Sabah - Borneo - page 98

as well, from tarsiers to Sumatran rhinos. Don't miss the giant aviary at the top of the hill,
with its ominous warning sign 'beware of attacking birds'.
It's best to arrive by 9.50am at the latest - feedings take place throughout the park at
10am. After the various feedings, an interactive show takes place at the stage around
11.15am everyday. After feeding time, most of the animals take their daily siesta - only
the humans are silly enough to stay out in the scorching midday sun.
The 17B minibus goes to Lok Kawi (RM2). Visitors with a private vehicle can access
the park via the Papar-Penampang road or the Putatan-Papar road. Travel agents offer
half-day tours, or you can hire a taxi, which will cost around RM150, including a two-
hour wait.

Monsopiad Cultural Village
( 774337; www.monsopiad.com ; admission adult/student/child RM75/50/free;
9am-5pm; ) On the banks of Sungai Moyog, Monsopiad is named after a legendary
warrior and head-hunter, whose direct descendants established this private heritage centre
in 1996. The highlight is the House of Skulls, which supposedly contains the ancient cra-
nia of Monsopiad's unfortunate enemies, as well as artefacts illustrating native rituals
from the time when the bobolian (priest) was the most important figure in the community.
Many tour companies include Monsopiad on local itineraries. To get here independ-
ently, take a bus from central KK to Donggongon (RM1.50), where you can catch a
minivan to the cultural village (RM1). You can also take a taxi or charter a minivan direct
from KK for around RM40.

MUSEUM

MUSEUM

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
( 246955; www.sabahwetlands.org ; Jln Bukit Bendera Upper; adult/child RM10/5;
8am-6pm Tue- Sun; ) This spot encompasses the last 24 hectares of a mangrove
swamp that once stretched across what is now KK. A series of wooden walkways leads
into a wetland rife with fiddler crabs, mangrove crabs, mud lobsters, mudskippers, skinks,
turtles, water monitors and the adorably turd-like mangrove slug, among other swamp
fauna (sadly, there are also plastic bottles). For many, the big attraction is a stunning vari-
ety of migratory birds, some from as far away as Siberia. The walkway ends at a spot that
looks out over a flat marshscape that would feel virgin were it not for the high rise build-
ings behind it. Staff are cheerful but not always that helpful.
To get here, head north on Jln Fuad Stephens (the main road north out of town; in town
it's also called Jln KK Bypass) and follow it as it curves around the coast. You'll then turn