Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, Monkeys & Fireflies Tour

Summary

Wildlife river cruise from Kota Kinabalu with monkeys, sunset and fireflies

You’ll watch sunset reflections at Kota Kinabalu’s Floating Mosque, taste Sabah chocolate (yes, even durian flavor), then cruise Bongawan River spotting monkeys before sharing dinner as fireflies light up mangroves around you. This tour includes pickup and a local guide—expect small surprises and honest moments along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bongawan River Cruise and Kota Kinabalu Tour

• Visit Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque
• Take photos with mosque reflection
• Option to rent traditional outfits
• Explore Cocoa Kingdom and taste chocolates
• Shop for cocoa souvenirs
• Embark on Bongawan River Cruise
• Spot proboscis monkeys and wildlife
• Enjoy sunset over the river
• Watch fireflies light up trees
• Have tea time and local dinner

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Bongawan River cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from Citadines The Shore in Kota Kinabalu.

Can I visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque on Fridays?

No, mosque entry isn’t available on Fridays due to prayers.

Are meals provided during this day trip?

Yes, tea time snacks and a local dinner are included after the cruise.

Will we see proboscis monkeys on this tour?

You have a good chance to spot proboscis monkeys along Bongawan River during the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

How far is Bongawan River from Kota Kinabalu?

Bongawan River is about an hour’s drive from central Kota Kinabalu.

Do we get to try local chocolates at Cocoa Kingdom?

Yes, free tastings of various Sabah chocolates—including unique flavors—are offered.

Is there a guide during the river cruise?

Yes, an expert local guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Citadines The Shore in Kota Kinabalu, entry fees for both the Floating Mosque and Bongawan Jetty, admission to Cocoa Kingdom chocolate factory with tastings, an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, guidance from a local expert throughout, plus tea or coffee and a full local dinner after your river cruise before heading back into town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the way the water mirrored the sky at the Floating Mosque in Kota Kinabalu. I’d seen photos before, but standing there—barefoot on cool tiles, sun just starting to dip—I caught myself staring at the blue-and-white reflection for way too long. Our guide, Amir, joked that he still hasn’t figured out how to take a photo without someone’s head in it. He offered to help anyway. There was this quiet hum from people praying inside, and a breeze carrying hints of incense or maybe just river air—I’m not sure which.

We stopped at Cocoa Kingdom next (I didn’t expect that part), and honestly, I’m still thinking about the durian chocolate. You either love it or you don’t—no in-between. The lady behind the counter laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” properly; she handed me another sample like she knew I’d need convincing. The whole place smelled like roasted cocoa beans and sweet milk, kind of sticky in the afternoon heat.

But the real reason I booked this day trip from Kota Kinabalu was for the Bongawan River cruise. It’s about an hour out—felt longer because I kept watching palms flick past the window—and suddenly you’re surrounded by mangroves. Amir pointed out a proboscis monkey almost right away (big nose, even bigger belly), and we saw macaques chasing each other along branches. The boat was quiet except for birds calling overhead and someone’s phone pinging with no signal. Sunset crept up on us—pink and gold over glassy water—and then after tea and dinner (rice, fish, something spicy I couldn’t name), fireflies started blinking in the trees like tiny lanterns strung up for nobody but us.

I thought fireflies would feel magical in a cheesy way but it wasn’t like that—it was gentle and weirdly grounding. Everyone got quiet for a minute. I still think about that hush sometimes when my city gets too loud.