Early morning light painted the coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white sandy beaches at the entrance to Bako National Park. Bako is the oldest and one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak, yet known for its amazing diversity. Rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, quiet beaches, and hiking trails radiate from park headquarters.
Upon arrival at the park interpretive center, we began exploring and were able to observe proboscis monkeys, which are endemic to Borneo, long-tailed macaques, Bornean bearded pigs, and a Borneo temple viper. The boardwalk gave us views of unusual plant life including a variety of carnivorous plants and peat swamp forest.
The more adventurous among us opted for hikes that scaled the cretaceous sandstone formations that make Bako National Park so picturesque. The reward for trekking through the hot and steamy rainforest was a view from the top looking north into the South China Sea.
In the late afternoon we explored the sandstone sea stacks by Zodiac. Wave and wind erosion has carved many of the rocky headlands into wild and whimsical formations sparking the imagination. Colored patterns, formed by iron deposits bring the cliffs to life in the warm low light.
After dinner, the National Geographic Orion crew treated us to their talents as they sang, danced and performed for our enjoyment.
