Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

After Sepilok, we then off to Labuk Bay to see the Proboscis monkey. Unlike the Orang Utan which can be found in Sumatera, Proboscis monkey (commonly known as Monyet Belanda or Bayau) is pretty exclusive because they can only be found on the island of Borneo! The sanctuary is situated at the centre of a mangrove forest along the coastal land near Samawang Village. Took us about an hour to reach the place from Sepilok. The sanctuary offers perfect Proboscis monkeys observation spot for anyone who wants to have a closer look at these very special monkeys. 

We were welcomed with a slightly terrifying act of one of the monkeys there who ran past us as if to attack someone. Thankfully nobody was hurt. Just like when we were in Sepilok it was exciting to see the monkeys up close in their natural habitat. These monkeys were beyond energetic. Lots of leaping from tree to tree.

"The leaping act is superb, fast, steady, stylish and perfect."

Source HERE

Completely different from the laid back Orang Utan. However, it is advisable not to try to touch them because you wouldn't want to get hurt. They may appear tame but bear in mind that these creatures are stronger than human.

Other than the Proboscis monkey you can also see other species of monkey at the sanctuary. We did see one but I don't know what its name. Also, if you're lucky you get the opportunity to see the hornbill. To be honest, I'm not so much into animals but I enjoyed myself during our visit to the sanctuary. Definitely worth the 15MYR.

After the road trip, I felt like I needed to know more about the Proboscis monkey and the work done at the sanctuary so I googled them. While at the sanctuary there is not much you can learn about this species of monkey as there is no explicit explanation given and not much information about the monkey being put up. I don't know if I mislooked on this and I hope that wasn't the case.

I personally think that visitor should have access to information about this monkey while at the sanctuary. There may be people who went there and know nothing what's so special about this type of monkey other than its features. Only after I googled for some information that I know that the male is always aroused. Yes, you heard it here first. Haha. 

I would suggest everyone to go and see this endangered species. For me it was very special to actually saw these monkeys up close. So go and see these monkeys.

To read more about the Proboscis monkey you should check out THIS website. 

Till then,

Sepilok, Sandakan

On our first day in Sandakan we woke up very early in the morning to get ready because we wanted to go to Sepilok which is quite far from the main town where we stayed. Plus, we were still not used to the road there and we need to use GPS/WAZE. After having Coto (Yes, they spelled and pronounced it that way) Makassar for breakfast we then off to our destination.

We reached Sepilok before nine. The ticket counter opens at nine but it's a good thing to arrive early. At least we didn't have to rush to catch the feeding time. It was still early when we got our tickets so we went into the video room to listen to a short briefing about the centre. Always a good feeling to learn new things.

After the briefing we then went to the feeding platform. It was about 10 minutes walk by the trail provided. During our visit we got to see the Orang Utan up close which was pretty exciting. While there we were advised to take extra careful with our belongings because the Orang Utan is a cheeky creature who loves fancy and flashy stuffs. Very cheeky.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1964. Its main purpose is to rehabilitate orphan Orang Utan. By visiting the centre we get the opportunity to watch the Man of Forest up close in their natural habitat. The Orang Utan can be seen during feeding time which is twice a day at 10am and 3pm. The centre open daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm. On Friday it open from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 4.00pm. It is much more convenient if you have a car to get to the centre as it is approximately 23KM from the town.

Admission fee:

(Malaysian)
Above 17 years old         = RM 5
17 years old and below   = RM 2

(Non-Malaysian)
Above 17 years old         = RM30
17 years old and below   = RM15

*Camera, camcorders, camera phones will be charged RM10.00

Stealing the show from the Orang Utan. Too cute!

This is one cheeky Orang Utan. Minding it own business and vainly posing for the camera. It was entertaining to watch.

The Orang Utan being fed.

At the platform.

I hope y'all have a good day!

Till then.

Road Trip (Sandakan - Kinabatangan)

“And maybe it was childish, this old urge to explore for exploring's

 sake.” 

― Ransom Riggs

Who doesn't fancy road trip? Not me. I have always wanted to do a road trip. My friends and I did one time but it was only a short ride for me and most of our plans were cancelled due to the earthquake few months ago. This time it was a five hours drive to the places I've never been to. Okay, I did passed them for I don't know how many times and it doesn't count. 

"Have you been to Sandakan?"
"No, I just passed by."
"Oh."

I am sure no one wants conversation like that. I surely don't want. Therefore, my friends and I planned a road trip to Sandakan and Kinabatangan. We asked few people if they wanted to join us. They said yes and that's how we ended up road tripping for three days. I'll write about all the places we went to part by part. It is easier that way. 

It was a tiring trip but it was definitely a memorable and wonderful trip. So here are some of the photos we took throughout our trip in no particular order.

Sandakan Town

The road to Labuk Bay

Our dorm. We actually spent our first night in another place but I didn't take picture of the place.

Hiking up to get to the top of Agop Batu Tulug.

Inside the Gomantong Cave, Samud Hitam. This place is massive.

Don't just look around. Take the time to read the information boards. They are there for a reason. You never know you might learn something new. I know I learnt a lot during this visit. 

At the Puu Jih Shih Temple entrance.

Till then. 

Malacca Part II ( Budget Trip )

On our second day, we checked out from the place we stayed in for a night at around 9am ( because check out time was usually at 12pm ). We left our belongings under the supervision of the hotel's receptionist so that easier for us to move around.

We planned to feed ourselves first but the shops around there were not open yet even though it's almost 10 in the morning. So we went on with exploring the town. First stop was A Famosa! Growing up I remember seeing pictures of this historical landmark on television, books and newspapers. Finally, I got to see it through my own eyes. But what I didn't expect was it's actually not the size I thought it were. I mean, it used to be a port that protected Malacca from enemies, isn't it? So I imagined it to be tall and big. Mighty looking. Blame on my expectation.

Then, we hiked up a bit to see the St. Paul's Church and the Dutch's Graveyard. We were lucky to get there early before the other tourists came. We had the whole place to ourselves and we are free to take pictures without people suddenly walk by and also not feeling awkward posing for the camera. Plus, the silence got me imagining how the church were back then. In fact, I was imagining how Malacca used to look like the whole time I was there. Inside the church, there are old tombstones being displayed. The tombstones are actually from an old burial vault that were excavated in 1930 and then affixed to the church's walls. Might not be a good idea to visit the place at night :)

Our next stop was the Maritime Museum ( Flora de Lamar ). The museum was a replica of the Portuguese ship which sank in the coast of Malacca while on its way to Portugal. I know some people think museum is boring and stuff but I like it. A lot. If not because of time constrained I could spend hours in there. There are a lot of things we could learn about the early history of Malacca. There are also collection of ship models being displayed there. If you are a history enthusiast then this place might just right for you. Plus, the interior design of the museum was also interesting. We also went to the Samudera Museum near the Maritime Museum. Not many people there compare to the Maritime Museum, I don't know why.

From there, we headed for a lunch and then the Taming Sari Tower. If you are afraid of height, then think twice because well, you might just fainted. Hehe. Nothing much to say about this one. If you are keen to see the view of the Selat Melaka then this is how. Go to Taming Sari Tower. After Taming Sari, we then went to see the Stadhuys but it was close at that time. But it's alright since we had seen much of the historical city. We went back to Jonker Street and bought some souvenir. We walked some more and saw few other interesting things there ( like the Kling Mosque ). Because it was almost two, we decided to grab a taxi and headed back to our hotel to get our stuffs then to Malacca Sentral again and off to Johor we went.

The Dutch's Graveyard

St. Paul's Church

The Maritime Museum

Collection of ship models. Can I have one? They're so cool.

Details. Details. Details. 

Lesson learned from Jonker :)

Till then :)