9 Cruises & Boat Tours in Kota Kinabalu to Put in a Malaysian Week

1.Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 437 reviews · 8 hours · from $58Our pick

Review of Sabah’s Bongawan River Cruise, with proboscis monkeys, sunset, fireflies, mosque, chocolate tasting, dinner, and transport.

“Timmy was our guide and driver. He was amazing 💯. He made our trip become unforgettable, we started from the Mosque, then the Chocolate factory with interesting information from him. After we had a chance to watch many proboscis monkey. Enjoy the sundown and fireflies show at the end. Amazing tour to enjoy the natural in Kota Kinabalu. Highly recommend!”

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2.Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 126 reviews · from $50Best value

Cruise Klias Wetlands for proboscis monkeys, mangroves, Malaysian dinner, and fireflies on a value-packed day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

“The guides on the boat were very knowledgeable and definitely have an amazing eye sight to see the animals in the jungle. Our group saw so many animals. The sunset on the boat was great. The fireflies in the night were insanely beautiful- like a Christmas tree in the dark. Must try! The water is bioluminescence at some places. It will be good to add that. The last part of the boat ride - clear sky with stars, the fireflies on the tree and the bioluminescent water. Imagine that. Unfortunately no camera can capture this beauty - got to see it in person.”

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3.Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $81

Review of Kota Kinabalu’s Sky Mirror, proboscis monkey, sunset, dinner, and firefly cruise, with honest tips on timing, value, and wildlife.

“Clear information Timely pickup Comfortable ride Engaging guide Wholesome refreshments Fabulous views Unforgettable experience I would just add that viewing wildlife, or in this case fireflies, comes with a fair amount of uncertainty, given the dwindling numbers. That said, if you keep the vagaries of nature in mind and just be grateful for all that you do get to enjoy, then this trip is very rewarding.”

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4.Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $52Top rated

See proboscis monkeys, sunset, fireflies, and local food on this full-day Bongawan River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu.

“My husband and I enjoyed the overall experience very much. Since it was Friday, we weren’t able to stop by the mosque, but the chocolate factory, the river trip, and sunset at the beach more than made up for it. We saw SO many monkeys, it really surprised me. And even though the weather was not the best for taking those typical beach pictures, it was still a wonderful experience and a beatiful scenery. The moment with the fireflies was truly astounding and magical! They really know how to handle the fireflies and everyone was super respectful of all the creatures we encountered. The food that was provided was also…”

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5.Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 51 reviews · from $81

Review of Kota Kinabalu’s Weston river cruise, with proboscis monkeys, sunset views, fireflies, dinner, transport, price, and practical tips.

“I found the tour to be average. Did not see proposcis monkeys. You would think the tour operators of the river cruise would know where the proposcis monkeys usually stay. It was a waste just driving up and down the river. The sunset was beautiful. The fireflies were amazing.”

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6.Fun Boat Snorkeling and Island Visit from Kota Kinabalu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · from $130

Review of Kota Kinabalu’s 8-hour snorkeling tour to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with two reef stops, island lunch, transfers, and park fees.

“Recomendado. Muy bonita experiencia de snorkeling, muy atentos y amables. Lo más bonito de Kk fue hacer este tour.”

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7.Mari Mari Village & Bongawan Cruise Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 12 hours · from $121

Spend a full day from Kota Kinabalu exploring Sabah tribes, spotting proboscis monkeys, watching sunset, and seeing fireflies on the Bongawan River.

“Eddie was very priactive in sharing a lot of information. Tour was very informative and we learned a lot. Whole experience was smooth and time well managed.”

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8.Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise – Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · from $81

Cruise Sabah’s Klias Wetlands for proboscis monkeys, sunset scenery, buffet dinner, and fireflies on an eight-hour nature tour.

“It was a good chance to witness the wild life of Borneo just two hours away from the city. We have seen monkeys in their natural habitat and experienced firefly show after the dark. The meal was also fine”

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9.Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $59

Review of Bongawan River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu, with proboscis monkeys, sunset views, Malay buffet dinner, and fireflies.

“The fire flies and sun set. It was beautiful and Mimi is extremely helpful and attentive. Highly recommended.”

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