Klias Wetland, Sabah

Known locally as the orang belanda, the bizarre looking primate is now enjoying `celebrity’ status with tourists as far as Australia, Japan, Taiwan, China and Europe flocking to take a closer look.

The Proboscis was initially thought to be confined to the mangrove forests in Sukau, Sandakan in the verge of extinction with only about 3,000 remaining. However, of late they were also found in this Klias Wetland some 120km from Kota Kinabalu.

The discovery led to a sudden surge in ecotourism activities in the Klias Wetland located in the Beaufort district. After all Klias is just a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu and tourists no longer have to go as far as Sukau in Sandakan to watch them.

Their odd features are the snout like nose, potbellied stomach and the honking calls. The males have a bigger and longer nose than the female.

Its a joy to be able to see the rare monkeys enjoying their freedom in the wild. Proboscis are unique animals which may not be found anywhere else except in Borneo. They are nature’s gift to the Sabahans, and must be protected at all cost.

They are basically tree dwellers. Their backs are reddish brown or chestnut in color, their shoulders orange, limbs gray and a long white tail. Their bands usually comprise of a dominant male with four or more females. It now appears that the popularity of the Klias Proboscis has gradually surpassed that of the Orang Utan in Sepilok, Sandakan.

The river cruise started about 5:00pm in the evening, the time when the Proboscis ventures out to scavenge for young mangrove shoots. Longtailed Macaque were also occasionally spotted along the river banks hunting for mangrove crabs.

Visitors are encouraged to bring along binoculars to get a closer look at the feeding session.

The newly discovered Proboscis community along the 10km stretches of the river bank has now become a source of joy for the locals here because the tourists influx to the area brings additional income to them, the tour operators and boat guides.

The authorities and local entrepreneurs have taken steps to build jetties, chalets and restaurants for the comfort of the ever increasing visitors who came to Klias Wetland to watch Proboscis or participate in white water rafting in the famous nearby Padas River.

The Proboscis is now considered as one of the wonders of Borneo. Having the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat is by itself an unforgettable experience. Cruising along the river is another whole new experience.

The Klias Wetlands have become popular amongst visitors who do not have enough time to go to the east coast and experience Sabah's wildlife in Sukau. Klias is much nearer and does not require a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

A tipical tour routine :
	1430hrs: Pick up from hotel lobby and transfer for 2 hours passing the South China Seaside, scenery of villages, small towns and some roadside fruit stall brings you to Kota Klias peninsula. Klias peninsula is located in between the Klias town and Beaufort Town (near Kuala Penyu).
	1630hrs: Proceed on to the Klias jetty where you will be served with a local style high tea before going for river cruise.
	1700hrs - 1900hrs: Late afternoon, board on a boat and proceed to cruise in search for wild life along the river : the notably proboscis monkeys, long tail macaque, birds such as Kingfisher, darter, eagle and Silver Leaf monkeys. As you cruise till dusk, a chance to see fireflies depending on the moon's size and brightness and an opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals such as flying fox and bats.
	1900hrs - 2000hrs: Return to jetty for a local style dinner. You might spot some fireflies around or nearby the jetty while enjoying your sumptuous dinner.
	2000hrs aprx: Retrace your steps back.
	2200hrs aprx: Arrived at your hotel in town.