Malaysia · Wildlife

8-Hour Bongawan River Cruise in Sabah with Fireflies and Sky Mirror

8 Hours Round trip from Kota Kinabalu Easy pace

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu, enjoy wildlife & nature tours, island and marine excursions, sailing & yachting experiences

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Photo stop at the waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
02 Chocolate tastings at Cocoa Kingdom with local flavours like durian and coconut
03 Bongawan river cruise to spot proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques
04 Sky Mirror sunset reflections at the beach
05 Firefly cruise with glowing riverbanks after dark

Discover Sabah's Bongawan on an 8-hour river adventure that combines wildlife encounters, local flavours, and beautiful natural scenery. Stop for photos at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, then visit Cocoa Kingdom to learn about chocolate making and enjoy tastings of local flavours such as durian and coconut. Continue to Bongawan for a peaceful river cruise to spot proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat, followed by the magical Sky Mirror sunset at the beach. End the experience with a firefly cruise as glowing lights illuminate the riverbanks, with afternoon tea and dinner included.

Cruise along the peaceful river to spot wildlife such as the proboscis monkey and long-tailed macaque in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Kota Kinabalu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Bongawan River Cruise, Sky Mirror Sunset and Fireflies

Start with a photo stop at the beautiful Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Floating Mosque). An outside visit is included. The mosque is closed on Fridays. An optional inside visit is available with RM10 garment rental.
Visit Cocoa Kingdom to learn about chocolate making and enjoy free tastings of unique local flavours such as durian and coconut.
Enjoy a scenic 1 hour 30 minute drive to Bongawan. Cruise along the peaceful river to spot wildlife such as the proboscis monkey and long-tailed macaque in their natural habitat.
Visit the beach and take memorable photos with the magical Sky Mirror sunset, a reflection of you on the beach.
Enjoy a firefly cruise, where thousands of glowing lights illuminate the trees and riverbanks in a mesmerizing nighttime spectacle.
Afternoon tea and dinner are included, along with convenient round-trip transport, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Where this trip takes you

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Cocoa Kingdom chocolate tastings, Bongawan river cruise, Sky Mirror sunset

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kota Kinabalu 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Round-trip transport: Convenient pickup and drop-off points for a minimized waiting time and hassle-free experience.
Entry to the Floating Mosque: Visit and explore Kota Kinabalu's iconic landmark.
Bongawan River Cruise: A guided wildlife tour to spot proboscis monkeys and macaques.
Sky Mirror sunset viewing: Witness the stunning mirror-like reflection at sunset.
Firefly viewing experience: Magical fireflies illuminating the riverbanks at night.
Tea time refreshments: Light snacks and beverages provided during the tour.
Delicious dinner: A complete meal to end the day on a satisfying note.
Experienced tour guide: Friendly and knowledgeable guide for the entire journey.
Tour of Cocoa Kingdom chocolate factory

What to bring

Camera
Raincoat in case of rain
Insect repellent

Know before you go

Meals are prepared by local villagers, so please inform us in advance about any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
This tour actively supports local communities and ongoing river conservation efforts.

Logistics