Sabah is highly regarded as the premier birdwatching destination in Malaysia. Most visiting birdwatchers invariably start at Kota Kinabalu. This bustling city is the gateway to northern Borneo and a decent birdwatching destination in itself. Several good birding spots are conveniently located within the city’s metropolitan area. These spots are perfect for those lacking time or on short visits. A good example is birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, located only 3.3 km from the city centre. 

Birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland

The Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society manages the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, which encompasses 24.2 hectares of mangrove forest. Once, this forest covered the entire coastline. However, due to urban development over the years, the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site is the only patch of natural mangrove forest that remains. 

Being so close to the city centre, this is one of the most accessible places for birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu. Despite the proximity, this location holds an impressive array of plants and animals, including various resident and migratory birds.

Therefore, the wetlands are an essential oasis of biodiversity amongst the increasing urban sprawl. Recognizing this importance, the Kota Kinabalu Wetland was designated a Ramsar site on 22/10/2016.

Birds that can be seen while birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site:

The lists below are non-exhaustive

Residents:

• Green Imperial-Pigeon, Pink-necked Green-Pigeon.
• White-breasted Waterhen.
• Raptors, such as the Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle.
• Buffy Fish-Owl
• Oriental Darter
• Several heron/egret species, including the Purple Heron and Great Egret. 
• Blue-eared, Collared and Stork-billed Kingfishers
• Blue-throated Bee-Eater
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Various small songbirds call the park home—for example, the Malaysian Pied-Fantail, Ashy Tailorbird, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker and Crimson Sunbird.

Migrants:

• Migratory shorebirds, especially those that prefer freshwater habitats. For example, Pacific Golden-Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint, and Little Ringed-Plover
• Common Kingfisher

Birding here:

Start birding at the car park and entrance area. Many common birds may be seen here, so it’s worth birdwatching in this area. As you enter the mangrove forest proper, you’ll follow an extensive wooden boardwalk running throughout. The boardwalk is well-maintained for the most part. Nevertheless, some sections are a bit slippery, so watch your footing. 

The bird hide is situated roughly 640 m from the entrance. The hide is quite spacious and well-maintained. From here, you can observe various birds, including herons, egrets, and shorebirds. Time your visit to coincide with low tide, as this is when the shorebirds usually forage for food.

You’ll notice an observation tower on the park map. Unfortunately, during our visit, the trees grew taller than the tower itself, so no good views were available from the top.

Finally, the boardwalk doesn’t form a complete loop around the park. One section of the path is actually on the mud itself. This section may not be passable during high tide, so you’ll have to backtrack.

Anything else other than birds?

Look out for a variety of mangrove-associated wildlife:

• Multicoloured crabs scurrying on the mud
• Horseshoe Crab
• Mudskippers
• Monitor Lizards, Mangrove Skinks
• Dog-faced Water Snake, Reticulated Python

Getting here

Self-drive:
Search for ‘Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site’ using navigation apps. The park is only 10 minutes from the city centre. Access is via Jalan Bukit Bendera.

Public transport:
E-hailing will easily take you to the park, and there shouldn’t be any problems getting a ride back.

Best birding time?

• Migratory species are present during the Northern Winter season, from September until April.
• The best time would be in the morning or late afternoon.
• To observe shorebirds from the bird hide, low tide is preferable when the mud is more exposed. Check the tide charts for Kota Kinabalu beforehand (use tide-forecast.com)

Admission fees:

Malaysian:

• RM 10 (Adult)
• RM 5 (Child)

Non-Malaysian:

• RM 20 (Adult)
• RM 15 (Child)

Binoculars rental – RM 5

Opening Times:

• 8 am until 5 pm (according to the ticketing staff. Note that it still says 6 pm on the info board)
• Closed on Mondays

Public facilities:

• Toilets are available near the entrance area
• Ample parking is available at the entrance.
• No eateries on-site. However, the city centre has plenty of options, only 3.3 km away.

Conclusion

The Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site offers a good birding location close to the city centre. Despite this proximity, the park is home to various resident and migratory birds. Therefore, birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site is great for those on short visits or those on stopovers while en route to other destinations in Sabah.