Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching in Santubong - Kuching ~ Sarawak

Dolphin Watching in Santubong - Kuching

The Irrawaddy Dolphin

The Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population in several areas around the world is listed under the IUCN as being critically endangered. These incredibly shy creatures are more vulnerable as compared with other dolphin species due to their choice of habitat.

Sir Richard Owen first identified the Irrawaddy dolphin in 1866. Sightings were frequent in those days along the Irrawaddy River in Burma (Myanmar). The Irrawaddy dolphins are most likely to be found along coastal lands and rivers although they are oceanic and not true river dolphins. Living in these areas, they are more so threatened by human activities than other open seas roaming species ~ especially from being caught in fish gillnets; by explosives used for fishing; electric fishing using high voltage to kill anything in the waters; destruction of their habitat by creating dams upriver and also leaching of pollution from goldmines, untreated sewage etc; and removal of individuals for aquariums.

These dolphins are found in shrinking range of coastal areas in Burma, India and coastlines in a few South East Asian countries including Southern Thailand, Borneo ~ Sarawak, Borneo ~ Kalimantan at Mahakam River, to the Philippines and Northeastern Australia. Although the range is vast, the populations in these individual habitats are extremely small and steadily declining.

The Irrawaddy dolphin looks more like a beluga whale than the spinner or bottle nosed dolphins we normally see, accompanying boats on the open seas. Its scientific name, Orcaella (= little orca) describes it to be genetically linked to the Orca or Killer Whale and also describes its unique physical appearance unlike other dolphin species (brevirostris = short beaked).

These dolphins travel in groups of 2 to 6 individuals but in Sarawak, groups of about 10 individuals are often sighted around the Santubong and Buntal coastal areas. However, gatherings of as many as 30 individuals have been sighted before in the area due to congregation of different pods around the river estuary.

The Irrawaddy dolphins are slow moving, gentle creatures. The colour varies from light to dark grey and adults grow to 2.1 – 2.6m in length, weighing from 90kg to 150kgs. It’s not easy to spot the dolphins when the waves are choppy or when it’s raining as this causes too much surface disturbance. The dolphin generally does not breach (ie leaping out of the water) or spyhop (ie holding its head and upper body above water). When it surfaces for air, its movement is discreet. As it surfaces, it rolls over, showing only its rear half of the body, with its head still submerged. This causes a mere ripple on the surface..not a splash, and no performances. Once it emerges, it does 2 – 3 rolls and occasionally lifts its tail fluke above water in preparation of a deeper dive. The Irrawaddy dolphin can stay submerged for up to 12mins but typically dive some 30secs to 2mins each time.

Its diet consists of crustaceans, fish, cephalopods and fish eggs and in shallow waters, it forages on the sea bed for prawns and octopus.

Much is not known about the Irrawaddy dolphin like its reproductive habits or why is it that its stomach is compartmentalized and it also does not have a cardiac sphincter. They are thought to reach sexual maturity at 7 to 9 yrs. Its gestation period is 14months, giving birth to a single calf every 2 to 3 years. The lifespan of the dolphin is believed to be up to 30years.

Research is being conducted on the Irrawaddy dolphins in Burma (Myanmar) but little is known about the population in Sarawak. The dolphins on the Irrawaddy river have developed working relationships with the local fishermen in some areas to herd in fish. These methods of working together and recognizing signs has been passed down for generations from father to son and dolphin(female) to calf. The tapping on the side of the boat, the gurgling sounds and the smacking of the oars on the water surface by the fishermen and in reply the flicking of their fluked tails. This mutual understanding and respect between man and dolphin is a special bond and the local fishermen swears by it that they harvest more fish with the dolphins around than without them.

In Sarawak, the Irrawaddy dolphins and man have not developed such a relationship. Despite that, the dolphins are often seen tailing fishing boats for meals. These fishing boats normally separate their catch aboard and unwanted fish stock is thrown back into the sea, where the dolphins would be waiting to feast on these easy pickings.

Although the Irrawaddy dolphin is a Totally Protected Species, there are still perils in the water such as being caught in the trawlers’ netting. There is much scope for research to be done in river estuaries at Santubong, Semantan, Bako, Muara, Tebas, Kabong, Rajang and Igan and also upriver in Sadong, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang. The population here can be sustained as there may be more scope for conservation work here.. with many more local people becoming aware of the dolphins existence in these waters - through the eco tours and kayaking trips available, the media and help of volunteers, maybe the Irrawaddy dolphins will be able to ride the waves of these tumultuous times and emerge one of few species to survive the current accelerated rate of species extinction.

Kuching & Surrounding Day Tours ~ Sarawak, Borneo

Half Day Tours (ex- Kuching)

Tours	Hrs	Day of Operations	Departure		Min adult	Include	Rate
Tours	Hrs	Day of Operations	AM	PM	Min adult	Include	Adult (RM)	Child (RM)
Kuching City Tour ~ tour description	3	Daily	9.00	2.00	2	Transport, driver/ guide, entrance fees	70	35
Semenggoh Orang Utan Wildlife Centre ~ tour description	3	Daily	8.15	2.00	2		85	43
Crocodile Farm & Mini Zoo Tour ~ tour description	4	Daily	9.00	2.00	2		90	45
Fairy & Wind Caves Tour ~ tour description	4	Daily	9.00	2.00	2		105	50
Sarawak Cultural Village + Cultural Show ~ tour description	4	Daily	8.30	2.00	2		120	60
Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse ~ tour description	4	Daily	8.00	1.30	2		110	55
Semenggoh Orang Utan & Crocodile Farm ~ tour description	4	Daily	8.15	2.00	2		130	65
Crocodile Farm & Annah Rais Longhouse ~ tour description	5	Daily	9.00	2.00	2		130	65
Semenggoh Orang Utan & Annah Rais Longhouse ~ tour description	5	Daily	8.15	2.00	2		135	68
Matang Wildlife Centre ~ tour description	4	Daily	9.00	2.00	2		100	50
Serikin Border Trading & Fairy Cave ~ tour description	5	Daily	8.00	1.00	2		145	73
Santubong Wildlife Cruise ~ tour description	4	Daily	-	4.30	2		200	100
Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watch ~ tour description	4	Daily	8.30	-	2	Transport, driver /guide, entrance fees	180	90

Full Day Tours (ex- Kuching)
Tours	Hrs	Day of Operations	Departure		Min adult	Include	Rate
Tours	Hrs	Day of Operations	AM	PM	Min adult	Include	Adult (RM)	Child (RM)
Kuching City (South & North) Tour ~ tour description	7	Daily	9.00	-	2	Transport, driver / guide, entrance fees & lunch	110	55
Kuching City & Sarawak Cultural Village ~ tour description	7	Daily	9.00	-	2		160	80
Semenggoh Orang Utan, Annah Rais Longhouse & Crocodile Farm ~ tour description	8	Daily	8.15	-	2		185	93
Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse & Semenggoh Orang Utan ~ tour description	7	Daily	9.00	-	2		175	88
Semenggoh Orang Utan, Crocodile Farm & Fairy Cave ~ tour description	8	Daily	8.15	-	2		205	105
Semenggoh Orang Utan, Annah Rais Longhouse & Fairy Cave ~ tour description	8	Daily	8.15	-	2		205	105
Bako National Park – Proboscis Monkey ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		200	100
	7	Daily	8.30	-	2	Transport, driver / guide, entrance fees & lunch	200	100
Gading National Park – Rafflesia Flower ~ tour description	6	Daily	9.00	-	2		200	100
Gading National Park & Fairy Cave ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		225	115
Lemanak Iban Longhouse ~ tour description	12	Daily	7.00	-	2		335	170
Kubah National Park ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		240	120
Borneo Highland Day Trip ~ tour description	6	Daily	9.00	-	2		200	100
Sarawak Cultural Village & Semenggoh Orang Utan ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		195	98
Tanjung Datu National Park ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		600	300
Satang Island Day Trip ~ tour description	7	Daily	8.30	-	2		250	125
Kuching Caving ~ tour description	8	On booking	9.00	-	2	meal ; transport ; guide	from 199	-
Kayak in Kuching ~ tour description	6	On booking	8.30	-	2	transport ; kayak, oars and life jackets ; mineral water	RM 188	RM 188
Borneo Highlands Kayaking and Semengoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre Adventure Trip ~ tour description	6	On booking	8.00	-	2	transport ; kayak, oars and life jackets ; mineral water; lunch	RM 218	RM 218
The Tringgus Trail (Landrover Adventure) ~ tour description	7	On booking	8.00	-	2	transport ; mineral water	RM 260	RM 260
The Bau Gold Mining History Trail ~ tour description	7	On booking	8.00	-	2	transport ; lunch ; Water ; Souvenir photo	RM 350	RM 350

Please Note:

~ The seat-in-coach can only be conducted with the minimum number of person/adults required
~ Pick-up and drop-off service from hotels at Miri town centre
~ Services of an English Speaking Driver / Guide
~ Visa application to Brunei (if required) to be arranged on own expenses
~ Touring by air-conditioned car, van or coach (depending on the group size)
~ Rates are inclusive of entrance fees where applicable
~ Child age between 4-11 years old
~ Any unused services are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-deductible
~ 100% cancellation charge applies for NO SHOW OR CANCELLATION within 48-hrs
~ In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the local operator reserves the right to alter, amend or withdraw the package anytime with or without prior notice.

Redemption Instructions :

~ 24 hours prior to travel date, please call our local tour representative (during working hours) to reconfirm your booking details. Pick up time is required 30 minutes prior to tour departure time.

Postponements of Trip:

* Please be advised that the trip will not be allowed to be postponed unless we are advised of any changes at least 3 working days before trip commencement date

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.

Accommodation and Packages to Kuching, Damai Beach, Bako National Park and Batang Ai National Park

Accommodation:
Kuching	5 star & 4 star \| Four Points by Sheraton \| Grand Continental Hotel \| Grand Margherita Kuching \| Hilton Kuching \| Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suite \| Riverside Majestic \| Pullman Kuching \| 360 Hotel \| 3 star & 2 star \| Abell Hotel \| Batik Boutique Hotel \| Borneo Hotel \| Dormani Hotel \| De Palma Waterfront Hotel \| Harbour View Hotel \| Kingwood Inn \| Kuching Park Hotel \| The LimeTree Hotel \| Regal Court Hotel \| Regency Rajah Court Hotel \| Telang Usan Hotel \| Penrissen Inn \| Budget Hotels \| Mandarin Lodging Lodge \| Kuok Pin Hotel \| Fata Hotel \| Laila Inn \| Guesthouses \| Basaga Holiday Residences \| B & B Inn \| Borneo Bed & Breakfast \| Pinnacles Kuching \| Singgahsana Lodge \| The Fairview \| The Kuching Waterfront Lodge \| Serviced Apartments \| Grand Apartment Services \| Ariva Gateway \|
Outskirts of Kuching	Homestays \| Kura Kura Jungle Homestay \|
Damai Beach, Santubong	\| Damai Beach Resort \| Damai Puri Resort & Spa \| Permai Rainforest Resort \| One Hotel Santubong \| Nanga Damai Homestay \|
Bako National Park	\| Park Accommodation \|
Batang Ai National Park	\| Batang Ai Hilton \| Nanga Sumpa Iban Tribal Longhouse Stay \|
Trips and Packages:
Day Adventure Trips	\| Caving in Kuching \| Kayakking in Kuching \| River Cruise with Irrawaddy Dolphins \| Borneo Highlands Kayaking and Semengoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre Adventure Trip \| The Kuching Tringgus Trail (Landrover Adventure) \| The Bau Gold Mining History Trail \|
Kuching, Semengoh Orangutan Centre and Surroundings	\| 3 Days 2 Nights Kuching Holiday Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Kuching Holiday Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Jungle Homestay Package \|
Kuching and Outskirts	\| 3 Days 2 Nights Jungle Homestay Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Kuching Holiday Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Kuching, Fairy & Wind Cave and Holiday Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Kuching Holiday Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Kuching & Damai Beach Holiday Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Kuching City & Bako National Park Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Kuching & Batang Ai Longhouse Safari Package \| 5 Days 4 Nights Kuching, Batang Ai and Bako National Park Holiday Package \| 5 Days 4 Nights Kuching City & Iban Longhouse Back to Nature Package \| 7 Days 6 Nights Kota Kinabalu & Kuching Trip \|
Volunteer Programmes	\| 12 Days Work with Orangutans & Borneo Tribal Living Experiences \|
Other Parts of Sarawak	Miri Town \| Half Day Miri Town Tour \| Niah National Park \| Niah National Park & Caves Day Trip \| Lambir Hills National Park \| Lambir Hills National Park & Iban Longhouse Tour \| Lambir Hills National Park Day Trip \| Mulu National Park \| Royal Mulu Resort \| 2 Days 1 Night Mulu Caves Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Mulu Caves Package \| 3 Days 2 Nights Miri + Mulu Caves Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Package Mulu and Pinnacles Climbing Package \| 4 Days 3 3Nights Miri City + Niah Caves + Mulu National Park Package \| 4 Days 3 Nights Mulu Caves + Headhunter's Trail \| 5 Days 4 Nights Mulu Pinnacles & Headhunters' Trail \|
Combination Trips	\| 7 Days 6 Nights Kota Kinabalu & Kuching Trip \|