Proboscis Monkey Reserve: Another Must See in Sabah

 

The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Reserve is another must-see here in Sandakan, Sabah. This monkey specie is already on the critical list of endangered species and only endemic here in Borneo. It is with great importance that we ensure their safety and survival.

 

The Reserve is approx. 25 minutes away from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center or approx. 90 minutes from Sandakan. Unlike the Orangutans, these Proboscis Monkey or often called as long-nose monkey are already on their respective platforms even 15 minutes before the 4pm feeding time. So right after the 3pm Orangutan feeding time, you can still see and catch the Proboscis Monkey Feeding time.

 

Proboscis Monkeys are often characterized by its gigantic noses and fat bellies. They are vegetarians and also fruit-lovers. In this particular instance, they are munching some long stalk of beans.

 

 

The Proboscis Monkey is often referred to be the Macho Man of Borneo. A groups usually consists of one big Alpha Male and probably 5-16 females. Indeed, when you observe the movement of the Alpha Male, you’ll realize how much a macho man he is. They all have different locations inside the Reserve. If one female suddenly ended up with another group, a wave of violence occurs unless the Alpha Male says otherwise.

 

Some are saying that this Sanctuary is not really a Rehabilitation Center but rather a private one, just because these Proboscis Monkey have no place to go since the destruction of their natural habitat. Nonetheless, it is a well-kept place for such a close up encounter with this lovable creature.

 

It is often believed that their noses especially for the Males are their greatest asset; the longer it is, the more attractive they become!  What a nose!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Sabah’s Sepilok Orang-utan Reserve: Why It’s Worth It

 

 

It was almost 3 oclock in the afternoon when we reached the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center. The moment we got out from the van, we were sweating like crazy. The humidity was so high, the temperature could probably reach 32 degrees Celsius. One would notice the tall, big trees hovering above and the thick foliage of green that could mean we were in the middle of a forest. Indeed, we were.

 

The Reserve could be approx. 25kms away from Sandakan-the main port and ferry terminal, center and the second largest city in Sabah, Malaysia. The main goal of this Rehabilitation Center was to treat injured and orphaned orangutans due to deforestation, hunting and even from indigenous group of people who without dietary restrictions love the orang-utan meat. Just the thought of it was enough to send shivers into my spine.

 

The Sepilok Reserve is a must see here in the northern part of Borneo in the Malaysian side of Sabah. Not only one has the chance to see Orangutans in the wild but also by buying entrance tickets could help the Reserve treat more Orangutans in the future. I must admit that the 30 RM entrance ticket plus the 10 RM camera fee command a hefty price but if just for the sake of the Orangutans, I would be willing to pay double. Well, I bought a nice green T-shirt from the Reserve’s shop and I guess, I did play my part.

 

 

For the first time visitor like me, I was amazed on how well-maintained the Sepilok Reserve was. It was like going to a resort with community houses, each with a purpose of its own. There’s the ultra modern bathroom, a cafeteria and the visitor center where one would pay the entrance ticket and camera fees. No bags were allowed and a free locker is available should you avail one.

 

Just a couple of reminders before entering the Reserve: a) make sure you already applied any mosquito repellent before entering the forest. Like what I have said, no bags are allowed, b) it is important to secure valuable items and cash should be inside your pockets and c) be observant, alert and on the lookout for any notorious macaques who usually try to steal things from you. Lastly, no bringing of food, only the camera with you and of course, be silent so as not to disturb the orangutans during the feeding time.

 

The feeding time of 10am and 3pm is what usually attracts visitors like me. As soon as we reached the platform, I was surprised to see a crowd waiting for the 3pm feeding time. They were just seated in groups, chatting with one another as the humidity was just unbearably high. I just couldn’t be confined in one place and I kept on moving trying to find a shade and some breeze.

 

When it was almost 5 minutes to feeding time, a wave of silence engulfed the whole place. One macaque was already making a show by jumping and playing with the rope-like path from a tree to the platform. Everybody was so quiet. Then the feeder came with bananas with him. And the show started….