Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, Kota Kinabalu Overview

Situated 2 kilometres off Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands was initially known as the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. It is a vast area that happens to be the remnant of a mangrove forest existed along the coast. A walk into the mangrove directs the visitors to a unique ecosystem where the land comes in contact with the sea.

The entire area covers over 60 acres of dense mangrove forest managed by Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society. Birdwatchers are elated to find multiple varieties of birds that migrate to Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre from all parts of North Asia. More than 80 different species of birds have been identified at the wetlands so far. The tourists are also thrilled to spot a number of colourful butterflies, mudskippers, weaver ants, jellyfish, water snakes and other amphibian or aquatic animals within this region.

Things to Do at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Walk- Walking amidst nature while being close to the city is a rarity that the visitors to this centre love to experience. The tourists marvel at the thick foliage and often come across a number of sea creatures with the chirping of birds and insects being the only sound heard inside the mangrove forest.

Bird Watching- This is reckoned as a paradise for avid bird watchers with numerous species of birds being spotted in the forested area during the morning hours or in the breeding season.

Environmental Education Program (EEP)- Both the local people, as well as tourists, are educated about the uses of mangrove forests and its importance at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre. It is a unique opportunity for students hoping to research the impact of wetlands on the environment and also provides many young people to obtain the necessary information for furthering higher studies.

Voluntary Guardian (VG)- The voluntary guardian program is undertaken by a number of voluntary workers who train the nature lovers to take an active part in conservation. Enthusiastic participants are guided by the volunteers so that they get to understand the concept of ecology and conservation of the mangrove. Most of the work is done indoors with the participants provided extensive training

Mangrove Clean Up- It is important to retain the mangrove in this area so that the environment remains intact. This program invites people to help the authorities with the clean up so that there is no garbage littering the area and the drainage is improved considerably.

Wildlife - Flora and Fauna

A number of wild creatures inhabit the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands and the visitors usually come across monitor lizards, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, weaver ants, coloured butterflies and other insects including jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters while walking through the thick cover of mangrove. However, this centre is noted for its amazing birds that migrate from different parts of the globe. The little egret and staited heron are common visitors to this mangrove while the marsh sandpiper and white-breasted water hen are found here as well along with a number of other varieties of birds.

How to Reach Kota Kinabalu Wetlands

International visitors prefer to hire a taxi to reach the gates of the centre while the local population takes the public bus to Likas Square from the city Hall or Wawasan Plaza. The adventurous lot choose to hike up to the Signal Hill Observatory Tower or simply walk leisurely by the seaside to reach the location.