
Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies worth booking?
Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies is a 8.5-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $96 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 28 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (28)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $96 per person
Located on the Klias Peninsula is the Klias Wetland, a Mangrove Forest Reserve. With the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey gaining as much popularity with the tourists as the orang utan, the Klias Wetland with its large proboscis population is fast becoming the latest ecotourism destination in Sabah. Get those camera, binoculars on stand-by and keep your eyes peeled for the shy creatures in between the branches. As dusk settles in with a sunset, enjoy the sights and sounds in a natural setting as you have a sumptuous village style dinner. Show’s not over yet though, there is one more trip through the mangrove swamp, but this time it is graced by the secret rhythm of fireflies and their flickering lights. However, as much as we hate to disappoint, we are entering a natural habitat where sightings are common, but it is NOT GUARANTEED :)
What you get
About this experience
Located on the Klias Peninsula is the Klias Wetland, a Mangrove Forest Reserve. With the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey gaining as much popularity with the tourists as the orang utan, the Klias Wetland with its large proboscis population is fast becoming the latest ecotourism destination in Sabah. Get those camera, binoculars on stand-by and keep your eyes peeled for the shy creatures in between the branches. As dusk settles in with a sunset, enjoy the sights and sounds in a natural setting as you have a sumptuous village style dinner. Show’s not over yet though, there is one more trip through the mangrove swamp, but this time it is graced by the secret rhythm of fireflies and their flickering lights. However, as much as we hate to disappoint, we are entering a natural habitat where sightings are common, but it is NOT GUARANTEED :)
What's included
Included
- Afternoon tea
- English speaking guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan / coach
- Dinner
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
- Tipping (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Any Items not mentioned.
What you'll see and do
Beaufort
Your pick-up awaits you at the Hotel Lobby. You will be whisked to the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu. Snag a window seat and keep your eyes open for sweeping views of quaint villages and lush paddy fields. Upon arrival at the river jetty, hop on a boat heading towards the river lodge.
120 minutes here
You will be greeted with high tea at the river lodge. The adventure begins! Set out for your River Safari. Be on the look-out for Sabah's endemic Proboscis Monkey - they can be spotted by their pot-bellies and unusual nose! Cruise pass Fisherman Village for a look into their simplistic lifestyle. Keep your noise down, noses up, and eyes open for more wildlife sightings as you navigate the narrow creeks lined with Nipa palm trees, a native species of palm considered to be the only of its kind. Get your camera on stand-by because sunset is going to be a marvelous one. All the excitement must have worked up an appetite. Back to the river lodge for an Asian Buffet Dinner. Set out for your final river cruise, this time under the starry sky. Nocturnal creatures galore when night creeps in, but you know what else? Fireflies! Witness Mother Nature at her most glamorous as your cruise pass swarms of Fireflies fluttering along the river banks. Journey back to the river lodge. Drop off at your Kota Kinabalu City Hotel.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Amazing Borneo Tours & Events
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So amazing!
We had an unforgettable Kawa Kawa wildlife tour, and Joel made it truly exceptional. Joel is an outstanding guide with an impressive depth of knowledge. He doesn't just identify the animals and plants—he explains the bigger picture, including the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and how everything is connected. His passion for nature is obvious, and his explanations were both fascinating and easy to understand. He was incredibly attentive, enthusiastic, and friendly throughout the entire tour. He made sure everyone was comfortable, answered all of our questions in detail, and did everything he could to give us the best possible experience. Thanks to his expertise and sharp eyes, we enjoyed amazing sightings of proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and many other fascinating animals. If you're lucky enough to have Joel as your guide, you're in for a fantastic experience. We highly recommend him and would gladly join another tour with him. Thank you, Joel, for making this such a memorable day!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Borneo and Klias experience
Really great experience with Amazing Borneo! From the airport pick up all the way to departing the fabulous country, service was tip-top!! Emily and Freddy did an amazing job making us feel welcomed! Their knowledge and experience is really above standard! The Klias experience was really eye opening and enjoyable! Seeing the animals in their original state and how nature should be, makes the whole trip even more enjoyable!
via Tripadvisor
Seamless Travel Experience in Malaysia with Rustic Travel /Amazing Borneo Tours
During our time in Malaysia, we worked with Rustic Travel / Amazing Borneo Tours, and this part of the trip was handled absolutely flawlessly. Their local agent Jonathan was in close contact with us throughout our stay in Malaysia and coordinated all transportation, both when travelling from one destination to another and for all planned excursions and tours. Communication was primarily done via WhatsApp, which worked perfectly. All messages were sent well in advance and always contained clear, relevant, and detailed information — making everything feel smooth and stress-free. On one occasion, we needed to change a transportation time at short notice, and this was handled incredibly quickly and efficiently. The issue was resolved almost immediately, without any hassle on our side. Jonathan were professional, proactive, and highly service-minded, and we always felt very well taken care of. Their local knowledge and excellent coordination played a big role in making our time in Malaysia so relaxed and enjoyable.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable river cruise thanks to our amazing guide, Dudy!
Thanks to our guide, Dudy, we had an absolutely wonderful river cruise experience! His knowledge about the wildlife and the history of Sabah was outstanding, and we learned so much from him. His ability to spot proboscis monkeys and crocodiles faster than anyone else was truly impressive, and because of that, we were able to see so many animals up close. After sunset, the fireflies were even more beautiful than I had imagined. It became a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life. And I must mention—the tea and dinner were delicious. And of course, we can’t forget Dudy’s great sense of humor! His jokes kept us laughing the whole time, making the tour even more enjoyable. Thank you for such a fun and unforgettable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good food and nice enviroment
The tour guide cum driver provide an excellent service, was lucky to see the monkeys, firefly and crocodie. Food and refreshment provided was also excellent. Overall i enjoy the tour very much
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $96 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Amazing Borneo Tours & Events, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.4.
See everything Amazing Borneo Tours & Events runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.
How much does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies cost?
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Prices start at $96 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 - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies take?
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Plan for about 8.5 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 - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 28 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 - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies?
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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 - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies?
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Around 10 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 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & 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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies?
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Included: Afternoon tea; English speaking guide; Transport by air-conditioned minivan / coach; Dinner; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only). Not included: Tipping (optional); Personal expenses; Personal Travel Insurance; and Any Items not mentioned. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies offered in?
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It runs in 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 - Proboscis Monkey & 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 Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & 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.
What do travelers say about Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies?
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Across 28 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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