Proboscis Monkey Riverine Congregation (Kinabatangan River, Borneo) — Klias National Park

About this spectacle

As dusk approaches along the Kinabatangan River, flat-bottomed boats drift silently beneath the jungle canopy while proboscis monkeys — the bulbous-nosed, pot-bellied primates found only on Borneo — descend from the forest interior to roost in riverside trees. Groups of males, females, and juveniles gather in conspicuous numbers, their loud honking calls echoing across the water. Visitors watch from the boat as the animals leap acrobatically between branches, occasionally plunging into the river and swimming across with surprising speed. The golden light of sunset silhouettes the treetops and reflects off the dark water, framing one of Southeast Asia's most charismatic wildlife displays. The Klias wetlands near the river delta offer a similar experience on a smaller scale. Fireflies often begin flickering in riverside vegetation as the sky darkens, adding another layer to the evening spectacle.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Mar — Aug

Getting there

Nearest airport: BKI. Nearest city: Kota Kinabalu.

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