{"id":18415,"date":"2025-07-30T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destary.com\/labuk-bay-on-borneo-home-to-the-proboscis-monkeys\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T10:27:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T08:27:05","slug":"labuk-bay-on-borneo-home-to-the-proboscis-monkeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/destary.com\/en\/sights\/labuk-bay-on-borneo-home-to-the-proboscis-monkeys\/","title":{"rendered":"Labuk Bay on Borneo \u2013 Home to the Proboscis Monkeys"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Labuk Bay is one of the few places in Borneo where visitors can observe the fascinating proboscis monkey in its semi-natural, semi-wild habitat. Situated between endless palm plantations and ancient mangrove forests, this remote and difficult-to-reach private sanctuary offers a unique nature experience. Those who undertake the arduous journey will be rewarded with spectacular animal sightings and deep insights into the life of this rare primate species, as well as an authentic, unspoilt atmosphere. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Location and how to get there<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Labuk Bay is located in the Sandakan region of the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo. Getting there is an adventure in itself and is only possible with your own vehicle, a hired driver or an organised transfer. There is no public transport. Many travellers therefore book private drivers for the day. As well as taking care of the transfer, they also stay on site and return after the visit. The journey from Sepilok<\/a> or Sandakan takes around an hour, depending on the condition of the roads. The final part of the journey involves driving along narrow, unpaved roads through oil palm plantations. These roads are particularly difficult to drive on in rainy conditions. <\/p>

The place itself is extremely remote. Surrounded by palm monocultures, the protected area resembles a small oasis amidst industrially utilised landscapes. Inside the site, wooden walkways wind through the dense mangroves and observation platforms are dotted throughout. There is hardly any infrastructure on site: no shops, petrol stations or internet access. There is a simple lodge and a small visitor centre with a caf\u00e9, but the area’s main attractions are its nature and its monkeys. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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History and background<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary was established by the owner of the surrounding palm oil plantations as a private initiative. The original plan was to clear the area, but this was changed when proboscis monkeys were discovered and a sanctuary was created instead. Since then, wooden walkways, visitor platforms, a caf\u00e9 and the Nipah Lodge have been built. Unlike facilities for orangutans and sun bears, the focus here is on observation and photo tourism rather than rehabilitation or research. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Proboscis Monkeys \u2013 Stars of Labuk Bay<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The main attraction at Labuk Bay are the proboscis monkeys. This primate species is found exclusively in Borneo and is highly endangered due to habitat loss, palm oil plantations, poaching and other factors. They are characterised by their long, fleshy noses, which give them their unmistakable appearance and serve to amplify their calls. <\/p>

Several stable groups of these animals live in Labuk Bay. The monkeys are largely wild and roam freely in the semi-protected area. They are accustomed to humans and often approach the feeding platforms. There, visitors can observe them in peace, eating, frolicking, engaging in territorial disputes and caring for their young. <\/p>

The social behaviour of the proboscis monkeys is particularly fascinating. They live in harem groups consisting of a dominant male and several females with offspring. There are also bachelor groups, consisting of adolescent males who compete with each other before attempting to establish their own group. Their posture, facial expressions and interactions are extremely expressive, making them a highlight for behavioural observers and photographers alike. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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