The park serves as a conservation hub for the highly endangered Borneo pygmy elephant, the smallest subspecies of elephant in the world.
It houses one of the few captive breeding programs for the Sumatran rhinoceros in Southeast Asia.
The botanical trail consists of a dipterocarp forest, representing the typical ecosystem of Sabah's lowland regions.
The park was designed to mimic the natural rainforest environment of Borneo to minimize stress for its residents.
It contains a dedicated children's zoo section, though the primary focus is the preservation of large mammal species.
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a 280-acre botanical and zoological facility managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. The park is divided into two primary zones: the zoological section housing diverse Borneo fauna and the botanical section featuring a 1.4-kilometer jungle trekking trail. Distinctive residents include the Borneo pygmy elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the endangered proboscis monkey. The facility functions as a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured or displaced wildlife in Sabah. Visitors can observe animal feeding sessions and participate in educational presentations focused on regional biodiversity. The park is situated within a secondary forest, providing a naturalistic habitat for captive animals. It remains a primary destination for researchers and wildlife enthusiasts studying endemic Malaysian species.
The elevated boardwalks overlooking the pygmy elephant enclosures.
Bring high-strength mosquito repellent, as the humid, forested environment is a hotspot for insects.
Apply sun protection early; while the trail is shaded, open animal enclosures can be very sunny.
Carry a reusable water bottle to manage the humidity levels during the trek.
Avoid visiting during the midday peak heat, as animals often retreat to interior shelters and become difficult to view.
Open daily; occasionally closed for special maintenance on short notice, though rare.
Maintain a quiet volume to avoid distressing the wildlife; do not feed animals unless explicitly authorized by staff.
