Coastal city … surrounded by rainforest … gateway to Kinabalu National Park … Mount Kinabalu 4,095 metres above sea-level …
About one hour from the capital … coastal village along Bongawan river, you can visit several amazing natural phenomena occurring daily as sun rises and sets …
Where is it
Kota Kinabalu or KK in short; capital of Sabah state, East Malaysia … part of Borneo Island … home to most intriguing Probiscis (long-nosed) monkeys. Reddish-brown skin colour … long tail … they are endemic (native) to mangrove forests, Borneo Island, Southeast Asia.
Probiscis Monkeys Description and Habitat
Large species – males have head-body length of 66 to 76.2 cm (26 – 30 inches), weighing about 16-22.5 kg (35 – 50 lbs.). Females measure 53.3 to 62 cm (21 – 24.4 inches) head-body length, with known weight of 7 – 12 kg (15 – 26 lbs.).
Probiscis monkeys have long bright orange to reddish-brown back coats with light-grey, yellowish underfur. Infants are born with blue-coloured faces, darkening to grey, maturing to cream colour in adulthood.
They have bulging stomach resembling pot bellies, and many have webbed toes – for swimming of course !
They usually stay close to water source … hence fairly good swimmers … but also known to jump off branches, descending into water.
Social behaviour
Living in groups of one male adult, some female adults and offspring … all-male groups may also exist. Some males may be solitary with little territorial demarcation.
In Sabah, probiscis monkeys have been observed in mixed-species groups with silvery lutungs (silvered-leaf monkeys) most probably due to confined areas of riverine forest, resulting from deforestation.
Do you know probiscis monkeys eat mostly fruits and leaves ? Yes they do !
They have to keep vigilant as predators like saltwater crocodiles, large eagles, owls, monitor lizards can easily subdue older, smaller ones for a good meal.
Conservation status
As an endangered species in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species where they have decreased by over 50% in past 35-40 years, due to continued habitat loss because of logging and oil palm plantations, hunted for traditional Chinese medicine or treated as delicacies.
Today, probiscis monkeys are protected by law in all Borneo; nurtured in 16 protected national park areas.
Fireflies
As dusk falls, take a slow cruise upriver …
Fireflies are usually visible after dark, without any lighting around – peaceful, quiet environment along riverside.
Attracted by flashlight, local guides usually wave torchlight in series of movements to attract fireflies towards boats.
They slowly engulf boat, drift by casually, weightless, happy to land on you ,,, until you are surrounded by group of tiny glowing balls …
They seem to fly along, following one another … inquisitively checking out people and boat without a care …
An experience not to be missed !
Amazing sunsets
Daily sunsets around KK just takes your breath away …
Maybe it’s cloud cover, right location, climatic balance – you can view fantastic sunsets almost every day …
Just unbelievable !
Walk along beach … soft, fine sand underfoot … cooling breezes amidst warm, humid evening … setting sun … vibrant colours against shoreline …
Patches of reflections on calm waters … from late afternoon till after sunset …
Sunny hues, gentle waves … orange-red evening skies, scattered clouds … culminating in blue-purple skies at dusk.
Mother Nature at its best !
Bongawan River Cruise – Probiscis Monkey, Sunset & Fireflies
Go on river cruise at Bongawan, sleepy village along edge of Bongawan river … all-in-one nature experience …
Spot probiscis monkeys, macaques in natural habitat as you cruise along river … enjoy magnificent sunset on beach … with reflections on water for picture-perfect memories … then cruise in darkness to view amazing fireflies on riverbanks …
Tour offers afternoon tea before monkey-spotting river cruise; returning for local cuisine dinner; then setting out again for evening cruise to enjoy sunset, and fireflies.
Comfortable pickups, transfers – you just relax and enjoy the afternoon …
How good is that !
Want to know more ?
Contact ATV Boneo Adventure (www.atvborneoadventure.com) – Edward (+60 16 416 5081) or Kelvin (+60 19 769 7547) will help you plan your trip.
Edward, Kelvin and team will look after you; ensure you have a memorable time !
Conclusion
Kota Kinabalu, small-town atmosphere with large area to cover, is best seen with locals who know where and when to go. After all, being there at the right time, right place is best way to see the country.
And there are plenty to see and do in Kota Kinabalu … hiking, river cruising, sampling local delights … take-in places of interest in surrounding vicinities … for an unforgettable experience !
Another well-worth destination to visit !
