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On November 16, 1999,
the lower Kinabatangan was pronounced a Gift to the Earth by
YAB Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, then the Chief
Minister of Sabah, during the WWF Annual Conference held in Kota Kinabalu.
The lower river basin
of the 560 km long Kinabatangan River covers almost 4,000 square kilometres
of the State of Sabah in north-east Borneo. It is one of the richest
ecosystems on earth, with shallow freshwater lakes, open swamps and forests,
dotted with sandstone and limestone hills. Large areas are
periodically flooded
during the rainy season.
A Chain of Flood
Plain Forests
The mangrove swamps
fringing the mouth of the river protect the coast from erosion and are a valuable
nursery grounds for replenishing marine resources. To the west, a vast
area of commercial forest reserve is testing ground for sustainable forest
management. Unfortunately, much of the floodplain is already covered by oil palm
plantations. The remaining pockets of fresh water swamp forest,
lowland riverine forests and dryland forests are home to some of the largest
and most diverse concentrations of wildlife species in Borneo, making the
lower Kinabatangan increasingly interesting for scientists and visitors
alike, especially those in search of wildlife, and eco-tourism.
Kinabatangan's
Natural Capital
The range of
biodiversity in the Lower Kinabatangan surpasses that of every other site in
Malaysia. It is one of the only two places in the world where ten primate
species are found cohabiting, next to some 50 species of mammals and 200
species of bird, amongst others.
The rich flood plain
habitats are home to Orang utans, proboscis monkeys, Sabah pygmy elephants, the
almost extinct Sumatran rhino, the globally endangered Storm's stork, the
rare Oriental darter and all eight species of hornbill in Borneo. Other species
include freshwater ray, river sharks (until recently thought to be extinct),
estuarine crocodiles and monitor lizards.
Kinabatangan
Wildlife Sanctuary
Since the 1970's,
studies have identified critical sites which are rich in wildlife and need
protection. Fortunately today, people are recognising the value of the
lower Kinabatangan, for its natural beauty and its role in supporting
sustainable diverse forms of life. The government is now in the process of establishing the
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Source: WWF Malaysia
SPECIAL SELECTION
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Destination: |
Sukau -
Kinabatangan Sanctuary |
|
Accommodation: |
Yes |
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|
Transport: |
Coach
& 4WD |
 |
| Tour
Operators: |
Yes |
|
|
Guided
Tour: |
Yes |
| Best
Time to Visit: |
All
year round |
|
Length
of Visit: |
3 days 2 nights |
| Clothing: |
Out
Door Gear |
|
Tour
Type: |
Nature
& Wildlife |
|
Other
Areas to Visit: |
Sandakan
Town |
|
Sepilok
Orang Utan Sanctuary |
|
Gomantong
Caves |
|
Turtle
Island |
|
Photo
Credits: |
WWF Malaysia
Borneo Eco Tours
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|
MEMBERS
Register
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