Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies worth booking?
Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies is a 4-hour experience in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from $27 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 14 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (14)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $27 per person
Embark on the Bongawan River Cruise for an unforgettable ecological adventure in Kota Kinabalu, observe wildlife intimately, admire stunning natural phenomena, and engage with local culture through shared, private tour, or just a simple entry tickets, tailored to your preferred language. Alternatively, choose to include a stop at a Filipino market in private tour, complete with dinner and refreshments at the conclusion of the experience. The grand finale awaits as darkness falls: glide silently along the river and be mesmerized as fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees, transforming them into a dazzling, twinkling galaxy. This immersive experience combines incredible nature, photography, and a taste of local culture for a perfect day trip from Kota Kinabalu, includes local guide, ticket, entry fee, dinner, refreshment and optional transfer service, market visit or along the route.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on the Bongawan River Cruise for an unforgettable ecological adventure in Kota Kinabalu, observe wildlife intimately, admire stunning natural phenomena, and engage with local culture through shared, private tour, or just a simple entry tickets, tailored to your preferred language. Alternatively, choose to include a stop at a Filipino market in private tour, complete with dinner and refreshments at the conclusion of the experience. The grand finale awaits as darkness falls: glide silently along the river and be mesmerized as fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees, transforming them into a dazzling, twinkling galaxy. This immersive experience combines incredible nature, photography, and a taste of local culture for a perfect day trip from Kota Kinabalu, includes local guide, ticket, entry fee, dinner, refreshment and optional transfer service, market visit or along the route.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off round trip (If selected)
- 2 boat cruise separated in two segments, wildlife and fireflies experience.
- Life jacket
- Filipino market & chocolate kingdom (for private pickup only)
- English and Malay speaking instructor
- Chocolate kingdom + floating mosque (for shared pickup only)
- All necessary permits, fees and taxes
- Hi-Tea refreshments upon arrival & Dinner
- Sky mirror beach sunset viewpoint
Not included
- Personal expense and itinerary
- Floating mosque fee RM10 ( for transfer inclusive only)
What you'll see and do
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
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
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
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
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
Meeting point
Kota Kinabalu
This applies ONLY for those who do not choose transfer pick-up service option If choose this option, you'll need to arrange your own transport to reach us. If there are any changes, we will definitely keep you informed!
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This applies ONLY for those who do not choose transfer pick-up service option If choose this option, you'll need to arrange your own transport to reach us. If there are any changes, we will definitely keep you informed!
Options you can book
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
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
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good Tour Group
All good. Sone confusion at first on pickup area being Bengawan river cruise area or the city KK area but that was rectified a day before the trip. John our guide was very good, very knowledgable and helped us through the entire trip. It was raining heavily (monsoon rain) but John and crew boatmen still ensured our cruise was amazing and pointed out all the wildlifes despite the torrential rain.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed
Unfortunately can not comment on the experience but the booking was a disaster. I booked a trip late in the evening and made mistake as did not add the transfer from Kota Kinabalu. Email from the tour operator which confirmed the booking came after midnight on a day of excursion. Who is checking the emails at that time of the day??? I looked in the morning and email them directly asking for the transfer to be added and I pay the difference. Alternatively if I could swap for the next day. I got rude response that the booking is non refundable and that I expected them to run my rules when I paid the cheapest option. Don’t really know what they meant by that. I got accused of wanting a free ride when I made clear at the beginning that I will pay the difference. Found this all experience very unpleasant and unprofessional. How can you treat clients like that???? To add more Viator was not helpful either. Spoke with someone in the morning, they were supposed to get back to me but they never did. I never had bad experience with them before. Avoid this tour operator as they are rude and don’t treat people with respect.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear you were unhappy with your experience The voucher you received was clearly stated as covering entrance to the trip only. As outlined in the product description, transportation was not included. Guests requiring transport would need to obtain a separate voucher for that service. We understand last-minute needs can arise, but as noted on the voucher, we're unfortunately unable to accommodate changes or add-ons requested at the last minute, regardless of the circumstances. We're also not responsible for personal matters that arise shortly before a tour. For travellers who decline the voucher and its stated inclusions and do not attend or participate, the reservation is recorded as a no-show, and refunds cannot be issued in these cases. We'd also like to kindly remind all guests that duplicate or copy-and-paste reviews intended to obtain benefits outside the purchased product are not permitted, and we reserve the right to address such cases accordingly. For everyone's comfort and safety, intoxication on board is also not permitted. We genuinely appreciate feedback and always aim to improve. If you have any further concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
via Viator
Disappointed
Unfortunately can’t comment on the trip but the booking was a disaster. I booked trip via Viator late in the evening, unfortunately made mistake and did not book with transfer from Kota Kinabalu. Email from the tour operator came in the middle of the night - after midnight (who reads emails at that time) I got it in the morning and found out I made a mistake. Contacted tour operator immediately and ask if the transfer could be added and I will pay the difference. Alternatively if I can swap for the next day. Got really rude response that the booking is no refundable and that I expect them to run my rules…. They accused me for asking for a free ride when I made clear at the beginning that I will pay the difference as I made mistake. Found this all experience very unpleasant and unprofessional. How you can sustain clients if you treat them like that.? Contacted Viator but they didn’t not help either. Avoid them as they don’t treat people nicely.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear you were unhappy with your experience The voucher you received was clearly stated as covering entrance to the trip only. As outlined in the product description, transportation was not included. Guests requiring transport would need to obtain a separate voucher for that service. We understand last-minute needs can arise, but as noted on the voucher, we're unfortunately unable to accommodate changes or add-ons requested at the last minute, regardless of the circumstances. We're also not responsible for personal matters that arise shortly before a tour. For travellers who decline the voucher and its stated inclusions and do not attend or participate, the reservation is recorded as a no-show, and refunds cannot be issued in these cases. We'd also like to kindly remind all guests that duplicate or copy-and-paste reviews intended to obtain benefits outside the purchased product are not permitted, and we reserve the right to address such cases accordingly. For everyone's comfort and safety, intoxication on board is also not permitted. We genuinely appreciate feedback and always aim to improve. If you have any further concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
via Tripadvisor
A great river trip
A great river trip. Plenty of wildlife to see. A surprise to me was how enchanting the fireflies were. A knowledgeable guide with very good english. If I'd had time i would have booked again.
via Tripadvisor
Seasonal monkey sightings
Seeing the monkies and firfeflies are by chance. The fireworks at the sky mirror beach is commendable tho.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $27 to $128
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Wadi Rum Fire Camp, who run 35 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.6.
See everything Wadi Rum Fire Camp runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kota Kinabalu.
How much does Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies cost?
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Prices start at $27 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 14 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies?
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Around 5 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off round trip (If selected); 2 boat cruise separated in two segments, wildlife and fireflies experience; Life jacket; Filipino market & chocolate kingdom (for private pickup only); and English and Malay speaking instructor. Not included: Personal expense and itinerary; and Floating mosque fee RM10 ( for transfer inclusive only). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Kota Kinabalu. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & 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.
What happens to Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & 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 Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Shared Tour + Ticket, Shared Tour + Pickup + Ticket, Private Tour + Ticket, Private Tour + Pickup + Ticket. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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