Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Formally known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (KKCBS)

2 kilometers north-east of Kota Kinabalu City at Likas (ten minutes drive) the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre (KKWC) covers 24 hectares (60 acres) of mangrove forest . It is at once an educational and recreational centre.

Commonly sighted birds here include the migratory species from as far as Northern Asia, Siberia and Northern China 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.

A green lung for the city

As a wetland and natural flood retention area, Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre plays a major role for Kota Kinabalu City, preventing possible downstream flooding, removing toxicants and sediments and recycling nutrients. It is also a nursery ground for many juvenile ocean fish. A green lung for the city, its location is strategic for environmental education, urban recreation and eco tourism.

The area was designated a bird sanctuary by the state government in September 1996 to help foster a better understanding and awareness on the value of wetlands. In 1998, it was declared a State Cultural Heritage Site.

Mangrove plants are specially adapted to grow in the mud and brackish water to give home to many birds, crabs, prawns and fish.

Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City this 24 hectare area of mangrove forest is the last of its kind in the region. Home to waterbirds - Egrets, Herons, Greenshank and Redshanks, canopy birds - Kingfishers, Doves, Starlings, Lora's and Pigeons. The area is also a key rest and feeding place for birds on migration paths.

Mudskippers, Fidlers crabs, Mud Crabs and Mud lobsters can be seen, especially at low tide on the mangrove mud flats. Horseshoe crabs can also be seen but they are rare.

1.5 Km Boardwalk

Wetland Centre features a 1.5 km (45 minute walk) 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.

A walkway runs through the area. There is also a lookout point standing approx. 30m high and a bird hide where a breeding colony of Purple Heron can be seen.

There are 9 different species of mangrove within the sanctuary as well as ferns, shrubs and other naturally growing vegetation.

Mangrove forests are found in saline coastal areas, in the intertidal zone where salt water is washed through twice a day with the tide. The trees and shrubs living here are deprived of oxygen and must survive in waterlogged mud with intense sunshine. Nature has various ways of dealing with these environmental challenges. Some species grow stilt roots so they can prop themselves up out of the water and intake gases directly form the atmosphere, often storing these nutrients so they can survive at high tide when the prop roots are submerged.

Contact Information
The Centre is open from 8am - 6pm Daily.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

(Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary)
Off Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper,
88400 Likas, Kota Kinabalu
Sabah

Tel: 088-246955
Fax: 088-247955

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.[1]

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.


For serious bird watching, wear colours that blend into the environment. You may rent binoculars for RM5.00

Getting There

Take the No.1 bus towards Likas from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in the City, to Likas Square. At the traffic lights there, turn right towards Signal Hill until you get to the third junction on the left. Return bus fare is RM2.00.

Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday 8.00am till 6.00pm (Closed on Mondays)

Admission Fees

My-Kad
RM3.00 (Adult)
RM2.00 (Student)

Others
RM10.00 (Adult)
RM5.00 (Student)
Below 6 years - Free
Tel : 6 088 246955
Fax : 6 088 247955
Email : kkcbs@streamyx.com
Website: www.sabah.org.my/kkcbs