Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies at Garama River, Kota Kinabalu

Garama River located 130km from Kota Kinabalu provides a comfortable wildlife spotting getaway from the usual city attractions. It is one of most convenient locations to spot and observe the endemic Proboscis monkeys amongst other wildlife and local villagers.

Proboscis monkeys  or known by scientists as Nasalis larvatus is only found in certain areas in south east asia and mostly in Borneo. They live in areas of mangroves and swamps where lowland forests are. They are good swimmers and have the ability to walk upright on land.

There are 3 distinctive traits of the Proboscis monkey. One, the long protruding and bulbous nose which can reach up to 7 inches in length. It serves as an attraction mechanism to females which have smaller noses. it also swells with blood when the animal is angry or upset and makes warning calls louder and much more intense than other species. Two, the large stomach which has several chambers which contains a certain bacteria that helps breakdown its vegetarian diet. The monkeys spend most of the day consuming leaves to provide them the energy it needs to live. Third. the reddish brown fur.

Besides the opportunity to spot the elusive Proboscis Monkey, you will have the chance to see a variety of birds, the common Macaque monkeys, the rare Silver Languor, a large group of water buffalo and possibly crocodiles by the river bank!

Rates per person (Malaysian Ringgit)

Valid 2017

No additional GST

Adult RM210
Child RM165

Whats included?

Land and boat transfers, Dinner

Whats excluded?

Insurance and items not mentioned

Itinerary

1330 Depart from Kota Kinabalu Hotel for Beaufort town, the southern part of Sabah

1530 Arrive at Garama River Lodge then transfer to the lush mangrove swamps forest. Spot and observe the endemic Proboscis monkeys in the trees feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds. Sometimes fishermen are out looking for freshwater prawns. Other wildlifes possibly spotted are the Macaque monkey, the rare Silver Langur/Lutung or silver leaf monkey, water buffaloes, varieties of mangrove birds, large monitor lizards, tree snakes and if you are lucky a few crocodiles.

1800 A sunset accompanies your boat ride back to the jetty where a BBQ buffet awaits you.

1830 After dinner, you will take stroll into the swamps to catch a glimpse of fireflies or in local language 'kelip-kelip' decorating the mangrove trees like fairies before returning to Kota Kinabalu.

2100 Estimated time of arrival in Kota Kinabalu

What to wear/bring?

Sun block lotion, insect repellent, Rain coat, towel, sunglasses, binoculars, pocket money

More importantly:
Digital Camera's with minimum 10X zoom
DSLRs with minimum 18-200mm lense