Primate Watching
Primatology
Taxonomy & Occurrence
White-handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar), also known as Lar Gibbons, can be found in China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, and Thailand [1]. Five subspecies are recognized but their taxonomic distinctiveness requires further examination [1].
The Central White-handed Gibbon (H. l. entelloides) can be found in .
IUCN Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Banded Langur was first described from Singapore in 1838, making Singapore its type locality. Being leaf monkeys, they have large multi-chambered stomachs with microflora that assists with digestion (characteristic of colobine primates). Infants are born white in color with a cruciform black pattern on the back.
Seeing this Species
Before you meet the Banded Langurs, you'll probably hear a machine gun. No need to panic. These are just the monkeys' territorial calls. As with most diurnal primates, they are most active early in the morning and during the mid-afternoon. They are almost entirely arboreal so you'll need to look up. During the months of January-Febuary and June-July, you have a good chance of seeing infants [1].
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Gunung Lambak (which means Flea Mountain in Malay) is a twin-peak mountain which stands at 510m a.s.l. at its highest. A visitor permit is not required to visit this gunung (mountain in Malay). All six species of non-human primates in Johor state can be found here!
Locally named as Bukit Fraser, Fraser's Hill is in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang. It is about two hours drive north of Kuala Lumpur. The second hour of drive follows an extremely winding road up to the top, at an average altitude of 1,200 meters. You may also catch a bus from the Pudu Raya bus terminal at Kuala Lumpur, heading towards Kuala Kubu Bharu.
Probability of success: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◇
Overlapping species: Greater Slow Loris, Long-tailed Macaque, Southern Pig-tailed Macaque, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Raffles' Banded Langur
Other sites:
Panti Bird Sanctuary, Kota Tinggi district, Johor state, Malaysia
From Singapore, cross the Woodlands border checkpoint to get into Johor, Malaysia, and once there, take a cab towards Kota Tinggi. When at Kota Tinggi on highway Jalan Jemaluang, continue past the Gunung Panti Recreational Forest (this is not it), and look out for road marker # on the left. Right after marker #270, you will see old WWII bunkers, and a sign that points you into Panti Bird Sanctuary (Suaka Burung Panti) on the left. It takes about 90 minutes on cab and costs $55 (SG$70) one way. There is a new administration office with haphazard system of issuing permits and collecting a small fee, but it is closed most of the time (even in that case, there is no problem walking in). Walk on the main trail (it starts with paved road and continues on dirt road, which is relatively easy to walk on).
Getting away from Panti is not as easy as getting there, so you might want to arrange with the cab driver to pick you up once you are done. Hailing a cab by the road may not be easy. Alternatively, wait by the roadside next to the bunker for a bus that takes you into the Kota Tinggi bus terminal. Buses come every hour (but not with a fixed schedule), and cost $2 (RM$6). There, a cab to Singapore costs $45. If you plan on spending more days for Panti, Rest Inn Hotel in Kota Tinggi is relatively cheap and good, where you can also call a cab to send you to Panti before dawn ($8).
Panti Bird Sanctuary is also very popular with Singaporean and Malaysian birders.
Overlapping species: Greater Slow Loris, Long-tailed Macaque, Southern Pig-tailed Macaque, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Raffles' Banded Langur
Gunung Pulai, Kulai district, Johor state, Malaysia
This
Overlapping species: Greater Slow Loris, Long-tailed Macaque, Southern Pig-tailed Macaque, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Raffles' Banded Langur
Local contacts: Andie Ang (andie.ang@primatewatching.com)
The numbers indicate distance, not elevation. Peak stands at 510m a.s.l.
© Andie Ang
Gunung Lambak
© Sabrina Jabbar
Gunung Lambak
References
[1] Brockelman W. and Geissmann T., 2008. Hylobates lar. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 21 April 2017.
[2] .
Page Last Updated: 21 April 2017