Garama River – River cruise with a difference

Where? Beaufort, Sabah. 2 hours from KK

What? River cruise to see wildlife

Ratings: ***** The best place to see the proboscis monkeys in the West Coast of Sabah

Lost Ratings: ***

One of my favourite day trips from Kota Kinabalu is a river cruise along the Garama River. It was one of the first places that I went to when I first arrived in Sabah many years ago, and I have since been back there numerous times. But each time I get on that boat and start searching for the proboscis monkeys, it seems like I’m doing it for the first time all over again. The gentle breeze blowing in my face as the boat cruises down the small river is so soothing and relaxing, it is easy to fall into a daydream and imagine myself as Indiana Jones on an expedition.

The departure point for the Garama River Cruise is at Garama Village, about 120km south-west of Kota Kinabalu. The scenery from KK to Garama is that of the typical countryside – paddy fields and lazy cows sitting by the roadside, and also watermelon and oil palm plantations. The last 30 minutes of the journey especially passes by a few small villages where goats, water buffaloes, chickens and even long-tailed macaques sometimes appear by the side of the road.

Kampung Garama is the name of this remote village populated by the Bisaya and Brunei Malay people. The name of the village is derived from a type of crab that is found in the river. Originally fishermen, the enterprising people have diversed into planting oil palm and some of them into tourism. It is at one of the jetties set up by the villagers that we stop for some refreshments (and a much needed toilet break).

Garama River Safari by Nagahara - Borneo

After resting for a while, the real adventure begins. If you are one of those people who like to see wildlife, but not the leeches and the exertion that is needed to trek in the jungle, then the river safari is for you. The proboscis monkeys  with their huge pendulous nose and big bellies, are the highlight of the Garama River Safari. Only the male monkeys have this huge nose, and it is believed that the bigger the nose, the more attractive the male is to the females. The Garama River is the best place on the West Coast of Sabah to see these strange-looking animals. As these monkeys sleep in trees by the riverside, a river cruise in the early morning or late evening is a good way to catch sight of these primates found only in Borneo.

Proboscis Monkey by Nagahara - Sabah, Borneo

Besides the proboscis monkey, 2 other species of primates can be seen on the Garama River, although sightings are not guaranteed. Other wildlife that can be seen include monitor lizards, various species of birds (kingfishers, brahminy kites, egrets, etc) and if you are really lucky, crocodiles. The not-so-wildlife would be the dozens of water buffaloes that sometimes bathe in the river after a long, hot day in the sun. To some people, this is the best part of the tour. Feel the cool breeze and absorb in the tranquil natural surroundings as the boat cruises along the river.

The cruise ends just as the sun sets, turning the sky into a brilliant orange-red colour. Back at the jetty, we tuck into a home-cooked Malay meal while waiting for the day to turn to night. For when night comes, the other attraction of this river, the fireflies,  take their place among the mangrove trees, lighting them up like beautiful Christmas trees.

Getting there and tours:

River cruises can be in the morning or in the evening. If you prefer a morning cruise, an early start is necessary from Kota Kinabalu. Garama is about 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu.

All tour companies offer river safari tours, although the place of embarkation might be different. The other rivers where river safari tours are possible is at Klias River and Weston. Some companies have a surcharge for hotels in the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu.

Lost Borneo Tours:

Garama River Safari: RM190 per person

Tour departure from KK: 2.30 pm (pick-up from hotel)

Includes: dinner, transportation from hotel, tour guide, river cruise

Contact:

Email losttravels@yahoo.com for more information

Tel: 012-2233967

Bisaya People at Garama

~ by losttraveller on June 23, 2009.