Exploring the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sandakan, Sabah promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter. This half-day tour offers a chance to observe the captivating proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. With convenient transportation and expert guidance, visitors can get up-close photography opportunities while learning about the unique behaviors of these fascinating primates. The tour’s reasonable pricing makes it an accessible option for nature enthusiasts seeking an enriching experience. What else can travelers expect from this remarkable sanctuary?
Key Points
- A half-day tour to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sandakan, Malaysia, costs $160.69 per person.
- The tour includes a 40-minute bus/coach ride, a 3-hour guided tour, and opportunities to observe and photograph proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
- Pickup from Sandakan accommodations and return transportation are provided, and the tour includes an English-speaking guide and entrance fees.
- Visitors can observe proboscis monkeys during feeding times and learn about their behaviors, as well as see other wildlife like silver leaf monkeys and pig-tailed macaques.
- Recommended items to bring include a passport, comfortable shoes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for personal expenses and any additional fees.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary offers a half-day tour that costs from $160.69 per person.
The 6-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund and the option to reserve your spot without immediate payment.
With the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary tour, you can reserve your spot without immediate payment and cancel up to 24 hours for a full refund.
Transportation via a 40-minute bus/coach ride to the sanctuary is provided, along with an English-speaking guided tour lasting 3 hours.
The tour allows visitors to observe proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in their natural habitat during feeding times and learn about the animals’ behaviors.
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Itinerary and Transportation
As part of the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary tour, visitors are picked up from their Sandakan accommodations and transported to the sanctuary via a 40-minute bus or coach ride.
The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample time to explore the sanctuary and observe the proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat.
The tour includes:
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Sightseeing and walking through the sanctuary
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Learning about the behaviors of the proboscis monkeys during feeding times
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Opportunities to capture close-up photos of the unique and distinctive-looking primates
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Return transportation to Sandakan after the tour
Wildlife Experience
While the main attraction of the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is the opportunity to observe the unique proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, visitors can also spot a variety of other wildlife during the tour.
The sanctuary is home to silver leaf monkeys, pig-tailed macaques, Oriental Pied hornbills, otters, white-bellied woodpeckers, and kingfishers.
Visitors can watch the proboscis monkeys during their feeding times and learn about their fascinating behaviors.
The sanctuary offers the best chance to capture close-up photos of these captivating primates.
Included and Excluded Services
Included in the tour package are hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide to accompany visitors throughout the experience.
However, several services aren’t included in the price:
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Meals and drinks
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities
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Camera fees
Visitors are advised to bring cash for any additional expenses they may incur during the tour.
Following the sanctuary’s rules and guidelines, such as not smoking, consuming alcohol, or using non-biodegradable products, is also essential for a responsible and enjoyable wildlife experience.
More Great Tours NearbyRecommended Items to Bring
Visitors to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary are recommended to bring a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These items will enhance the wildlife viewing and photography opportunities at the sanctuary.
| Item | Reason |
| — | — |
| Passport | For park entry |
| Comfortable Shoes | For the guided walking tour |
| Camera | To capture amazing proboscis monkey shots |
| Biodegradable Sunscreen | To protect against the tropical sun |
| Cash | For any additional expenses |
Following these recommendations will help visitors make the most of their half-day adventure at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Rules and Guidelines
Visitors to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary must follow a few important rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both themselves and the wildlife.
First, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Secondly, visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from the monkeys and not attempt to feed or touch them.
Plus, the use of flash photography isn’t allowed, as it can disturb the animals.
Lastly, visitors are expected to stay on the designated paths and trails throughout the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
While the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is open year-round, the best time to visit largely depends on the weather and the monkeys’ activity levels.
The dry season from March to September typically offers the best conditions for sighting the monkeys. During this time, the monkeys are more active and visible as they forage for food.
Visitors should also aim to visit during the morning or late afternoon when the proboscis monkeys are most active.
Visiting during the rainy season from October to February may result in fewer sightings, as the monkeys tend to be less active in wet weather.
Getting to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Getting to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is relatively straightforward. Most visitors depart from the city of Sandakan, located approximately 40 minutes away.
The sanctuary can be reached by:
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Taking a pre-arranged tour bus or coach
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Renting a private vehicle and self-driving
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Joining a group tour from Sandakan
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Using a ride-sharing service or taxi
The well-marked roads make the journey easy, and the sanctuary’s location is well-signposted.
With advance planning, getting to this unique wildlife destination is a breeze, allowing visitors to focus on the incredible proboscis monkey sightings during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks to the sanctuary. However, they can purchase refreshments at the on-site canteen. It’s important to follow the sanctuary’s rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
There’s no minimum group size required for this activity. Travelers can book as individuals or with their own group of any size. The tour operates with small groups to provide an intimate wildlife experience.
Do I Need to Book in Advance or Can I Purchase Tickets On-Site?
Travelers can purchase tickets on-site, but booking in advance is recommended to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Advance booking also allows travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.
Are There Any Special Photography Rules or Restrictions?
There are no special photography rules, but visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from the wildlife and follow sanctuary guidelines. Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography may be restricted to avoid disturbing the animals.
Can I Interact or Feed the Proboscis Monkeys?
Visitors aren’t allowed to interact with or feed the proboscis monkeys. They’re wild animals, and the sanctuary’s rules prohibit direct contact to ensure the monkeys’ safety and well-being. Keeping a safe distance is important during the guided tour.
The Sum Up
The Half Day Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sandakan offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The guided tour provides close-up photography experiences and insights into the monkeys’ behavior. With convenient transportation and an enriching wildlife adventure, it’s an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.
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