2 days in Kuching and Bako, Sarawak

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningSightings are never certain

   Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

   A forest reserve south of Kuching where orangutans that were once held in captivity or orphaned now live free. Rangers may put out food at set times, and the animals may or may not come to it. Keep your distance and watch quietly from the path.

   Go when Morning, at the session the centre runs. Check the times ahead.

   Local tip The orangutans live free and may or may not come out. Keep your distance, never feed or touch them, follow the rangers, and keep food and bags out of reach.

   About 33 min by car or transit17.9 km
2. 2
   MiddayWorth a short stop

   Kuching Old Courthouse

   A handsome historic courthouse from the days of the Brooke rajahs, near the river in the middle of the old town. Walk around it, look at the tower and the carved details, and see what is open inside.

   Go when Late morning, on the walk along the river.

   Local tip Look at it from outside first, then go in where the doors are open. It is close to the waterfront, so pair it with the bazaar.

3. Lunch

   Sarawak laksa

   The dish the town is known for: rice noodles in a spiced broth with shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime. Lighter than a curry laksa, and found in coffee shops all over town.

   Local tip The broth is made with a shrimp paste and prawns, so tell the staff about any shellfish allergy first.

   About 3 min walk0.2 km
4. 3
   EveningWorth the time

   Kuching Waterfront

   A long, paved promenade along the Sarawak River, with benches, gardens and views across the water to the far bank. Families, joggers and food carts come out as the heat eases.

   Go when Late afternoon, around sunset (about 6:40 PM).

   Local tip Walk the whole promenade once, slowly, and look across the water to the far bank. After a downpour, the stone can be slippery, so mind your step.

   

5. Dinner

   Midin and rice

   Midin is a wild jungle fern, picked in the forest and stir fried with garlic or shrimp paste until it is crisp and bright green. Eat it with rice and a grilled fish at a coffee shop or food court near the river.

   Local tip Tell the staff about any shellfish allergy first, since the fern is often cooked with shrimp paste.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from Kuching WaterfrontAbout 31 min by car or transit15.2 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningCheck the tide

   Kampung Bako boat jetty

   The village landing where boats cross to the park, a short ride along a river mouth and out to the coast. Tides decide when it runs, so check ahead and ask about the return before you board. You may step off into shallow water at the other end.

   Go when Morning, as the boat sets out, with the return agreed before you board.

   Local tip Tides decide when boats run, so check ahead. You may step off into shallow water on arrival, so wear shoes that can get wet and keep your bag light.

   About 18 min by car or transit7.0 km
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the whole day

   Bako National Park

   A coastal park of rainforest, mangrove and sandstone headlands, with trails of many lengths from the park's base. Proboscis monkeys and macaques may be seen, and bearded pigs and other animals sometimes appear near the buildings. Macaques steal food, so keep it sealed. Watch quietly and from a distance.

   Go when Morning to mid-afternoon, with the boat back before the light drops.

   Local tip Keep food sealed, because macaques steal it. Do not feed or touch any animal. The trails have steep stairs and slippery boardwalks, so wear shoes with grip and go slowly.

   

4. Lunch

   A packed lunch for the trail

   Rice with fried chicken or egg, or a sandwich, in a sealed box, eaten near the park base. Keep every wrapper and crumb in your bag, and never feed an animal.

   Local tip Macaques steal food, so keep it sealed and in your bag, and eat where there are people close by.

   About 20 min walk1.6 km
5. 3
   AfternoonMind the steps

   Telok Pandan Besar Viewpoint

   A lookout on a headland trail above a bay, reached through forest with roots, steps and boardwalk. If the air is clear there is a wide view over the sea. Plan time to walk back before the light fades and the boat leaves.

   Go when Afternoon, with time to walk back before the boat.

   Local tip The path has roots, steps and boardwalk that gets slick in the wet. Take water, go slowly and turn back if the weather turns. The view depends on haze, so do not count on it.

6. Dinner

   Umai

   A salad of thin slices of raw fish dressed with lime, chili, onion and ginger, a dish of the Melanau people of the coast. Eat it with rice or a side of fried fish at a restaurant back in Kuching.

   Local tip It is made with raw fish, so ask for a cooked dish if you prefer. Tell the staff about any fish allergy first.