Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
4.5
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- Heather D1 contributionLabuk Bay Sanctuary with AnuarIt was really cool seeing the proboscis monkeys up close! We got to see a lot of them, especially during the feedings at both platforms. We were lucky enough to be driven by Anuar who was great! He stopped whenever he spotted any wildlife on the drive and had lots of inside knowledge about the sanctuary itself. He was really friendly and it was a good price too! Would recommend going with Anuar if you’d like to see the monkeys. You can drop him a WhatsApp at +60178631985Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 October 2023
- Traveler147181364352 contributionsTransportation to the activityAmazing place! Actually the driver that took us there called Abdul Rahman (tel: +60 16-278 2506) was really nice, he was also our private driver to Lahad Datu! He drives to many places from Sandakan, really polite and good English! Would highly recommend him😁Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- steveNew York City, New York2 contributionsHilarious monkeys for a once in a lifetime experienceThe monkeys were hilarious and so comfortable with humans. They were not aggressive at all and don’t mind getting close to you. Since there are no GRAB/taxis out there we used a private taxi tour through Anuar. He was very knowledgable and spotted a bunch of wildlife on the way there. There was no simply no way I would have seen the wildlife without him. Book him through whatsapp. You can message him directly at +60 17-863 1985. He’s very responsive and will have you covered!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 October 2023
- Sharon19 contributionsGreat experience, made even better by our awesome driver AnuarWe had a great time here, the Proboscis monkey's are amazing! Our driver Mr Anuar was absolutely awesome, he stopped along the way pointing out things of interest, I'd highly recommend contacting him on+6017 863 1985 to take you to all the sights in Sepilok. He also provided our transport to and from the airport.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 October 2023
- Seaside6159006 contributionsSandakan Proboscis Monkeys and Orangutans SanctuaryMy wife and I were visiting KK and wanted to experience the Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys of Borneo. Rather than booking into a tour, we enlisted the services of a local named Abdul. He was contacted via whatsapp and we egreed on a very reasonable price for the day. We flew to Sandakan early in the morning and were picked up at the airport. After a local breakfast, we headed out to the Monkeys. This is a fair way out of town but it allowed us to ask questions along the way. Abdul was very experienced and gave us advice and suggestions as to timing and expectations. We also visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Orangutan Sactuary before being returned to the airport for our afternoon flight. It was an action packed day and something that would be hard to do without some local knowledge. Along the way we saw other international visitors who had joined a tour group and others who had rented a motorcycle. Our decision to contact Abdul was a good one. The day was fascinating, innteresting and free from stress. Find Abdul on whatsapp +60 11-1669 5114Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
- Sook Wei C4 contributionsWonderful experience.We had a lovely time. Only expected to see the proboscis monkeys but we saw our first hornbill which My husband and I have been looking out for throughout our stay in Sepilok. So it was a highlight for us. We also saw the silver leaf monkeys. Our driver Abdul took us from our resort and he was very informative along the way, stopping for us to take photos of the kingfisher bird and egret. Also took us to a nice place for lunch and waited for us. His WhatsApp no. Is 011-16695114 If you ever need a good guide.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Gina8 contributionsA little out of the way but gotta see the famous proboscis monkey !Make sure you check feeding times and allow enough time to reach there for it ! We had a lovely driver Abdul who looked after us and gave us lots of tips and recommendations. The monkeys were interesting and fun to watch!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 October 2023
- terileenCourtenay, Canada4 contributionsBest driverWe managed to get a Grab from Sepilok Nature resort . Our driver was Anuar and he was spectacular! For 100MYR he drove us there and pointed out things along the way (monitor lizard, hornbills, mudskippers). He then waited for us while we viewed the monkeys at platform A for their feeding. He was fully prepared to wait for us to watch another feeding on platform B but we were ready to head to our next destination. He safely delivered up to the Rainforest Conservation. I would highly recommend him as a driver instead of the shuttle that leaves you at the sanctuary all day. His number is +6017-863 1985Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 October 2023
- Tour190048726721 contributionThe Greatest Tour LeaderI had booked this tour for my birthday. This one was by far the best, with the tour leaders knowledge and clear English, he answers any questions you ask. I will never forget what Wildlife I saw what an incredible experience thank you very much for the unforgettable experience and memories. Also what a genuinely nice guy that deserves everything good come his way to him and his family.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 October 2023
- Carl M5 contributionsLast minute tripThanks to our driver Abdul Qayyum +601116695114 we managed to see the 4-30pm feeding of the monkeys, we decided last minute to fit this into our our tight itinerary, and he happily collected us and got us there in time,I can highly recommend him. We saw lots of the monkeys up close with their young ones in a good environment and enjoyed our trip thoroughly. They are so comical to watch.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Fiona C
Dubai, United Arab Emirates61 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Wow! We nearly didnt booknthis and we were so pleased we did! It was great - we went to the first feeding station which was busy but ok then headed to the cafe for lunch which was v cheap. After we war had the video of how the sanctuary happened Stephen fry narrates it well and it may not be suitable for all ages as there is footage of mating. The story however is really inspirational. It also made us really aware of the palm plantations and the impact on these animals. Off the 2nd feeding station which was quieter and larger and an absolute treat. We really enjoyed seeing the monkeys in action and appreciate the efforts going into their conservation. Brilliant trip not to be missed.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyHammer69
Port Macquarie, Australia926 contributions
Jan 2020
This centre is in a mangrove on private property where the monkeys live. The people that work here call the monkeys down by impersonating their calls and offering them food. We saw around 12-15 monkeys including two big males. They are impressive animals and well worth seeing.
There is quite a long dirt road in and out which everyone drives on very slowly.
We also saw water buffalo, cattle, hornbills and large monitor lizards swimming in the irrigation ditches.
The only downside to this visit were the hundreds of acres of palm oil trees you pass on the way in and out.
There is quite a long dirt road in and out which everyone drives on very slowly.
We also saw water buffalo, cattle, hornbills and large monitor lizards swimming in the irrigation ditches.
The only downside to this visit were the hundreds of acres of palm oil trees you pass on the way in and out.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliane
12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Visiting this place can be seen very critical. All the oil palms around the sanctuary that destroyed the habitat of the animals are owned by the same person who is earning quite a lot of money in my opinion with the little piece of habitat that is left for the monkeys. Anyhow, When you visit this place it is easy to get a grab car from Sepilok. The difficulty is to get a driver at the Sanctuary to get back to Sepilok. Normally there are no drivers there, espacially not in the afternoon. The last tourist bus is going back to Sepilok around 3 pm. If you want to stay longer for the afternoon feeding you definitely need to find a driver who drops you off, waits for you while you are visiting the Sanctuary and afterwards brings you back to Sepilok. Otherwise you will not get back to Sepilok. Of course they charge a fee for the waiting time but that's understandable. We can recommend Mr. Anzar anzaruddin38(at)gmail(dot)com. He made us a good price and showed us some other animals on the way and also explained a lot of things to us, gave us info about the area and even stopped on the way to let us take pictures.
My rating to this comment is meant for the sanctuary, not for the driver. I can really recommend the driver if you want to get there by car, but the Sanctuary itself might be less worth a visit. By the way, the driver also brings you to all other destinations like e. G. the kinabatangan river
My rating to this comment is meant for the sanctuary, not for the driver. I can really recommend the driver if you want to get there by car, but the Sanctuary itself might be less worth a visit. By the way, the driver also brings you to all other destinations like e. G. the kinabatangan river
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hankyspanks
Singapore, Singapore86 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
first off, most of the reviews here are designed to pair us travellers up with locals offering logistics solutions. no different for us so we’ll put up abdul’s name and contact here +60 11-1669 5114
tldr version, abdul communicates very well and speaks english (he makes a conscious effort to do so over whatsapp in the prep phase). we were only in sandakan for a day trip and he made a concerted effort to plan out an ideal itinerary to bring us to the best sites. we are a family of 4 adults and 2 kids.
labuk bay for proboscis is an eye-opener. if you’re going to go to sandakan to see the monkeys, then you’ll see plenty of them at labuk bay. we saw baboons, hornbills and giant mudskippers; there’s a forested area after the oil palm estate and a boardwalk over mangrove - should make you feel better about spending 60rm per overseas adult (30rm for kids under 12 years old).
not one to dwell over the ethics or logic behind such a venture; if you wanna go, labuk bay is the place to go to. and we highly recommend getting abdul to put together a plan for you.
tldr version, abdul communicates very well and speaks english (he makes a conscious effort to do so over whatsapp in the prep phase). we were only in sandakan for a day trip and he made a concerted effort to plan out an ideal itinerary to bring us to the best sites. we are a family of 4 adults and 2 kids.
labuk bay for proboscis is an eye-opener. if you’re going to go to sandakan to see the monkeys, then you’ll see plenty of them at labuk bay. we saw baboons, hornbills and giant mudskippers; there’s a forested area after the oil palm estate and a boardwalk over mangrove - should make you feel better about spending 60rm per overseas adult (30rm for kids under 12 years old).
not one to dwell over the ethics or logic behind such a venture; if you wanna go, labuk bay is the place to go to. and we highly recommend getting abdul to put together a plan for you.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruthielark
London, UK241 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Well worth a visit to see these amazing creatures- we took a Grab and the driver suggested we get him to wait for us which I’m usually reluctant to do but it was actually a great plan. The 2 feeding platforms are quite far to walk and there is zero WiFi or pretty much no chance to get a grab taxi back!
We went early to the first feeding and we’re lucky that only 3 others were there so we had a great experience up close and personal with monkeys doing EVERYTHING monkeys do! We then drove to the 2nd platform and saw the educational film about the sanctuary (they obviously put a fluffy spin on the story) and saw the feeding there.
Far more people at this time as I think the tours tend to catch the feedings just before/ after lunch in conjunction with other things on their itineraries so was glad to be able to come and go on our own time and to have our driver waiting to ship us back to our resort with ease at a very reasonable price.
Please visit these places with the mindset you are contributing to conservation- not just for what you might observe, it’s not a zoo!!
We went early to the first feeding and we’re lucky that only 3 others were there so we had a great experience up close and personal with monkeys doing EVERYTHING monkeys do! We then drove to the 2nd platform and saw the educational film about the sanctuary (they obviously put a fluffy spin on the story) and saw the feeding there.
Far more people at this time as I think the tours tend to catch the feedings just before/ after lunch in conjunction with other things on their itineraries so was glad to be able to come and go on our own time and to have our driver waiting to ship us back to our resort with ease at a very reasonable price.
Please visit these places with the mindset you are contributing to conservation- not just for what you might observe, it’s not a zoo!!
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jones Family
York, UK10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We had an amazing time with Abdul. We contacted him on arrival in Sepilok via WhatsApp +60 11-1669 5114 with a wish list for our stay. He helped us create an itinerary, starting the next day which meant we were able to see everything we wanted to in the limited time we had. He was very professional and knowledgeable about both the wildlife and local area. He took us to Labuk Bay where we saw lots of Proboscis monkeys, hornbills and other wildlife. We also took a city tour with him which he altered on the day to suit the interests of our teens. They loved Abdul and he made lots of effort to engage with them during the day. He was happy to stop for photographs at any point when he or us saw something of interest.
When we needed to cancel a trip due to the weather Abdul was understanding and had no issue with us doing so. When the weather picked up the next day we didn’t hesitate to contact him. It was very last minute and he was already booked but he gave us the number of Rahim + 60 17-832 2285 who we would also highly recommend. He drove us two hours to Kinabatangan where we saw wild orangutans and Pygmy elephants. I went alone on this particular trip as a single woman with my teenage son and felt safe and comfortable the whole time.
When we needed to cancel a trip due to the weather Abdul was understanding and had no issue with us doing so. When the weather picked up the next day we didn’t hesitate to contact him. It was very last minute and he was already booked but he gave us the number of Rahim + 60 17-832 2285 who we would also highly recommend. He drove us two hours to Kinabatangan where we saw wild orangutans and Pygmy elephants. I went alone on this particular trip as a single woman with my teenage son and felt safe and comfortable the whole time.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl M
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Thanks to our driver Abdul Qayyum +601116695114 we managed to see the 4-30pm feeding of the monkeys, we decided last minute to fit this into our our tight itinerary, and he happily collected us and got us there in time,I can highly recommend him.
We saw lots of the monkeys up close with their young ones in a good environment and enjoyed our trip thoroughly.
They are so comical to watch.
We saw lots of the monkeys up close with their young ones in a good environment and enjoyed our trip thoroughly.
They are so comical to watch.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markievicz
6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
For the cost 60MYR it is difficult to see what you are paying for. . Maybe covid shutdown had hit this place badly, but travelling over unpaved roads for up to almost 3k with barely existent signage to 2 feeding platforms. This experience is more akin to a safari park in that at feeding time the platform was practically over run with probiscous monkeys. There is no shuttle anymore from anywhere and I was lucky to get drivers from ehaiiling apps who had never been there before as I don't believe they would have come otherwise the return journey I waited an hour for. A lot of reviews seem to feature drivers more than the place. V suspect!
While there may be a lot more wild life to see, there is encouragement to do so, no signage, no paths, no advice. There is a cafe at Platform B with much needed drinks.The website is glossy but the placed is tired ragged and needs a lot of TLC.
While there may be a lot more wild life to see, there is encouragement to do so, no signage, no paths, no advice. There is a cafe at Platform B with much needed drinks.The website is glossy but the placed is tired ragged and needs a lot of TLC.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FELMI
Paris, France602 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
After intensive deforestation to plant oil palm trees, a small area of forest was preserved for wildlife. This nature reserve has a fairly high entrance price for foreigners (3 times less for locals). At the time of my visit, no restaurant open or drinks sold. You need to find out about meal times, because the famous monkeys only come out of the forest at this time. Otherwise, there is nothing to see. The spectacle is striking when the meal is distributed. Several dozen monkeys suddenly emerge from the foliage and feed in a well-established hierarchical order among themselves. After about half an hour, they disappeared into the forest. The two observation decks are well appointed. A recommended visit to see these monkeys up close, in complete safety. Access by car essential, via a road partly in very poor condition through the immense palm plantations which have replaced the forest throughout this region.
Written 16 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chi K
Da Nang, Vietnam8 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We were lucky to find Anzar to be our driver. He is a gem!! Safe driver, helpful, kind and honest. Comfortable car with no loud music playing. We visited Labuk Proboscis Monkeys and Rainforest Discovery Center (great walking trail, we were there twice). Both places were worth visiting. You could add Orangutan Sanctuary to the itinerary for a little extra around $5 but we chose not to. The following day we ran into Anzar while waiting for a public bus. He called the bus driver to inform him that we were waiting and we were picked up with little wait. Anzar can be contacted via Whatsapp +60178217605
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is there a place to store our luggage while we tour, and if there are separate charges?
Written 9 July 2022
How close is the restaurant to platform A and platform B. Is there enough time between the morning feeds to go and have breakfast? Do you have to walk everywhere or is there a vehicle between platforms?
Written 23 May 2020
Didn’t know there were two platforms! we were part of a tour that arrived at Platform A for the 11.30 feeding time and had an amazing visit staying for 30/40 mins. You really do get up very close and personal. Once would have been sufficient for me. We did the orangutans, monkeys and sun bears on the same tour.
Written 24 May 2020
Apart from providing them with a little land, what does the sanctuary do for the well-being of the animals? In terms of feeding, do they get a well balanced appropriate diet? One review mentioned bread???? How is the profit from the visitors spent? Is it reinvested into the sanctuary? Is the sanctuary well maintained?
Written 11 January 2020
As I know the management is doing very good, well maintain and keep clean of the area. For feeding time 11:30am and 4:30pm at platform B is much comfortable and safe for tourists to visit. Some more tourists can walk around and walk-in to walk way to the forest area. For B platform you can see the Silver Leaf Monkey, Proboscis monkey and Hornbill bird. If platform A, you can’t see them. You only can see Proboscis monkey. For me, I do prefer platform B and not so hot at this point. Even can get closer for viewing. Those workers feeding bread without sugar and green cumber to Proboscis monkey. As for Silver Leaf monkey, they eat green long beans only. Some times you might see the monitor Lizard walk pass by at the area.
That is a canteen (cafe)at the platform B.
Written 14 January 2020
Can you pay here by credit/debit card, or is it cash only?
Written 17 August 2019
Nope , they dont receive credit card as payment , all done by cash , for adult its rm60 , happy holidays
Written 18 August 2019
Hello. Is it safe around this place? I am Japanese and Japan issue travel warning level 3 on Sandakan, avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security such as pirates and kidnapping of foreigners.
How are the safety of Sandakan and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary? I would like to go to this sanctuary but can't decide...
Written 28 October 2018
This area is very safe. You can go with tour guide if your concerns are language barriers. Generally people speaks english. Crime rate is very low in the area too.
Written 3 November 2018
Today, i m suppose to take the shuttle service to the place, but was told by the driver that for Malaysia minimum 2 to go... what the monkey business is this ??
Written 22 September 2018
All our travel while in Sandakan area was done with our guide Christopher, so sorry cannot help. But could it be that nobody else had booked for today & shuttle service is minimum of 2 people.
Written 22 September 2018
I will be on sandakan on 24 th february. How o can get to labuk bay and orangutan sanctuary in one day?. Someone can recommend some cheap transport and wanna join ? If we rent a Taxi we can share a cost. Aneway i am with my boyfriend and we arę looking on some cheapest options. Thank you
Written 18 February 2018
Hi. I will be on Sandakan airport on24th February. We would like to arrange trip to orangutan sanktuary and to labuk bay proboscis in one day. I am looking some good and cheap Driver, how cost is it? Someone wanna join and Share cost? Aneta
Written 18 February 2018
hello, soon I will visit Labuk Bay proboscis Monkey S. . What's the best way to reach the Santuary from Sandakan ?
any trasport from this sanctuary to the Moon bear S. ? looking forward to receive your reply. thanks emilia
Written 30 July 2017
Just get a taxi from your hotel and then get them to wait for you. Your hotel desk can make the arragements and the taxis are happy to wait. The moon bear sanctuary is not at all close to the proboscis monkeys as it is right across the road from the orangutang rehabilitation centre, but that is a good 30 minute or so taxi ride from the monkeys.
Written 31 July 2017
Hi,
I am wondering how you dare promote this as a sanctuary since the owners of this deceitful enterprise are RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS & the destruction of a genuine habitat for others in the first place??
Written 22 July 2017
Nonsense only a handful are kept and its a tiny amount of forest ( have seen bigger gardens). All the monkeys (7-10) stay outside the office\shop.Local tourists pulling at them and taking ridiculous selfies with no respect for animals. not wild nor natural. Cats everywhere for petes sake. It's a Petting zoo ( in a back garden) for the ignorant who are too lazy to see real deal and just want to take the picture for those at home. Hypocrisy if I ever saw it. Go if you want to see them but don't pretend you contribute to conservation
Written 2 August 2017
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