Proboscis Monkey - Kinabatangan River - Borneo

Proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. They are usually found in mangrove, nipah and lowland forests along rivers' edges. The adult male weighs approx. 20 to 25 kg and has a long pendulous nose, big bloated belly and a long thick tail. Female, on the other hand, weighs 10 to 15 kg and features a small pointed nose (above a young male).

In the evening, proboscis monkeys find tall tree branches by the river side, which they will hug to sleep upon night fall.

Borneo Pygmy Elephant (6)

This elephant had a hard time climbing back onto the muddy riverbank. It looks almost gracious on this image!

Borneo Pygmy Elephant (5)

Elephants would come to the riverside by the end of the day, when the sun is not scorching. They are good swimmers, leaving most of their body in the water, the trump popping up like a snorkel.

Borneo Pygmy Elephant (4)

A bull Borneo pygmy elephant with his impressive tusks.

Borneo Pygmy Elephant (3)

As Borneo pygmy elephant live in herd, they follow a migratory pattern in search of food. While some lands along the Kinabatangan river have been earmarked as sanctuary, others belong to palm plantation owners that have the right to convert the existing forest into plantation. Some NGOs have been buying lands to ensure that migratory path of the elephants are maintain but that takes time and money.

Borneo Pygmy Elephant (2)

Female Borneo pygmy elephant by the riverbank.

Based on a study made in 2010, the total population of Borneo pygmy elephants is estimated at 2'000. They live in the North / Northeastern part of Borneo and travel along migratory routes in herds that can count up to 50 animals.

Borneo Pygmy Elephant - Kinabatangan River (1)

Just after arriving at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we are being told that a herd of Borneo pygmy elephants had been spotted not far from the lodge. In order not to miss this opportunity, a boat is promptly organized and, shortly after the welcome drink and a quick drop of the luggage in our rooms, we are back out on the river full of excitement to try to sight this rare animal. Lucky we were. Elephants are following migration paths and we just happened to arrive when they were enjoying the fresh grass by the riverside...

Kinabatangan River - Borneo

Typical accommodation along the Kinabatangan River, on the way up to Sukau.

Kinabatangan River - Borneo - Malaysia

Located on Borneo Island in the Malaysian territory, the Kinabatangan river is 560km long and features one of the World's richest ecosystem. The lower basin of the river is the largest forest covered flood plain in Malaysia and has the largest concentration of wildlife in the South East Asia region, home to proboscis monkeys, orangutans, the endemic Borneo pygmy elephants and salt water crocodiles among other animals. In 2006, an area of 270 sq km of flood plain was gazetted as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.



The plan was to stay for a couple of days at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which offer boat trips in the area, the best way to discover the local fauna. To reach Sukau, we went upriver approx. 85km from Sandakan. Great trip, with our boat zigzagging in the main channel of the river, between mangrove trees.

Sunset stroll by the sea - Kota Kinabalu

The sun had just set over the islands fronting the seaside broadwalk of Kota Kinabalu.

Vintage Austin - Detail

The Sabah State Museum displays a few vintage cars with the history of their ownership and date of arrival in the state. Above are details of an Austin, with its particular hood badge.

Traditional House - Heritage Village

A more basic structure with floor board made of bamboo. All houses are built on stilt to reduce humidity indoor in all weathers.

Traditional House - Heritage Village

An interesting site to visit in Kota Kinabalu is the Heritage Village by the Sabah State Museum. The Heritage Village features sample of traditional houses of the various indigenous group that populate Sabah.

Hawkers in Kotal Kinabalu

Sea side is extremely busy as the night fall with hundreds of hawkers, offering a large array of barbecued sea food as well as chicken wings, satay and corns.

Kota Kinabalu by Night

The main attractions of Kota Kinabalu at night would be the hawkers along the sea front as well as the night market.

Flight to Borneo

First sight over the island of Borneo with a view of the Mount Kinabalu (summit at 4'095m) piercing through the clouds.