Traveling Ted is a blog that takes readers along on my adventures hiking, canoeing, skiing, and international backpacking. Many blogs focus on one aspect of backpacking, but I tackle both the outdoor adventure side and international exploration as well.

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Proboscis monkey

The proboscis monkey in Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey is the goal at Bako

One of my goals in coming to Sarawak, Borneo was to see the odd looking proboscis monkey. When I arrived at Bako National Park, I did not have long to wait. Right in front of the sign for the Proboscis Lodge only a few steps from the Visitor’s Center a troop of these funny looking creatures were delighting tourist by hanging out in low hanging trees.

The male monkey looks like a cross between Jimmy Durante and Homer Simpson. At any moment you expect them to either break out into cha-cha-cha or dooooooh. They are pot-bellied with a big phallic looking nose and a long tail. Despite their odd appearance, they can be nimble when they want to. The troop in the trees suddenly had enough posing and quickly moved out. When they move, they can hustle and fly through the trees. Check out the air proboscis photo below.

Proboscis monkey Bako

Casually eating while tourists gawk and photograph

Proboscis monkeys everywhere in Bako

The proboscis monkey was found throughout the park. I saw them in the trees on several of the trees and even saw two walking on the ground. The telltale crash in the trees is a good signal that one is around. I also spotted one up in a tree because I had this eerie feeling something was watching me. I whirled around to see one high up in a tree looking at me with a curious glance.

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey – Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

A female monkey on the move

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Air proboscis

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Being watched by a curious monkey

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Feeding monkey

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

A close up of a male

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Proboscis monkey - Bako National Park

Bako National Park

Enjoy these photos and be sure to put Sarawak and Borneo on your next Southeast Asian itinerary. I was a guest of Planet Borneo during my stay in Kuching. I made the trip to Bako on my own, but I highly recommend staying and booking tours through them. Although I was a guest of Planet Borneo, the thoughts, pictures, and love of this jungle park are purely my own.

Read other post on Bako:

Exploring Bako National Park

Bako National Park Photo essay

Adventure on!

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