Hong Lao Monkey Island has become a popular tourist attraction. It is located in Nha Phu Bay, near Nha Trang Resort. Monkeys live in a mixed environment. Part of the territory is equipped for visiting: there are paths, recreation areas and a show area. The other part of the island is a jungle where animals can lead a more wild lifestyle.
History
The name of the island translates as "casuarina Island". Flowering plants are similar to coniferous trees, but they do not belong to them. Previously, there were many trees in this place, but the location gained worldwide recognition due to the fact that in 1975 Soviet specialists brought a group of monkeys here and began to breed animals for scientific purposes.
After the project was closed, the animals were not taken away, and the territory was named Hong Lao Monkey Island. There are more than a thousand individuals that live in packs. Park staff provide proper care for macaques and other species. They are given freedom, but their health is closely monitored.
Description
Hong Lao Monkey Island covers approximately 25 hectares, 11 hectares is occupied by a tourist area, and the rest is a dense jungle where animals feel at home in a more natural environment. There are mainly 2 species of macaques living here.:
- Rhesus macaques are easily recognizable by their pink face and gray-brown fur. The weight of males can reach up to 10 kilograms. They live in groups with a strict hierarchy. Females do not leave their native group, and males leave it when they reach puberty. They live outside the pack for a while or join another group.
- Crab‑eating macaques or long-tailed macaques have darker skin. Their coat is usually olive-gray, but it can be brown, brownish, or ash-gray. They have a long tail, which can be equal to the length of the body along with the head. In adults, the tail can be 65 centimeters.
The total population of Hong Lao monkeys on the Island is about 1200-1500 individuals. Despite the fact that macaques are used to tourists and come out to meet them themselves, most of the animals prefer to live in a remote part of the island, which is close to the natural environment. There are animals that participate in the show and perform tricks. For example, they walk a tightrope or ride small bicycles, participate in competitions.
Reservoirs
There is a pond with an artificial waterfall on the territory of Hong Lao Monkey Island. Macaques often splash in the water in a well-maintained tourist area. They cool their bodies or just relax under the waterfall streams. In different parts of the park, you can see natural lakes and slightly landscaped ponds. Tourists call these places the "monkey den" because they love to spend time in these places. There is also a stream on the island, and this adds to the scenic beauty.
With the opening of the Hong Lao Monkey Island in Vietnam, the tourist flow has increased. Vietnamese residents and travelers from other countries come here to walk through the forest and watch the monkeys, watch the show. There is a sea around the island, and Hong Lao has white sand beaches.
How to get
The road to Hong Lao Monkey Island consists of 2 stages. First you need to get to the port of Long Phu, which is located about 20 kilometers north of the center of Nha Trang. This can be done by bus, bike or private transfer. If you travel by car, it is recommended to choose the QL1 highway. It's faster to travel on it than on the winding road along the coast.
An entrance ticket is sold at the ticket office of the port. Usually the round trip is already included in the ticket, and you don't have to pay extra for the boat. You can also go to the island with an excursion, and the agency will pick up a transfer.
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