Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Sandakan
See endangered proboscis monkeys up close at Labuk Bay Sanctuary, nestled in a unique oil palm plantation setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Monkeys are most active and visible.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Sandakan
Best Time
Monkeys are most active and visible.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
See endangered proboscis monkeys up close at Labuk Bay Sanctuary, nestled in a unique oil palm plantation setting.
"It's amazing to see these monkeys in a semi protected environment. "
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times
Don't miss feeding times! They're crucial for seeing the monkeys. Check schedules beforehand. :alarm_clock:
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the sanctuary can be bumpy. Consider a private driver for comfort. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Proboscis Monkey Feeding Frenzy
Feeding Platforms A & B
Witness the iconic proboscis monkeys up close during their feeding times. Their large noses and unique behaviors are a sight to behold.
Close Encounters with Wildlife
Sanctuary grounds
Get incredibly close to proboscis monkeys, silver leaf langurs, and hornbills in a semi-protected environment.
Unique Plantation Setting
Oil palm plantation
Experience wildlife viewing deep within an oil palm plantation, offering a unique juxtaposition of nature and agriculture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Monkey Sightings
Navigating the Plantation Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times
Don't miss feeding times! They're crucial for seeing the monkeys. Check schedules beforehand.
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the sanctuary can be bumpy. Consider a private driver for comfort. :car:
🐒 Observe Monkey Behavior
Watch them interact and feed; it's fascinating even if not in the wild. :monkey_face:
📸 Capture Unique Noses
The proboscis monkey's large nose is their defining feature. Get your shots!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times
Don't miss feeding times! They're crucial for seeing the monkeys. Check schedules beforehand.
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the sanctuary can be bumpy. Consider a private driver for comfort. :car:
🐒 Observe Monkey Behavior
Watch them interact and feed; it's fascinating even if not in the wild. :monkey_face:
📸 Capture Unique Noses
The proboscis monkey's large nose is their defining feature. Get your shots!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get warm and humid. Bring water, especially if you're driving yourself. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Labuk Bay an amazing place to see proboscis monkeys up close in a semi-protected environment, especially during feeding times. While the journey can involve rough roads and the experience is commercial, many appreciate the conservation effort and the unique opportunity to observe these endangered primates and other wildlife like langurs and hornbills.
"It's amazing to see these monkeys in a semi protected environment. Apart from seeing them during feeding time at platforms there are no other activities to do. Sanctuary is 1h from Sandakan by car (we've took private driver). There is a restaurant at platform. I advice to visit the place to sustain the project."
Matteo Salamone
"A commercial way of saving some of the endgered proboscis monkeys. Yes, it is a for-profit activity. Yes, it is done by the oil palm plantation owner. But still it is better than turning the terrain to more plantation land. Monkes keep some of their living terrain, they are feed (kinda like in a zoo), but they continue to live in a free terrain (not in cages), and are not force-feed. A small win for conservation effort."
Radek Walczak
"the place is so unexpected. like deep into the palm oil plantation. with no proper tar road. but its fun watching the monkey."
Anis Jamaludin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located about an hour's drive from Sandakan, at Mile 19. Many visitors opt for a private driver or taxi for convenience, as the road can be rough. Some find driving around Sandakan manageable for timing their visit.
The road leading to the sanctuary is described as pretty rough and not always a proper tar road, especially as you get deeper into the oil palm plantation. While it's part of the adventure for some, a private driver might offer a more comfortable experience.
Information on ride-sharing availability directly to the sanctuary is limited. It's advisable to arrange transport in advance, especially for the return journey, or consider a tour package.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is open 365 days a year from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Yes, many tour operators in Sandakan offer packages that include a visit to Labuk Bay, often combined with other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't always listed, it's a for-profit activity. It's recommended to check current admission fees upon arrival or through tour operators.
Advance booking is generally not required for general entry, but it's always a good idea to check their operational status, especially if visiting during off-peak seasons or holidays.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the sanctuary or your tour provider if you are part of a group or have specific needs.
Admission typically grants access to the sanctuary grounds and viewing platforms. The main attraction is observing the monkeys, especially during feeding times.
Yes, the sanctuary is generally suitable for all ages. Children often find the close encounters with the monkeys exciting.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
The best times are during the scheduled feeding sessions. Platform A feeds at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, while Platform B feeds at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
Besides the proboscis monkeys, you can also spot Silver Leaf Langurs and various species of Hornbills lounging about the sanctuary grounds.
While you can get very close, direct interaction is discouraged to maintain the animals' natural behavior and safety. Feeding is done by sanctuary staff during scheduled times.
There is a restaurant located at Platform A where you can dine while observing the monkeys. Basic amenities are available.
It's a semi-protected environment within an oil palm plantation. The monkeys are fed but live in a free terrain, not cages, and are not force-fed, making it a conservation effort.
📸 📸 Photography
Be patient and wait for them to come to the feeding platforms. Use a zoom lens to get clear shots without disturbing them. Capture their distinctive large noses!
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, avoid using flash photography directly at the animals, as it can startle them.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended to capture details from a distance. A telephoto lens can be very useful.
You might spot monkeys around the sanctuary grounds outside of feeding times, but they are less likely to be as visible or active.
Yes, you might also get opportunities to photograph Silver Leaf Langurs and various Hornbills that frequent the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The feeding times are a highlight, providing guaranteed sightings and a chance for children to see these unique animals up close. The sanctuary is generally accessible, and the close encounters make for memorable family photos and stories. Pro-tip for families: Pack snacks and drinks, as options might be limited. Ensure children understand the importance of not disturbing the animals. The rough road leading to the sanctuary might be a bit bumpy for very young children, so consider this when planning your transport.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The feeding platforms provide relatively stable vantage points, and with a good zoom lens, you can get impressive close-ups. Beyond the proboscis monkeys, keep an eye out for Silver Leaf Langurs and various hornbill species that inhabit the area, offering diverse photographic subjects.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Lovers
Beyond the main attraction, the presence of other wildlife like langurs and hornbills adds to the biodiversity experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Proboscis Monkey
The monkeys are also known for their pot-bellied appearance, a result of their specialized digestive system that allows them to process leaves, seeds, and unripe fruits. Seeing these primates in a semi-protected environment like Labuk Bay offers a unique chance to observe their social structures and behaviors up close. While not their true wild habitat, the sanctuary provides a crucial space for conservation and allows visitors to appreciate these remarkable creatures.
It's important to remember that these monkeys are wild animals, even within the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that could disturb their natural routines. The conservation efforts at places like Labuk Bay are vital for the survival of the proboscis monkey, making a visit both educational and impactful.
Conservation Efforts and Sanctuary Operations
This model allows visitors to witness the proboscis monkeys in a relatively controlled setting, contributing financially to the ongoing conservation project through their admission fees.
Visitors often note the unique experience of seeing these animals so close, even if it's not in their completely natural, undisturbed environment. The sanctuary's operation, despite its commercial nature, is seen by many as a positive step for conservation, offering a chance to sustain the project and protect the monkeys.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit