This river excursion journeys along the Santubong River and through the Salak River delta, where both waterways meet the South China Sea. The route offers an up-close look at an extensive mangrove ecosystem shaped by tidal movements and rich sediment deposits.

Often overlooked, these mangrove swamps support a remarkable range of life, from crocodiles, water monitor lizards, otters and mudskippers to crabs, prawns, shellfish and monkeys. The forest is dominated by black and red mangroves, locally known as bakau or bako’, valued for their use in construction and charcoal production.

The ever-changing tides nourish the mangroves, creating a balanced environment where plant and animal life depend on one another to thrive.

The area is also home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, an uncommon freshwater marine mammal found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. Santubong remains one of the best places in Sarawak to spot them, especially near fishing boats bringing in their catch.