Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River, apart from being the second longest river in Malaysia, is also renowned for its remarkable wildlife and diverse ecosystems. The river's surrounding area is home to various natural wonders, such as the limestone caves of Gomantong Hill, dry dipterocarp forests, riverine forests, freshwater swamp forests, oxbow lakes, and saline mangrove swamps adjacent the coast. The formation of the Kinabatangan River area, including Labang and Kuamut, dates back to the Early and Middle Miocene. Additionally, significant portions of the Maliau Basin river system were formed during the Early and Late Miocene. As one approaches the river's mouth, the area consists of Middle Miocene chaotic deposits, adding to the geological diversity of the region. Unfortunately, the upper reaches of the river have suffered from extensive logging and land clearing for plantations, leading to severe ecological disturbances. However, despite these challenges, the original lowland forest and mangrove swamps near the coast have managed to survive, serving as a sanctuary for a population of Saltwater Crocodiles. Moreover, these areas boast some of the highest concentrations of wildlife found in Borneo. The annual occurrence of the northeast monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in a rapid increase in the water level of the river. Due to the excessive volume of water, the river faces difficulty in draining into the sea at a fast pace. Consequently, the river frequently exceeds its capacity and spills over its banks, extending across the expansive low-lying areas of its downstream region.