The Lower Kinabatangan
The massive Kinabatangan River is the longest river of Sabah and a fascinating part of Borneo. It flows swiftly for 560km out of the rugged mountainous interior of Sabah to the north-east coast into the Sulu Sea. Most of its upper reaches are rapids within steaming uninhabited jungles within the protection of conservation areas like Imbak and Maliau. The Lower Kinabatangan slows immensely to meander through an endless floodplain. Constantly inundated, this area today forms the agricultural heartland of Sabah. What remains of the native rainforests along the floodplain is both unique and amazing, for its geography, rainforest biodiversity, and the astounding array of wildlife species still able to survive in the ever changing landscape.
Conservation in Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
DGFC, HUTAN, KHP, KOCP, SAA …
Kampung Batu Puteh
Batu Puteh, the village collective or the small district (mukim), is situated next to the Pin Supu Forest Reserve and between Lot 7 and Lot 8 of The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. See the page of MESCOT-KOPEL to learn more about the good work of the village cooperative/collective of Batu Puteh, Menggaris, and Paris.
Kampung Bilit
Bilit is a small village situated between Lot 4 and Lot 5 of The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, and provides access to many private resorts in the area.
Kampung Sukau
Sukau is a village situated in the middle of Lot 2, Lot 3, and Lot 4 of The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, and base to a number of conservation NGOs and social enterprises. Many private resorts and community-owned lodges like the Sukau River Homestay can also be found in the area. Visit the page of APE Malaysia to learn more about their good work.
Kampung Abai
Abai is a small community sitting in the estuary complex of Kinabatangan River, and the nearest settlement to the Lower Kinabatangan Segama Wetlands. Located 40km from Sandakan, it is actually more convenient to get to Abai via a one-hour boat ride from Sandakan Harbour.
(Photos and text adaptation by Khoo M.S., unless otherwise stated)