Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies
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About This Tour in Kota Kinabalu
Why Visit Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Kota Kinabalu provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Kota Kinabalu
You can reach Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's 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
What's Not Included
- Personal expense and itinerary
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- 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.
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Your journey begins with a pickup fromThis 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!
End Point
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!
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available or meet at start point
Pickup Time: 5 minutes before departure
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Your journey begins with a pickup from your... 2 hours
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.
Upon arrival at the serene Bongawan jetty, guests... 2 hours
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.
Following the wildlife cruise, continue to explore the... 2 hours
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.
As the dinner end, the tour moves into... 40 minutes
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.
At the end of this cruise, head back...
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.
Explore More
Discover more tours and activities in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
