Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is the only remains of 24 hectares of mangrove forest that once existed extensively along the coastal region of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Previously known as Likas Swamp or Likas Mangrove and later Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, the Centre came foremost out of 20 wetlands selected by the Sabah Wetlands Inventory Committee in 1986.

The Centre is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds, as well as several migratory bird species from Northern Asia. In addition, it is a breeding ground for marine life protected by the Fishery Department of Sabah.

Apart from providing shelter and food for both resident and migratory species of wildlife, wetlands also prevent salt build-up in surrounding freshwater supplies, stabilising sedimentation, storing nutrients and removing toxins.

This park features a 1.5 km or a 45 minute boardwalk which brings visitors deep into the mangrove jungle where the land meets the sea. This unique natural landscape give tourists a pleasant experience to enjoy fresh air and tranquility while bird-watching.

Wildlife

Birds from around the globe, including non-breeding winter visitors, are commonly sighted at the sanctuary, especially during migratory season of Asian birds (i.e Sept-April).

Common visitors list
*Little Egret, a winter visitor to Borneo;
*Little Heron, a winter visitor from the mainland of Asia;
*White-winged Tern, a common migrant and winter visitor throughout Greater Sunda Islands
*Black-crowned Night-Heron, a non-breeding visitor to Sumatra and North Borneo;
*White-breasted Waterhen, a common resident;
*Marsh Sandpiper, a winter visitor from Siberia and China;
*Common Moorhen, a common breeding bird in marshy environments and well-vegetated lakes outside Antarctica and Australasia;
*Cinnamon Bittern, a breeding bird in tropical Asia, some northern birds migrate in short distances;
*Redshank, a widespread breeding bird across Europe and northern Asia;
*plover, found throughout the world

Rare sighting list
*Lesser Adjutant Stork, a resident breeder in Southern Asia;
*Rufous Night Heron

Year-round residents list
* Chinese Crested Myna;
*Yellow-vented Bulbul
*Yellow-bellied Prinia, "see Prinia";
*Magpie Robin;
*Pacific Swallow;
* Spotted-necked Dove;
*Collared Kingfisher, "see Tree Kingfisher";
*Purple Heron;
*green pigeons

Other mangrove wildlife includes monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, weaver ants, butterflies and other insects, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters.

How to get there

Coming from the city of Kota Kinabalu, travel along the Likas coastal highway until you reach the first roundabout at the Likas Bay. Keep right so that you can make a 3 o' clock turning in to Jalan Istiadat. Travel straight until you reach a cross junction with traffic lights. Before reaching the junction, you will see Likas Square building and Sabah Trade Center building on your left hand side. Remember to keep your vehicle at right lane and turn right after the junction in to Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper which also leads you to Signal Hill. The Bird Sanctuary site is only the third left junctions after the traffic lights.

Visiting hours

* Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 6pm
* Closed on Mondays except public holidays

Conservation Levy

Entrance fees:

* Levy subject to change from time to time

Things to bring along

* Binoculars and field guildes
* flat shoes
* Cap/ hat
* Clothes in natural colours
* Mineral water

Services available

* Binoculars for rent
* Souvenirs and books for sale

External Links

* [http://www.sabahwetlands.org|Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society]