Green Connection Kota Kinabalu 31 Aug 2011

Green Connection was the first destination of us to hunt for this trip. The Green Connection is operated by the conservationist to showcases the remarkable biodiversity of Sabah.

I was never thought that in Sabah would have such a place whereby they turn to a great environmental education experience to the children and adults whom visit the aquarium.

It remind me of the Aquaria KLCC but in a more down to earth place as we can really feel the message that they want to transpire to the visitors.

Operated by conservationists, the Green Connection houses over 500 native species of animals from 9 major habitats.

A friendly staff will guide you for an interpretation walk into different ecology zones: through limestone caves, dense jungle, muddy mangroves, magnificent reefs, coastlines and out into the open ocean.

Cave Zone: A cave-like environment for you to see some creepy cave dwellers such as scorpion and spider in the dark.

The children were so excited during the walk in the creepy cave area.

As the sides of both walls showcases the insects which the background lightings in green glow, just like a creepy ghost cave.

Rainforest Zone: Finally after we came out from the creepy cave zone, immediately there is green lush trees outside the cave waiting for us to explore.

In the Rainforest Zone, it showed information of status and threats of our Borneo jungle. And not forgetting, a few big pythons await to take photo with us.

All the reptiles are displaying in the glass display showcase.

River Zone: Also part of the highlight in the River Zone is the series of freshwater aquariums which are built after the freshwater habitats such as the Kinabatangan River, the Bornean mangrove area, lake and pond.

A variety of fish and other wildlife that live in these areas can be seen. Do expect to see the catfish, terrapins, pig-nosed turtle and blade fish.

Say Hi to reptiles such as monitor lizard, crocodile and snake too ^^.

Coastal Zone: At the Coastal Zone, we can see feeding of turtle and stingray. There is a fish tank with a hollow in middle, where you can “pop” your head in and see yourself surrounded by corals and fishes. It is so fun!

The coral garden tanks show various hard and soft corals, sea anemone and giant clams in close distance, without making you wet. You will see highly venomous marine creatures such as sea snakes, stone fish and scorpion fishes.

Ocean Zone: the aquarium tank with 8-inch thick glass is the highlight as it is the largest in South East Asia. During feeding time, you will see cow tail stingray, black-tipped reef sharks, striped catfishes, guitar shark, blue-spotted ray and bat fishes in a frenzy for food.

There is a Fish Feeding Show daily, that is 11.30am & 4.00pm (Weekdays) and 11.30am, 2.00pm & 4.00pm (Weekends). It was so lucky that we wait for a while, just before the show started.

Learning Zone: If you ask the children what impresses them in the zoo, they might answer that is the parrot that they touch earlier, not the charismatic animals such as lions and giraffe. Kids are more interested in Nemo than clown fishes. Kids see and learn the world differently.

Therefore, that is why I think the Green Connection is more than a tourist attraction. It is a great outdoor classroom that stimulates learning because it encourages kids to see, touch, feel and smell things in fun way.

For example, the Touch Pools allows them to touch starfishes, bamboo sharks and horse-shoe crabs.

This should work very well because Malaysians have very itchy hands and want to touch everything.

The science and discovery centre with creative and interactive hands-on modules which are not only fun but an interesting demonstration of oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics, maths, technology & engineering concepts.

Even adults find them fun. When you can make the children open their mouths to ask WHY and HOW, you know it’s great chance to educate them. My favourite is a 3D frog illusion projected by manipulation of reflection of light. The frog looks so real and solid but you cannot touch it.

Green Connection is quite big. Personally we considered it a must-visit place to family and recommend it to others whoever want to visit Kota Kinabalu. And, we are very impressed in the ways they educated the children and visitors in “Not to Eat Shark Fin” as we have the responsibilities in protect the endangered species. Salute!

View Full Album