweet walks to full-day hikes.
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