Klias River Cruise & Fireflies Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Two river cruises in one evening: monkeys at sunset, fireflies after dark

A river cruise and firefly tour on the Klias Peninsula, departing from Kota Kinabalu hotels in the afternoon and returning by evening. You ride the Klias River twice, once at 4:50pm to spot proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in the mangrove habitat, and again after dinner to watch fireflies flicker across the water at night. Hotel pickup, dinner, tea and local snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Klias River Cruise and Fireflies Tour

• Pick up from Kota Kinabalu hotels
• Travel 2 hours to Klias by van
• Relax and enjoy hi tea
• Start first river cruise to see Proboscis Monkeys
• Buffet dinner of local Malaysian cuisine
• Second river cruise to watch fireflies
• Return to Kota Kinabalu and hotel drop off

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel around 1pm, then a two-hour drive by van through Sabah to reach Klias at 4pm. You'll have time to settle in with tea, coffee and local snacks before the first river cruise departs at 4:50pm. This is when you're most likely to see the proboscis monkeys (the iconic long-nosed species that lives only in Borneo) moving through the mangrove trees along the water's edge. The guide points out other wildlife as the boat moves slowly through the habitat.

After the first cruise, you'll eat a buffet of local Malaysian cuisine before heading back onto the river around 7pm. This second trip is when the fireflies emerge. As darkness settles, thousands of them flicker on and off in the trees lining the water, creating a natural light show that shifts and pulses across the mangrove. The boat moves quietly through the darkness so you can watch without distraction. By 7:30pm you're back on the van for the return journey to your hotel, arriving late evening.

The tour runs nine hours total and includes all transport from your hotel, both river cruises, dinner, tea and snacks. The guide speaks English throughout. The van is wheelchair accessible, and the tour welcomes children from age one: strollers and infant seats are available if you need them.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kota Kinabalu.
• two river cruises on the Klias River.
• afternoon tea with coffee, tea and local snacks.
• buffet dinner of Malaysian cuisine.
• English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English13:00

Guide in English12:30

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:30 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Only In Borneo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both proboscis monkeys and fireflies in one evening. The combined itinerary means you see both in a single trip rather than splitting them across separate outings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What animals will I actually see on the Klias River?

Proboscis monkeys are the main draw. They're the long-nosed species found only in Borneo and they're most active at dusk when the first cruise departs. You'll also spot other wildlife moving through the mangrove habitat along the river. The fireflies on the second cruise are the evening's second major sight, flickering on and off in the trees as darkness falls.

How long is the drive from Kota Kinabalu to Klias?

The van journey takes about two hours and covers 132 kilometers. You'll be picked up from your hotel around 1pm and arrive at Klias by 4pm, giving you time to rest and have tea before the first river cruise at 4:50pm.

What time does the tour end and when do I get back to my hotel?

The second river cruise finishes around 7:30pm, then you board the van for the return drive to Kota Kinabalu. You'll arrive back at your hotel late evening, making this a full afternoon and evening commitment.

Is dinner included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, dinner is included as a buffet of local Malaysian cuisine, served between the two river cruises. Tea, coffee and local snacks are also provided during the afternoon break at Klias.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the guide speaks English throughout the tour and has experience leading groups from Kota Kinabalu.