Borneo's iconic primate
The proboscis monkey
This primate is endemic to Borneo.
Here is how to find wild troops on the riverbanks.
Species profile
The proboscis monkey
Endemic to the island of Borneo, the proboscis monkey, one of the Bornean primates, lives in coastal mangroves and along the major river systems of Sabah and Sarawak. They are large and highly sociable animals that travel in complex troops.
To evade estuarine crocodiles they climb to staggering heights in the canopy and leap out to land in the water with a loud belly-flop. This maximises their airborne distance and minimises the time they spend paddling.
Rivers and private reserves
The Lower Kinabatangan River is the premier destination for wild encounters. The habitat supports a high density of troops and you have an excellent chance of seeing them on most stays. Downriver near Abai the channel is exceptionally wide.
Late afternoon cruises
Kinabatangan river cruises follow the monkeys' habit of gathering beside the water for safety. As dusk approaches multiple units converge on the riverbanks to select sleeping trees.
Rivers and national parks
- Kinabatangan river cruises A realistic target for spotting wild troops gathering.
- Labuk Bay Sanctuary Close views of habituated monkeys during scheduled feeding.
- Bako National Park Resident troops foraging near the beaches.
Species profile
Plan your Kinabatangan cruise
Tell the team you are travelling to look for proboscis monkeys and they will arrange the right guides for your trip.