Proboscis Lodge

Borneo is the third largest island in the world. Its name alone conjures up image of vast forest, caves, rivers, mountains and unique wildlife. Many of these wonders are familiar – the spectacles of Mulu’s Cave and Mount Kinabalu, the beauty of its orchids and Rafflesia flowers and the splendors of Borneo’s Orang Utans and Hornbills. Among the less familiar wonders of Borneo is one of the most spectacular animals in the world, the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus). This monkey can only be found on the island of Borneo. Even here, it is mainly found in coastal swamp forests. The inhospitable nature of these forests meant that, until recently, the life of this bizarre animal was largely unknown. Pioneering studies by the authors and co-workers have at last, revealed some of the secrets of this fascinating animal.

One of the largest monkeys in the world, the male Proboscis Monkey, with its outlandish nose and outsized stomach, has harem of females, drawn to him by his weird good looks. Proficient tree climbers and leapers, divers and swimmers, with an unusual social life, Proboscis Monkey lives in one of the most unusual habitats in the tropics. Thus it is one of Borneo’s most spectacular and fascinating denizens.