Where to See Proboscis Monkeys in Brunei (An Unforgettable Borneo Experience)

Where to see proboscis monkeys in Brunei was one of the first things I looked up when planning our trip, and yet, I didn’t expect it to be this easy or this memorable.

When we planned our 2 days in Brunei, spotting proboscis monkeys felt more like a bonus than a must-do because so many people said that it is so hard to see them. But it quickly turned into one of those highlights that stay with you.

Witnessing wildlife is one of my favourite ways to travel. I just love observing animals in their natural habitat. Obviously, I made it a priority to try to see proboscis monkeys in Brunei from the moment I read that it is possible. There’s something about being on the river, moving slowly past mangroves and stilt houses, scanning the trees, and then suddenly spotting them, that feels completely different from the rest of the trip. For me, it was definitely the highlight.

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What Are Proboscis Monkeys (and Why Brunei Is a Great Place to See Them)

Proboscis monkeys are native to Borneo, which already makes them quite special. You won’t find them anywhere else in the world. They’re known for their distinctive appearance: large noses, pot bellies, and surprisingly expressive faces.

They tend to live in mangroves and riverine forests, which is exactly what you’ll find along the Brunei River and its surrounding areas. The best part? Unlike in some parts of Borneo where wildlife spotting requires serious trekking, in Brunei you can often see them just by taking a boat ride from the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Where to see proboscis monkeys in brunei

The easiest and most reliable place to see proboscis monkeys is along the Brunei River, particularly near the mangrove areas just outside the city.

Most sightings happen along the riverbanks near Kampong Ayer, in the mangrove forests a short boat ride from Bandar Seri Begawan and on the way toward the open bay areas

You don’t need to go deep into the jungle. In fact, you’re often just 15–30 minutes away from the city center, which makes this experience incredibly accessible.

Best time to see proboscis monkeys

Timing matters more than location and wild animals follow their own schedule. The best time to spot proboscis monkeys is:

• Late afternoon to sunset (this is the most reliable time)
• Early morning (less popular, but still possible)

The monkeys are more active at these times, often gathering in trees near the riverbanks.

We went in the late afternoon, and the atmosphere alone made it worth it. The light softens, the river becomes quieter, and the whole experience feels slower and more immersive. We could witness a beautiful sunset and it was really quite amazing. The only thing is that as it gets darker, it is more difficult to see the monkeys up in the trees and take good quality photos.

how to see proboscis monkeys in brunei

Option 1: joining an organised tour

If you prefer a more structured and hassle-free experience, joining a guided river safari is by far the easiest way to see proboscis monkeys in Brunei. Most tours are designed around the best time for sightings: late afternoon into sunset, and typically include hotel pickup, transportation to the jetty, and a guided boat ride through the mangroves.

The biggest advantage is having a local guide who knows exactly where to go and what to look for. They’re familiar with the monkeys’ habits and resting spots, which significantly increases your chances of seeing them, especially if you’re short on time.

Tours also combine the experience with a visit to Kampong Ayer or include light refreshments, so you can have a full on experience.

It’s a comfortable option, particularly if you’re not keen on negotiating prices at the waterfront or figuring out logistics yourself, and it works well if you want everything arranged in advance. Also remember that Brunei is not that touristic and it might be a bit harder to get things organised last minute.

Option 2: how to see proboscis monkeys in Brunei without a tour

We decided to plan for the tour independently once we arrived. Sometimes, all you need to to do in speak to the locals and in Brunei everyone is really friendly and helpful. So if you prefer a more independent and flexible experience, you can absolutely see proboscis monkeys in Brunei without booking an organised tour, and in many ways, it feels more authentic.

The key is to head down to the Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront, near Kampong Ayer, where you’ll find rows of small boats waiting along the river, but go there around 2-3 pm, otherwise nobody is there (it’s too hot). These are essentially water taxis, but many of the boat drivers also act as informal guides for wildlife trips.

You don’t need to book anything in advance; instead, simply walk along the jetty area and approach a few drivers directly. It helps to say clearly that you want to go “proboscis monkeys watching” or “river safari for monkeys,” and most will immediately understand what you’re looking for.

Prices are not fixed, so you’ll usually need to negotiate before getting on the boat, and it’s worth checking the duration and whether the route includes the mangrove areas where sightings are most likely.

The drivers generally know exactly where the monkeys tend to gather, especially in the late afternoon, and will take you slowly along the riverbanks while scanning the trees. It feels informal and a little spontaneous, but that’s part of the charm, no schedules, no groups, just you, the river, and the chance of spotting wildlife in its natural environment.

what to expect during the boat ride

Once you’re on the boat, the experience is beautifully simple, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. You drift slowly along the river, passing stilt houses, dense stretches of mangroves, and quiet pockets of untouched greenery.

Our driver was really good at spotting the monkeys, but I must say, that it was me who saw the first one. At first, it felt like nothing is there, just endless green and stillness. But then, almost unexpectedly, you spot them, a small group perched in the trees, one leaping between branches, another sitting still as if observing you just as much as you’re observing them.

There’s never a guarantee you’ll see anything. In fact, our friends (the ones who have been living in Brunei for a few years), never managed to see a single monkey even after a few trips, both early in the morning and in the evening.

We were very lucky then, because spotting like thirty proboscis monkeys seems like a very unusual event.

Apart from the proboscis monkeys, there’s quite a bit more to notice along the way if you pay attention. We spotted several bird species along the riverbanks, and while we didn’t see any crocodiles ourselves, they do live in these waters. Our driver even pointed out large hooks attached to some of the trees, explaining they’re used to catch and relocate crocodiles when the population gets too high.

Along the route, he also showed us fruit trees that are endemic to Borneo, something you’d probably miss without a local eye. And as you move between stretches of mangroves, you’ll occasionally pass parts of Kampong Ayer, the water village, as well as a striking mansion built by the Sultan for one of his wives. In my opinion, this boat tour is an absolute must when visiting Brunei.

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