
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 109 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies worth booking?
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies is a 8-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $54 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 109 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (109)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Bongawan River Cruise – A Hidden Gem of Borneo! Please note on Fridays Mosque is not available. Meeting Point for Pick Up at 1 PM Burger King, Ground Floor, The Shore, Jalan Lapan Belas. Experience the Bongawan River Cruise! We offer the best service, certified expert guides ensuring an unforgettable adventure. No other provider matches our quality! This hidden paradise offers a relaxing journey through mangroves, home to fascinating wildlife and sunset views. Why You Should Book This Experience: Wildlife Encounters – Spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Breathtaking Sunset – Watch the sky transform into a stunning canvas of colors as the sun sets over the river. Magical Fireflies – After dark, witness thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Tranquil Escape – Perfect for those who love nature, photography, and peaceful getaways. Enjoy a delicious local dinner after the cruise!
What you get
About this experience
Bongawan River Cruise – A Hidden Gem of Borneo! Please note on Fridays Mosque is not available. Meeting Point for Pick Up at 1 PM Burger King, Ground Floor, The Shore, Jalan Lapan Belas. Experience the Bongawan River Cruise! We offer the best service, certified expert guides ensuring an unforgettable adventure. No other provider matches our quality! This hidden paradise offers a relaxing journey through mangroves, home to fascinating wildlife and sunset views. Why You Should Book This Experience: Wildlife Encounters – Spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Breathtaking Sunset – Watch the sky transform into a stunning canvas of colors as the sun sets over the river. Magical Fireflies – After dark, witness thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Tranquil Escape – Perfect for those who love nature, photography, and peaceful getaways. Enjoy a delicious local dinner after the cruise!
What's included
Included
- Admission to Bongawan Jetty
- Admission to floating mosque (closed on fridays)
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
- Admission to chocolate factory
- Surcharges on fuel
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kota Kinabalu’s iconic Floating Mosque! This stunning mosque, surrounded by a serene lagoon, creates a picturesque reflection that makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. What You’ll Do: ✅ Admire the magnificent architecture of the Floating Mosque. ✅ Capture stunning photos with the mosque’s reflection on the water. ✅ Option to rent traditional local outfits for a unique and cultural photoshoot. Whether you're looking for cultural exploration or Instagram-worthy shots, this experience is perfect for you!
20 minutes here
Cocoa Kingdom KK Chocolate House
iscover Cocoa Kingdom – A Chocolate Lover’s Paradise! Step into Cocoa Kingdom, where you’ll experience the rich flavors of Sabah’s finest chocolates. This is the perfect stop for chocolate enthusiasts and those curious about the cocoa-making process. What You’ll Do: ✅ Explore a variety of locally made chocolates, from classic milk chocolate to exotic Sabah flavors. ✅ Enjoy free chocolate tasting – try durian, coconut, and other unique flavors! ✅ Learn about the chocolate-making process and the history of cocoa in Sabah. ✅ Shop for souvenirs and gifts, including premium cocoa products. A must-visit for those with a sweet tooth and a love for local delights! ✨
20 minutes here · Admission included
Bongawan River Cruise – A Nature Lover’s Escape! Embark on a relaxing river cruise along the scenic Bongawan River, where you’ll experience Sabah’s rich wildlife and stunning sunset views. What You’ll Do: ✅ Cruise through the tranquil Bongawan River, surrounded by lush mangrove forests. ✅ Spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. ✅ Enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the river, a perfect photo opportunity. ✅ After dark, witness the magical fireflies glowing along the riverbanks. ✅ Savor a delicious tea time and local dinner. A perfect experience for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for a peaceful getaway! ✨
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kota Kinabalu
Ground floor there is a Burger King next to a convenience store called Orange. From there our guide will meet you for the pick up.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Ground floor there is a Burger King next to a convenience store called Orange. From there our guide will meet you for the pick up.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, yue, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City MPV Travel & Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 109 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
109 verified traveler reviews for Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Delivers the promise
Great tour, don’t get put off by the length of time. Once you get to the river there is a lot to see and the city is still busy when you get back. Got to see everything they promoted, just a cloudy day so the sunset wasn’t premium. Only recommendation would be to turn the boat motor off a couple of times in the river to soak in the nature. Eddie was a great guide, highly recommend for those without much time in KK to get in some iconic sights.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour from KK
We didn't visit the mosque unfortunately because it was Friday. The chocolate factory was fun even having been to some before. The drive is only like over an hour. Then we had some delicious fried bananas and tea and coffee. The boat tour is great. Bring mosquito repellant. We saw proboscis monkeys. Dinner is included. Unfortunately it was cloudy and we didn't get a good sunset. And finally, the fireflies were beautiful and perhaps the highlight of it all. They are vety difficult to capture without some amazing equipment so just enjoy and sabor the moment.
via Tripadvisor
Good experience
Good timing between stops. Both guides were nice and friendly. Maybe the mosque part was quite long, but based on my experience, for some reason, there are always a lot of non-Muslim people who want to go inside for an extra fee. The same story in any country. :)
via Viator
Eddie was very...
Eddie was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made the whole trip very fun. He made sure everyone in the group is taken care of. He even drop off people to their specific hotels at the end so they don’t have to walk back at night.
via Viator
Fireflies and monkeys
John our guide was excellent, he drove, he guided, he tried to lure fireflies and was expert in the wildlife we were looking at. The highlights were on the riverboats bot during the day looking for monkeys and after dark looking for fireflies, both excellent experiences despite the pouring rain. That perhaps added to the authenticity of the experience. Boeing dropped off at our hotels late in to the night was much appreciated.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $54 to $215
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by City MPV Travel & Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything City MPV Travel & Tours runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.
How much does Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies cost?
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Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kota Kinabalu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kota Kinabalu is not rushed.
Is Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 109 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Kota Kinabalu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Around 38 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kota Kinabalu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kota Kinabalu and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kota Kinabalu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
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On Outty we rank every Kota Kinabalu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 18 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kota Kinabalu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Included: Admission to Bongawan Jetty; Admission to floating mosque (closed on fridays); Dinner; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Ground floor there is a Burger King next to a convenience store called Orange. From there our guide will meet you for the pick up. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, Cantonese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kota Kinabalu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies?
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Across 109 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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