About Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is a 24-hectare mangrove forest reserve located in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, it is the only remaining mangrove patch in the city and was designated as a Ramsar site in 2016. Managed by the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, it serves as an environmental education centre and sanctuary for diverse birdlife, mangrove flora and fauna, offering a protected natural escape within the urban area.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a protected mangrove ecosystem within Kota Kinabalu city featuring a 1.5 km wooden boardwalk through mangrove forest, mudflats and water channels. The centre includes an exhibition hall, observation tower and bird hides for viewing resident and migratory birds, monitor lizards, mudskippers and mangrove plants. The setting is tranquil and natural, with interpretive signage and guided tours available for education and nature observation.
Key highlights
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24-hectare urban mangrove forest reserve designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2016
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1.5 km wooden boardwalk loop through mangrove habitat with observation tower and bird hides
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Important bird area with over 80 species of resident and migratory birds recorded
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Environmental education centre managed by Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society with exhibition hall
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Opportunity to observe mangrove ecology including mudskippers, fiddler crabs, monitor lizards and diverse mangrove flora
History of Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Originally designated as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary in 1996 to protect the last remaining mangrove in the city. Management was entrusted to Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, a voluntary non-governmental organization. On 22 October 2016, it was designated as a Ramsar site (Ramsar Site No. 2290), recognizing its international importance as a wetland.
Culture & Context
Serves as a key environmental education and community conservation centre for Kota Kinabalu, promoting awareness of mangrove ecosystems, wetland conservation and sustainable urban development among students, residents and visitors.
Route
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