Kuching Wetlands National Park

Kuching Wetlands National Park is a protected area on Borneo's coast with mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and wide water channels. The landscape is shaped by several rivers and features shallow waters, river deltas, and dense green forest zones.

The area functioned as an important trading harbor in the 12th century where local peoples exchanged forest products with Chinese merchants. Archaeological evidence shows the region also experienced influences from Malay, Hindu, and Buddhist cultures in earlier periods.

The area has served as a meeting place between local fishing communities and the wider world for centuries. Visitors can today observe how fishing villages remain central to the rhythm of daily life around the wetlands.

The park is best explored by boat since waterways form the main routes through the area. The best time to visit is during the dry season when conditions for navigating and wildlife viewing are more favorable.

The area is home to proboscis monkeys, a distinctive ape species with large noses found only on Borneo. Visitors may also spot white-bellied sea eagles and saltwater crocodiles inhabiting the river and mangrove habitats.