Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Situated just two kilometers north-east of Kota Kinabalu City in Likas (ten minutes from the heart of the city centre) is Kota Kinabalu Wetlands. Formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, this site covers 24 hectares (60 acres) of mangrove forest, and is used primarily as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research. Kota Kinabalu Wetlands is managed by local NGO, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.

A 1.5km boardwalk brings you deep into the mangrove - a unique ecosystem where land meets sea. A 45-minute stroll on the boardwalk is a pleasant experience where you can enjoy fresh air and tranquility, while spotting interesting birds, plants and wildlife.

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, designated as a bird sanctuary in 1996, is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds as well as migratory species from Northern Asia. Commonly sighted birds include migratory species like the sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, egrets and herons as well as canopy birds such as collared kingfisher and stork-billed kingfisher. To date, almost 80 species of birds have been identified at the sanctuary. Other mangrove wildlife that live within Kota Kinabalu Wetlands include monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, weaver ants, butterflies and other insects, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters.

Apart from self-guided walks, there are a range of activities that can be done at Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, including guided walks, Environmental Education programmes, bird-watching sessions, and corporate volunteer programmes. Advance notice is required.