Located 30km from Kuching and approximately 5km from Damai Beach, the Kuching Wetlands National Park covers an area of 170 km² on the estuarine reaches of the Sibu Laut and Salak rivers.

The park is mostly comprised of a saline mangrove system that includes an extensive network of marine waterways and tidal creeks interconnecting the two major rivers that form the boundaries of the park. Small patches of heath forest are found in the interior of the park.

Gazetted as a national park in July 2002, the site is one of the last remnants of the formerly extensive Sarawak Mangrove Forest Reserve, which previously covered approximately 17,000 hectares and first protected in 1924. Recognizing the ecological significance and tourism potential of the area, the Sarawak State government is currently formulating a management plan for the Kuching Wetlands. On 8 November 2005 Malaysia designated that the park as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.

Biodiversity of Kuching Wetland National Park

The park is important spawning and nursery ground for fish and prawn species and contains a wide diversity of wildlife.

The park is the home of at least three predominantly arboreal primates, the endangered Proboscis Monkeys, the Long Tailed Macaques and Silver-leaf monkeys.

The park is also a home for monitor lizards, estuarine crocodiles and a range of birdlife, including kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles and shore birds, including the rare Lesser Adjutant Stork.

Whilst the park is relatively new, the area has long attracted nature enthusiasts owing to its fascinating ecosystem and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

For the visitor, the Kuching Wetlands offers an excellent introduction to the mangrove environment, and a chance to see a range of wildlife and spend some time soaking up the sights and sounds of one of the most interesting stretches of coastline in the whole of Sarawak.
Itinerary :
Wildlife & Mangrove Cruise (Kuching Wetland National Park)

Pick up from you hotel at 16:00hrs and proceed to Buntal Village (approximately 30 minutes from Kuching city. Upon arriving at Buntal Village onboard a motorized boat to cruise towards Santubong River.

Santubong River mouth, including Salak River mouth is the common hunting ground for Irrawaddy Dolphin’s (rare unusual mammals) and quite easy spotted during the dry season from April to November but less sighting during the wet season from December – March.

Cruise along the Salak River and the coastal area of Kuching Wetland National Park where you can spot the Proboscis Monkey, Silver Leaf Monkey and the Long Tail Macaques.

Continue cruising along the mangrove forest in search of the estuarine crocodile until dark and wait for the fireflies to turn the night into the fairyland.

Tour Duration: ( From 16:00hrs until 20:00hrs) – depending on the weather and tide.