Kota Tinggi Firefly Park tour: Thousands of fireflies

Ride past thousands of fireflies mirroring the stars on the river

A firefly tour on the Johor Kota Tinggi river near Johor Bahru takes you by boat through the breeding grounds where thousands of fireflies flash across the banks at night. You board a passenger boat with a life jacket and cruise for two hours, watching the insects respond to the stars overhead. The tour runs three times each evening, with the first two departures offering the densest displays. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Firefly river cruise experience

• Board passenger boat at 7:30 pm
• Enjoy firefly viewing along river
• Spot wildlife like monkeys and owls
• Optional DIY love lock lettering
• Optional sky wishing lantern activity

The experience

Kota Tinggi Firefly Park sits on a rare breeding ground where the river banks light up after dark. The boat departs at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm or 9:30 pm, with the earlier slots catching the peak activity. The third departure at 9:30 pm sees firefly numbers drop by up to half. You travel by passenger boat fitted with safety railings and life jackets, moving slowly through the water so the insects stay undisturbed and visible.

The two-hour cruise takes you past the main concentration of fireflies, which flash in response to the stars and to each other across the dark water. On the way, you may spot wild monkeys, owls or monitor lizards moving along the banks. The boat stays on the river for the full duration, so you watch from the water rather than from a fixed platform or shore.

After the firefly tour ends, you can choose to add optional activities back at the park (DIY love lock lettering or sky wishing lanterns), or head back to Johor Bahru. The tour includes your life jacket and boat passage. Bring insect repellent and wear dark clothes so the fireflies stay calm.

What’s included

• Passenger boat cruise on the Johor Kota Tinggi river.
• life jacket.
• two-hour tour with one of three evening departure times.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:15

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Is this one for you?The two-hour tour fits into an evening in Johor Bahru without eating into the next day, so you can book it after dinner and still have time to return to your hotel by late night.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

48 verified traveler reviews

5 ★36

4 ★9

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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 24 h before the start.

What time should I book the firefly tour if I want to see the most fireflies?

The 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm departures are the best times for viewing fireflies. The 9:30 pm cruise may show 50% fewer insects as the night deepens.

What is the Johor Kota Tinggi river like during the firefly cruise?

The river is a rare breeding ground for fireflies, with thousands spread across both banks. You travel by slow-moving passenger boat so the insects stay visible and undisturbed throughout the two hours.

What else can I do at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park after the boat tour?

After the cruise, you can choose optional activities such as DIY love lock lettering or sky wishing lanterns, or return to Johor Bahru once the tour ends.

What wildlife might I see besides fireflies on the river?

During the cruise, you may spot wild monkeys, owls or monitor lizards along the banks if conditions are right.