Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
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Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary is the only remains of 24 hectares of mangrove forest that once existed extensively along the coastal region of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Previously know as Likas Swamp or Likas Mangrove, the sanctuary came foremost out of 20 wetlands selected by the Sabah Wetlands Inventory Committee in 1986.
This Bird Sanctuary is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds, as well as several migratory bird species from Northern Asia. Besides, it is a breeding ground for the marine life which is protected by the Fishery Department of Sabah. Tiny fishes hide under the intertwined mangrove roots from feeding birds.
Apart from providing shelter and food for both resident and migratory species of wildlife, wetlands also prevent salt build-up in surrounding freshwater supplies, stabilise sedimentation, store nutrients and remove toxicants.
This park features a 1.5 km or a 45 mins. 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 spotting of birds.
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[edit] Wildlife
Birds from around the globe, including non-breeding winter visitors, are the commonly sighted birds at the sanctuary especially during asian birds' migratory season 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 lizard, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, weaver ants, butterflies and other insects, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Visiting hours
- Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 6pm
- Closed on Mondays except public holidays
[edit] Conservation Levy
Entrance fees:
| Malaysian residents | Overseas visitors |
| RM 3.00 for adults | RM 10.00 for adults |
| RM 2.00 for students / children | RM 5.00 for students / children |
- Levy subject to change from time to time
[edit] Things to bring along
- Binoculars and field guildes
- flat shoes
- Cap/ hat
- Clothes in natural colours
- Mineral water
[edit] Services available
- Binoculars for rent
- Souvenirs and books for sale
- Drinks and snacks for sale
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| World Heritage Site | Kinabalu National Park |   |
| National Parks | Crocker Range National Park • Pulau Tiga National Park • Tawau Hills Park • Tun Sakaran Marine Park • Tunku Abdul Rahman Park • Turtle Islands Park | |
| Protection forest reserves | Danum Valley Conservation Area • Maliau Basin Conservation Area | |
| Other nature reserves and sanctuaries | Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary • Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary • Tabin Wildlife Reserve • Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary • Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area • Timbun Mata Island | |
