Bako contains an incredible variety of plant species and vegetation types that add natural wonder of the park.  While visiting Bako, it is possible to see up to 25 distinct types of vegetation from seven different eco-systems.  These eco-systems include: Beach Vegetation, Cliff Vegetation, Kerangas or Heath Forest, Mangrove Forest, Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, Padang or Grasslands Vegetation, and Peat Swamp Forest. It is easy to explore these eco-systems via the jungle trails and take-in the different colors, shapes and sounds.  Start your exploration at the Park Office in Telok Assam to get a sneak preview!  Surprises are found around every bend such as strange carnivorous plants including pitcher plants, sundews, and bladderworts.

With its long history as a protected area, Bako is a wildlife hotspot.  Visitors, especially those who stay overnight, have countless opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife.

Bako is home to approximately 150 rare proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. They are mostly arboreal (tree-dwelling), moving about the forest or mangroves in small groups and feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds.  The largest mammal found in Bako is the Bornean Bearded Pig. As its name implies, it is distinguished from other wild pigs by prominent bristles on either side of its snout. A number of lizards and snakes are also found at Bako, most of which are harmless. Bako is also a fascinating place for bird watching. The nocturnal creatures in Bako include the flying lemur, pangolin, mouse deer, various bats, tarsier, slow loris and palm civet.  Day or night, the jungle is full of life.