KUCHING: Bako National Park has been offering the perfect introduction to Sarawak’s forests and wildlife as it is popular among local and foreign tourists alike.
As one of Sarawak Delta Geoparks, Bako was declared as a national park in 1957 and it covers the northern tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula – an area of 27 sq km.
It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys that are only found in Borneo.
Besides the rich forests and wildlife, Bako has an extensive trail system made up of 16 colour-coded jungle trails offering a range of walking and hiking options.
For first timers, Simona Boiero and Paolo Acone, they are excited to explore what Bako has to offer.
The Italian couple is on a week-long stay in Sarawak and they have been amazed by what the state has to offer thus far.
With Borneo Adventures tour guide Lemon Praddy Ales, they are exploring Bako over a one-night stay.
“We are loving Kuching so far – we did not expect it to be such a beautiful city. It is different from home.
“We were in Kuala Lumpur for four days and three nights, but we are enjoying our stay in Kuching more,” Simona told New Sarawak Tribune when met at Bako National Park on Saturday (Oct 1).
When they travel, Paolo said they are eager to try out the local cuisines that often surprise their tastebuds.
He said they have tried a few local delicacies including the famous Laksa Sarawak.
“We love to try the local food so obviously we hardly go to places that offer Western cuisine.
“I have tried the Laksa Sarawak and enjoyed it very much. Simona is a vegetarian, so unfortunately she has not got the chance to try it yet.
“Once we are back in the city, we will definitely be scouting places that offer vegetarian version of Laksa Sarawak,” he said.
Among other tourists who were exploring Bako are exchange students from Sweden, Matilda Kritensen, Jennie Henriksson and Klara Nylen.
The trio are currently studying at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak for one semester.
Admitting that she did not know about Sarawak initially, Klara said she was interested to do a semester away from home and chose Borneo.
“I believe all of us wanted to experience something new, so Sarawak and Borneo are definitely something new and different for us.
“We are trying to explore as much as we can over the weekend because we attend classes during the weekdays,” she said.
She added that her parents will be coming over in December and she is looking forward to travel around Sarawak with them.
As for Matilda, she said she is loving the nature and culture that Sarawak has to offer.
She said it is very different from home, but she is enjoying the new experiences and exposures.
“The nature, culture, people, and weather are so different from what we have back home. We have a couple of places that are in our bucket list.
“We like nature and the outdoor very much, so we try to get out of the city during our weekends,” she said.
Jennie admitted that she did not realise how big Sarawak is until she started looking at different destinations to explore.
“I have been to a couple of top tourist attractions like the museums and Mount Santubong among others.
“We will definitely try to visit other places like Mulu during our stay in Sarawak,” she said.
