Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu

Outty Ranking 51 4.1 · 9 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $58
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Outty Ranking

51/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu worth booking?

Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu is a 5-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $58 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 9 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
51 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (9)
Duration
5 hours
From
$58 per person

Situated between Kuala Penyu and Beaufort. Klias River Cruise is about 2 hours drive away from the city. Cruising down on an open boat down the river through the mangrove forest reserve leads you to experience wildlife sightseeing in search of the endemic proboscis monkey, macaques, crocodiles and other wildlife along the river bank. Beautiful scenery along the jetty with the view of the mangrove forest reserve, so get those camera and binoculars on stand-by to keep your eyes peeled for the shy creatures in between the branches. Enjoy the sights and sounds in a natural setting as sun sets down where it is time for a sumptuous village style dinner. Show’s not over yet though, there is one more trip to see the famous glowing insects that we call fireflies, embrace yourself for Nature Christmas Tree! For more information visit : www.kliasrivercruise.com

What you get

    About this experience

    Situated between Kuala Penyu and Beaufort. Klias River Cruise is about 2 hours drive away from the city. Cruising down on an open boat down the river through the mangrove forest reserve leads you to experience wildlife sightseeing in search of the endemic proboscis monkey, macaques, crocodiles and other wildlife along the river bank. Beautiful scenery along the jetty with the view of the mangrove forest reserve, so get those camera and binoculars on stand-by to keep your eyes peeled for the shy creatures in between the branches. Enjoy the sights and sounds in a natural setting as sun sets down where it is time for a sumptuous village style dinner. Show’s not over yet though, there is one more trip to see the famous glowing insects that we call fireflies, embrace yourself for Nature Christmas Tree! For more information visit : www.kliasrivercruise.com

    What's included

    Included

    • High Tea
    • Dinner
    • Fishing activity
    • Boat Cruise 2x
    • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
    • Life Jacket

    Not included

    • Personal Travel Insurance
    • Any items not mentioned above
    • English/Malay speaking guide (Kindly enquire should you need other language)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Klias Wetlands

      Upon arrival, local high tea will be served along with our must try traditional kuih muih cuisine. Before you get those binoculars on stand-by for your first safari river cruise, a fun activity at our jetty is provided for our entire guest to try which includes fishing and the famous cultural activity blow pipe. Commence your first river cruise in search of wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, long tailed macaques, crocodiles, monitor lizards and varieties of birds such as the Kingfishers. You will be able to differentiate the female and male proboscis by their behavior. Your tour guide will be there to point out any exciting wildlife spotting. Sunset lovers will love to take pictures here as Klias Wetland is categorized as one of the top 10 best spot viewing sunset in Sabah! As the sun sets down, time to dine our well prepared local Traditional Malay Buffets dinner consist of fried rice and noodles, marinated beef, potatoes fried fish, local vegetables and so on.  As darkness set in, a short cruise to the mangrove swamp again to catch the glimpse of fireflies (glowing insects) decorating the mangrove like a Christmas Tree.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kota Kinabalu

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    ms, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Borneo Authentic Adventure

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Additional Information
    • Children (aged 3-11 years old), 12 and above is counted as an adult
    • Surcharge
    • Request for private boats. Request for additional Private Boats will be charged RM 200 per boat.
    • Outskirts Hotel area Pickup/Drop-off. Out of Kota Kinabalu City area will be charged RM 31.80 per person. Pick up location will be only at Kota Kinabalu city area.
    • What to bring
    • Raincoat Umbrella
    • Sunblock lotion
    • Insect Repellent
    • Camera

    Photos

    Proboscis Monkey on the tree, Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota KinabaluAmazing sunset view, Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota KinabaluMonitor Lizard, Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota KinabaluKlias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu, photo 5Blowpipe Activity is provided at the jetty while waiting for your first river cruise. So show your native skills!, Klias Wildlife Safari River...Witness the beautiful sunset on the end of the first river cruise., Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    QualityTime4us · March 2025

    Lovely Proboscis but Pick your tour carefully

    We took this tour via a cruise ship excursion with the boat docking at 12.00. The coach ride took a long 2 and half hours to the Klias River Cruise Dock. On arrival we were packed into large boats with cramped conditions and broken life jackets. The fact that the ship had sent a number of coaches mean't several boats all vying for position. The drivers knew where the monkeys were so we did see Proboscis but no other species of monkeys or birds. However you do need binoculars or a decent telephoto lens on your camera to actually see what the brown blobs of fur are in the trees. A dinner was provided after but apart from noodles and rice not sure what was presented; even the staff were not sure not that we were given time to eat it. The coach trip back was frightening as the driver obviously did not want to miss the boat's departure at 20.00! The cruise ship excursion which was badly managed with a very poor guide allowed 6 and quarter hours when 8 is more appropriate. If you do this trip from Kota Kinabalu do it by yourself and make sure you have a small boat. Don't forget the bioculars or good telephoto as the Proboscis are lovely!

    via Tripadvisor

    olegkrylov · November 2024

    There were monkeys, no crocodiles.

    Great entertainment to comfortably immerse yourself in the world of the jungle. Inexpensive, fun, fed, rolled... I recommend

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    JustinaAndrea · September 2024

    Journey into the jungle

    Journey through the jungle of Borneo. Nice experience. Zero mosquitoes, problem we had before we left. Definitely worth trying. The food was good

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    georgiad6 · August 2022

    Magic monkey day

    We took the kilas river cruise to see the probiscus monkeys and fireflies. It was one of the highlights if our trip to Malaysia! It was a long drive (I would suggest bringing a sweater and snacks/water for the ride) but worth it. We saw over 30 monkeys of multiple species as well as many birds and a giant monitor lizard. Our guide was very nice and helpful, and the food was good even for people with dietary restrictions or allergies. The fireflies were so incredible, and the perfect end to the day!

    via Tripadvisor

    sher1208 · October 2020

    Great visit!

    Visited during Raya 2019. Worth the looooooooooooong journey there. It was super jam as it was a public holiday. Booked the tour via Klook. The boatman was very good at spotting proboscis monkeys even at a distance! He would drive the boat slowly towards the riverbank for us to get a closer look. Don't expect too much for the buffet dinner as it was very basic but ok. Then if was off to hunt for fireflies! Sadly, it was cut short as it started raining. Lucky we managed to spot a few trees with them. So magical!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for this feedback. We really appreciate it. We hope to welcome you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 51

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)58
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)81
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)32
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.

    How much does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu cost?

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    Prices start at $58 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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu take?

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    Plan for about 5 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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Kota Kinabalu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu?

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    Around 3 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?

    +

    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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu 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?

    +

    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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu?

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    Included: High Tea; Dinner; Fishing activity; Boat Cruise 2x; and Hotel/port pickup and drop-off. Not included: Personal Travel Insurance; Any items not mentioned above; and English/Malay speaking guide (Kindly enquire should you need other language). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu offered in?

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    It is offered in Malay 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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu?

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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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu 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.

    What do travelers say about Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu?

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    Across 9 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

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