Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Kota Kinabalu

   Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, or you may choose a more affordable entry ticket option that allows you to meet directly at the cruise site. Visitors selecting the private tour will be treated to a free visit to the Filipino market, either before or after the cruise experience, whether for a guided journey or tailored brief visits along the way. They will then proceed through areas where the urban urban landscape gently gives way to lush rice paddies and charming villages (not applicable for those opting out of transfer). In the meantime, for the shared tour with transfer, take the opportunity to make an additional stop at the iconic floating mosque and the exquisite chocolate factory at no extra charge.

   120 minutes here

2. Upon arrival at the serene Bongawan jetty, guests are greeted with tea and light snacks before head toward the first river cruise navigates through lush mangrove forests when the animals are most active during the cooler parts of the day, sight potential long tail macaques and other wildlife. although wildlife sightings can be a bit unpredictable because of their natural behaviour, the guides' knowledge really boosts the likelihood of having some unforgettable moments.

   120 minutes here · Admission included

3. Bongawan

   Following the wildlife cruise, continue to explore the most photogenic moments, the Sky Mirror Beach experience earns its name from the remarkable phenomenon that occurs during low tide when the receding waters leave behind a vast, glassy surface that perfectly reflects the sky above. As the sun sets below the horizon, it paints the sky in beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple, with these colours reflecting beneath your feet, creates a magical atmosphere that many visitors say is the highlight of their experience. Then return for a delicious Malay-style dinner served on board.

   120 minutes here

4. As the dinner end, the tour moves into its final chapter: a delightful firefly cruise that showcases one of nature's most captivating spectacles. The guides often share fascinating facts about these insects' life cycle and behaviour, while encouraging visitors to reduce artificial light and noise to truly enjoy the natural phenomenon. For many travellers, this experience is a unique chance to see a natural wonder that is becoming harder to find, highlighting the importance of preserving pristine environments like Bongawan.

   40 minutes here · Admission included

5. Kota Kinabalu

   At the end of this cruise, head back to your hotel with included transfers or at your own transport (those opt without transfer) with an unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime.

   Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Private Tour + Ticket

  Local guide : 4 stops Duration: 4 hours: 2 boat cruise, buffet dinner, mirror sky beach without any vehicle pickup or transfer service (entry ticket only) Buffet dinner: dinner, high tea, local delicacies with drinks inclusive Private tour Boat: Boat on private only

• Private Tour + Pickup + Ticket

  Filipino market visit: An additional trip to a local Filipino market Local guide: 7 stops Duration: 8 hours: 2 boat cruise, buffet dinner, mirror sky beach, chocolate factory, floating mosque with pickup service round trip inclusive. Buffet dinner: dinner, high tea, local delicacies with drinks inclusive Private tour Van & Boat: Van & Boat on private only Pickup included

• Shared Tour + Ticket

  Local guide: 4 stops Duration: 4 hours: 2 boat cruise, buffet dinner, mirror sky beach without any vehicle pickup or transfer service (entry ticket only) Buffet dinner: dinner, high tea, local delicacies with drinks inclusive Shared tour Boat: Boat on sharing only

• Shared Tour + Pickup + Ticket

  Local guide: 6 stops Duration: 8 hours: 2 boat cruise, buffet dinner, mirror sky beach, chocolate factory, floating mosque with pickup service round trip inclusive. Buffet dinner: dinner, high tea, local delicacies with drinks inclusive. Shared tour Van & Boat: Van & Boat on sharing only Pickup included

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

Wadi Rum Fire Camp

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The itinerary may be modified due to bad weather, governments rules, and current road conditions.
• Just a friendly reminder that this is a wildlife area, so wildlife or fireflies sightings aren't guaranteed.
• Please be aware that weather, river, traffic, and local regulations may cause delays in the tour's start and end times.
• If you opt not to include transfer pick-up, please ensure arrive at the meeting on time.
• Pls be advised that if the group is too large, a larger cruise or boat might be used.
• A private tour can request quick stop along the way with experience to filipino market visit.
• A shared cruise with pickup run with potential extra stop such as chocolate factory and floating mosque (except Friday)
• For entry ticket without transfer, a valid ticket is required before arrival otherwise not possible on board tours.
• Sky mirrors depending on weather, it is same for all.
• This tour run in day and shine.

Photos