An apparatus includes a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording. An input coupler of the slider is configured to-receive light produced by a light source. A waveguide of the slider comprises a waveguide core tapering from a first portion having a first cross sectional width to a second portion having a second cross sectional width along the light propagation direction. The second cross sectional width being smaller than the first cross sectional width, and the second portion having an output end. The waveguide includes at least one cladding layer comprising a metallic material. The at least one cladding layer surrounds at least the core. The at least one cladding layer is configured to sink heat away from the waveguide core. The waveguide is configured to provide a surface plasmon-enhanced near-field radiation pattern proximate the output end in response to the light received at the transducer region.