My Kuching Journey: Bako brilliance
Day 4: Flavoured/Original You Tiao, Bako National Park
The days had been awesome so far, and I was in no mood of letting it slow down or stop. Breakfast at Lee Coffee Shop would be enough to fuel us until lunch. I had another round of Kolo Mee and a special, flavoured You Tiao. The momentum continued to rise when it was time to head to the Bako National Park.
The You Tiao made with 'kaya' and butter inside. There are many other flavours such as sausage, ham or take it original. The You Tiao is interestingly good.
A close up shot of Kolo Mee.
A good food hawker centre which offers great variety. The Kolo Mee and You Tiao shops are found in this kopitiam.
The Bako journey began.
Upon reaching the terminal and completed registration, we boarded a speedboat, for about 15 minutes, to the national park. The fee was RM 47 per boat one way and RM 5 per adult. Welcoming us to the national park is a sign that reads so. We arrived early, low tide, and the only way in was through the beach. Prepare yourself to get your feet wet as you will walk in, to the office. We checked in to a room of four (hostel) which charges RM 40 per room. It was a good deal.
The national park definitely offers much wonders to discover and see for yourself. We kept our bags and began our trails. There are many trails around the park, some ranging to more than 5 km. Since we were pressed for time, we selected only the nearer ones, but not necessarily the easier ones.
There are estimated distance and time to trail a trail. It looks short on board, both distance and time, but once you start to trek, you will feel it. Make sure to bring proper shoes to walk or climb. Bring water bottles- absolutely necessary as it can be humid and the forest might sap you dry. Remember to re-hydrate yourself in such situation. We trekked to Teluk Paku, the nearest bay and we were then already out of water. I forgot to bring one- that's why I emphasize the importance of one here. We rented a boat to take us to the what-is-most-talked-about of Bako at RM 35 per way. Only when we were there we realized that renting the boat was the right decision. The wonders can be viewed much up-close only with a boat.
Can you find the sea horse?
Bako will never be complete if one has not seen the Sea Stack here. Natural beauty.
The boatman also provided some explanations and told us where and when to look up for the wonders. Money satisfied. Body satisfied. After the Sea Stack, we were brought to the shore and trekked back from here. Climbing, or hiking up a cliff, the view from above was breathtaking!
Looking back at this picture, I feel scared for myself. It is high above the ground. But then, I was just too amazed at the crystal waters and rock formations. I will remember this scenery. The eyes are the best camera.
Not only were the sand and sea blew me away. At the top of the cliff too were interesting, unique formations that look like rock mushrooms. Hold tight if you are one who is afraid of heights.
While waiting for the sun to set, which did not happened as it was cloudy, we looked to the end of the bay and noticed the formation that is shaped like a creature with its mouth open. Bako lets your imagination run like the breeze.
At the hostel we stayed, ready to welcome your neighbours. The Proboscis monkeys and the boar on heels, the wild boars. You can find for snakes too, if you are lucky.
Over at the office, there is a canteen that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food might be pricey, but it's a tourist spot and we need to eat. When I was there, Bako was filled with many foreign, almost mostly Western tourists. I urge Malaysians or locals, if you have the opportunity, come to visit Bako because at the end of the day, you will be spell-bounded by the magic of Bako- I felt its post-Bako feel. I sometimes need to remind myself that I am in Malaysia. Then again, throughout the trip, I need to remind myself of that- because it had been all amazing!
There is a night trail, at RM 10 per person, depending on the weather condition. I wanted to try a night trail but unfortunately, when I was there, it was raining. Remember to bring your torchlight if night trail is what you plan for. Because of the rain, and the chilly atmosphere, night came early, sleep was soon, and we were up before the alarm rang.
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