Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Review: See Borneo’s Apes
Have you heard of Labuk Bay? It’s this pretty cool place found in Sandakan, Borneo, and it gives you a chance to see proboscis monkeys. So, these monkeys? They’re famous for their really, really big noses – particularly the guys! Labuk Bay is just a spot to watch these monkeys in something like their habitat. Basically, you get to watch them pretty close as they come to feed.
Planning Your Visit to Labuk Bay
Before you head over to Labuk Bay, getting the when and how sorted is something to think about. Seems there are two main platforms that offer viewing spots. Usually, they schedule feedings a couple of times each day, that is something that you want to work around. If you are figuring out your transport, you’ve got a few options, but booking a tour might just save you some hassle, you know? And that way you don’t need to stress over the transport and timing.
Oh, very importantly, figure out their feeding times before you get there. If you miss that, well, chances are the monkeys, or most of them, won’t be hanging around at all! The sanctuary generally spaces them out through the day, giving you chances in both the morning and afternoon. Yet, be prepared; things can get a bit busy. Arriving a bit early to snag a good spot to watch might be a neat idea.
Getting There and Around
Okay, when you want to travel to Labuk Bay from Sandakan, basically you have choices like hiring a taxi or perhaps renting a car, so it seems. Yet, perhaps one thing to think about is that it isn’t really all that close to Sandakan. That, and the roads can be a little bit – umm – not the greatest in some areas. Which is one reason why booking your trip via tour might really take a load off.
Oh and it’s almost always hot! Borneo gets very humid. Taking some light, airy clothes is really something to consider and make certain you stay hydrated. Bug spray? Oh yeah, that could be something good to have too. So that these little fellas won’t bother you, I mean.
What to Expect at the Sanctuary
Right, picture this: You’re standing on the viewing platform, and monkeys, these are wild monkeys, I mean, they just casually swing over for their snack time. How amazing is that? You see these proboscis monkeys coming in just like this is routine. It’s almost a choreographed sort of experience with so many of the creatures that arrive. Also, that place attracts all types of extra wildlife, like colorful birds! So too it’s almost like two for the price of one deal.
The Viewing Platforms
Platforms, eh? Yes, Labuk Bay has two main spots. Platform A and Platform B. Often people say that Platform A is the original area; and it may get quite packed with people, basically when feeding happens. And that other place called Platform B offers more elbow room. What is important is what experience are you after, you know?
If maybe you enjoy being close, like super close to where action takes place then Platform A might fit you just right. Conversely if you feel that a less crowded setting will suit your style much better, going over to the other Platform will just do the trick.
Feeding Times and Monkey Behavior
Alright, let’s get into feeding. It turns out monkeys come over for snacks at specific times that day. It seems these timings offer great photography chances too, or, a way to watch animal behaviors really up close. Basically watch them; how they behave with another, that could be actually sort of educational.
And do you realize it might not just be the large-nosed monkeys you see at the sanctuary! Many other animals are out here. So keep your eyes peeled and you’re apt to spot some nice wildlife. They are living creatures just trying to make it too, just as we all are!
Photography Tips for Labuk Bay
Do you enjoy snapping shots? If you are trying to get superb shots you might need gear with you; maybe a camera that has some pretty awesome zoom lens so you will get some great closeups; then also make certain your settings match what sort of the daylight is doing because it impacts the clarity. Honestly, get yourself ready; quick focusing may be necessary just so that you’re prepared, must you be presented chances, you know.
Best Times for Photography
To those looking into having photos from Labuk Bay? In some respects mornings and also afternoon hours surrounding feeding work wonderfully. It’s really when it is lighter so that the setting isn’t a problem for good photography. Attempt placing oneself into spaces minimizing bright lighting behind which then produces shadows; that is definitely useful to have stellar photographs of primates that Borneo boasts.
Essential Gear and Settings
Gear for shooting involves owning a zoomlens — seriously. Because sometimes action occurs farther off than other situations so becoming outfitted can assist at shooting awesome photographs of the wild proboscis monkeys that just steal our attention from Malaysia’s region of Sabah, Borneo. When placing settings? Work on fast shutter speeds – this avoids any blur brought by shifting tree branches. Consider bumping up your ISO for sharper visuals!
Ethical Considerations and Conservation
Traveling comes with consideration – like being careful when we enjoy spaces like Labuk bay, such an unique environment and living habitat to specific creatures in the Bornean jungle is it. When coming in you should realize certain regulations – typically there should be restrictions around how loud one becomes since startling life, it isn’t something someone looks to aim towards by even visiting, let’s imagine anyway. Often remain at secure areas for better enjoyment and minimal hassle coming!
Supporting Sustainable Tourism
Selecting ecologically positive visits influences preserving those wild parts! Is that true, selecting tours or operations which exhibit regard plus responsibility demonstrates our backing to what sustains that whole location for several generations ahead; as these wildlife habitats stays crucial across earth given habitat losses as it does happen even outside remote parts just as here.
Respecting Wildlife and Their Habitat
Whenever you are viewing life that abounds within somewhere like Labuk area do allow animals a respectable physical buffer which may really contribute to helping any undesirable interruptions with those habits of primates dwelling round those precious locations; so really appreciating while respectfully traveling should really become things looked during the trip of yours!
Accommodation and Nearby Attractions
Planning where do you sleep when visiting should probably become first since accommodation round where Sanctuary falls isn’t many; it’s sensible deciding on lodges inside Sabah area, and Sandakan city area probably contains several hotel variety plus choices. If looking on extending visits across sights of Sandakan it brings prospects toward perhaps looking at reserves for orangutans for better views around native species – maybe too, diving close Turtle Islands – each brings completely varying prospects during explorations near nature!
Where to Stay Near Labuk Bay
Picking accommodations involves seeing how close an area fits with those locations considered for most. Maybe checking listings either throughout Sandakan area – because then there seems better connectivity regarding transport since where these monkeys frequent or deciding perhaps to book lodges situated somewhat nearer for ease for reaching either primary or second platform timings – whatever someone views vital for visit itself – consider amenities against budget before any solid preparations occurs anyway.
Extending Your Trip in Sandakan
Prolonging vacations at which they can stretch nearby where place for primate exploration stands open roads that lead also near river excursions by Kinabatangan rivers plus prospects for visiting shelters made protecting wild Orangutans by Sepilok side could certainly offer various dimensions while enjoying just more aspects which form area in around Sabah!
Key Takeaways
- Timing is Key: Plan your visit around feeding times for optimal monkey sightings.
- Choose Your Platform: Decide between Platform A (crowded, close-up) and Platform B (less crowded, more space).
- Respect the Environment: Follow ethical tourism practices to protect the monkeys and their habitat.
- Consider a Tour: A guided tour can simplify transportation and logistics.
- Extend Your Stay: Explore other attractions in Sandakan, such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.