The proboscis monkeys are one of the strangest and most endangered primates in the world so a visit to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary located in the centre of the mangrove forest of Semawang about 38 kilometres from Sandakan is yet another highlight of this trip. The monkeys are native only to Borneo and only about 7000 proboscis monkeys remain in the wild as of today and 2000 of them are in Sabah. Their number has decreased significantly over the years due to loss of habitat through deforestation and hunting. My 5 year-old granddaughter calls these the "biscuit" monkeys and I know she will be delighted to see all of my photos.

This is a privately owned sanctuary which is located in an oil palm estate. This sanctuary grants you the chance of observing the Proboscis Monkeys up close via the observation platforms at feeding times where they receive a supplementary diet. Feeding takes place at Platform A at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm and at Platform B at 11.30 am and 4.30 pm. At most feeding times groups of proboscis monkeys descend from the nearby forest and mangroves and head to the wooden platform for a free meal. The staff feed the monkeys beans, cucumbers and pancakes. In the wild proboscis monkeys survive mainly on a diet of leaves, seeds, and unripe fruits but will occasionally consume insects as well.

Proboscis monkeys are famously named for the enormous, pendant, tongue-shaped noses of adult males; those of juveniles and females are shorter and upturned. The male Proboscis monkeys also have reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, pot bellies and a permanently erect red penis. Male proboscis monkeys grow up to 66 to 76.2 cm tall and weigh around 20 kilograms. Females measure 53.3 to 62 cm in length and weigh 7 to 12 kg. Proboscis monkeys are the world's best primate swimmers and have even developed webbed feet to assist them. Proboscis monkeys swim with a powerful and confident dog-paddle, but they can also dive and propel themselves for distance beneath the surface.

Proboscis monkeys generally live in groups (known as harems) composed of one adult male, some adult females and their offspring. All-male groups may also exist (known as bachelor groups). Group size varies with some groups containing up to 30 individuals and it is not uncommon for females to switch groups. Females attain sexual maturity at five years old. Both sexes can initiate mating and do so by making pouting faces. Females present themselves and shake their heads from side to side. Males may vocalize.

We saw females with babies clinging tightly to their bellies as they ate and gazed around them and huge males 'galloped' across the wooden decking of the boardwalk, making a fantastic percussive sound as they did so. There was a few "spats" as different monkeys stood their ground.

We also saw a troop of silvered leaf monkeys (silvery langur). They have a long slender body that is usually grey in colour, silver on top and then they have white along the front of their face. Of greater interest is that the babies have distinctive red/orange fur. The Silvered Leaf Monkey lives in social groups and they are extremely protective of each other. They are usually timid but they have been known to become aggressive when they feel they or their family is going to be threatened. Their diet consists of leaves, nuts, and fruits as well as termites and other insects. The local people here also call them "Beckham" monkey saying they look like David Beckham of football fame!

You will never forget seeing the proboscis monkey....be it in the wild along the Kinabatangan River(as we did a few days ago) or here in the sanctuary. None of the monkeys seemed to care in the least that they were the objects of great admiration and a lot of photo-taking and at times you had to step out of their way!!