Size matters for Malaysia's monkeys

This young probsocis monkey is not well-endowed, nasally speaking.

By John Geary

While size may not matter for human males, if you’re a proboscis monkey, size is everything.

At least as far as your nose is concerned. The male with the biggest schnoz is the one who always seems to get the most attention from the ladies.

If you want to see some well-endowed male proboscis monkeys flaunting their big, nasal money-makers, Malaysia’s Bako National Park is the place to go. Established in 1957, it is the oldest national park in Sarawak, and at just over 2700 hectares in size, one of the smaller ones. Located on the island of Borneo, a half-hour drive from the city of Kuching to Bako Market, coupled with a half-hour boat ride from the market to the park deposits you at the park jetty, just minutes away from a boardwalk that leads you to its interior hiking trails.

If you’re lucky, you may see the monkeys right along the boardwalk that crosses a swampy area, perched in trees to forage for seeds, leaves, mangrove shoots and unripe fruit. However, you may need to hike along one of the trails to see them.

They are an endangered species, with estimates ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 living in the wild, and found only on Borneo.

You’ll see other primates as you explore the park, as well. Long-tailed macaques frequent the area, and sometimes even block the trail you’re walking on. Silver-leaf monkeys are present, and if you’re really lucky, you might spy a flying lemur nestled up in a tree.

MORE WILDLIFE

Animals other than primates call the park home. Two species of otters live there. The Borneo bearded pig is the largest mammal found in the park

Wagler’s pit vipers can be found hanging in the trees. It’s the park’s only poisonous snake. Other cold-blooded denizens of Bako include the whip snake and paradise tree snake. Water monitors, green-crested lizards and flying lizards also make it their home.

It’s a great place for birders, as well, as more than 150 species of birds have been recorded. Two species of hornbills (the official bird of Sarawak) reside here. White-bellied sea eagles and kingfisher are also spotted regularly.

HIKING AT VARIOUS LEVELS

There’s something for everyone in the park, as its extensive trail system includes 16 colour-coded jungle trails, offering a range of walking and hiking options. You can opt for full-day jungle hikes or overnight camping expeditions, or, if you prefer, you can choose to take relaxing forest walks.

Visitors can camp in tents, stay in hostels, or book a forest lodge.

For more information about visiting the park, go to Tourism Malaysia.