Smaller but similar in appearance to the Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator), it is distinguished by the position of the nostrils which lie mid-way between the eye and snout.
The nostrils of the Asian Water Monitor are close to the tip of the snout.
This species occurs in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Java and Sumatra.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 7 November 2022