Long-nosed monkey, also known as proboscis monkey, is an endemic species in Borneo, the third largest island in the world and the largest in Asia. It is found mostly in mangrove forests and on the coastal areas of the island.
The species features a pot belly and oversized nose. In 2013, the proboscis monkey was voted one of the ugliest animals on the planet by the Ugly Animal Conservation Society.
To see long-nosed monkeys from the state of Sabah in Malaysia, guests can take a boat tour on the Kawa Kawa River.
The boat would stop for about 15 minutes so that guests to see and take photos of these animals from afar, in the wild.
Pablo, a boat driver, said this type of monkey-watching tourism has existed for more than 10 years.
“Long-nosed monkeys and other animals live naturally in the riverside forests, without human impact,” he said.
Proboscis monkeys are large primates, reaching an adult length of more than half a meter. Male monkeys weigh more than 30 kg, twice the weight of females. The fur on the back is usually orange, reddish brown, or yellow brown. Like many other monkeys, they live in groups.
Proboscis monkeys live mainly in trees, looking for their own food. Favorite foods are leaves, flowers, seeds and insects. Because the leaves do not have many nutrients, monkeys use them all day to eat, making their bellies bigger. In addition, this species has the ability to chew cud like a cow.
Male monkeys have larger noses than females, which can be up to 18 cm long. The long nose is what attracts mates during the breeding season.
Thanks to its nose, proboscis monkeys can make loud cries and howls.
At about 5 years old, female monkeys will enter their reproductive period. Baby monkeys encounter many difficulties and can become prey for crocodiles, lizards, eagles, and pythons.
In addition, they are also hunted by humans. Today, the number of proboscis monkeys has decreased significantly and are listed as an endangered animal in the Red Book.
According to local people, this monkey is quite shy. When they sense danger, they often hide in the bushes and turn their backs.
Visitors are not allowed to get close to the species and can only watch them from the boat, at a distance of about 7-10 m.
The scenery along the riverbanks still retains its wild landscape with dense tropical forests.
Panoramic view of the Kawa Kawa River winding between green forests.
The journey to see long-nosed monkeys usually lasts nearly two hours. It usually takes place 75 km from Kota Kinabalu city, capital of Sabah state. The package tour price is 280 ringit (US$59) per person, including a boat, a car from the city, a tour guide, meals and travel insurance.
There are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Kota Kinabalu. Visitors arriving in Kuala Lumpur can fly to Kota Kinabalu via Malaysia Airlines, which has daily flights there.
