All reviews
Review Author: Jeck
Review Date: 25 Feb 2026
Review Body: We recently joined a private Klias River tour while traveling in Sabah with our family, including young children under 6 years old, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
A special thank you to Mr Del, our guide, for his outstanding professionalism. He was incredibly helpful, attentive, and patient with our children throughout the journey. His knowledge of Sabah’s flora and fauna was impressive, and he shared many interesting facts that made the experience both educational and enjoyable. He also kindly helped us prepare some necessities before the trip, which made traveling with young kids much easier and stress free.
The tour itself was truly unique. We were very lucky to see many proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, and the firefly experience at night was magical, watching them light up the trees in the wild was something our whole family will never forget.
Thank you to the team for such a memorable experience. I highly recommend booking this tour, especially the private option for families, if you want the best chance to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies in the wild.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Chris
Review Date: 12 Mar 2026
Review Body: We had a wonderful cruise on the Klias river. The journey there was comfortable, and it was lovely to receive local sweets and tea upon arrival. The river cruise itself was a completely unique experience - we saw lots of monkeys (3 types) as well as hornbills and crocodiles. Dinner was tasty, and the fireflies afterwards were magical. We took kids aged 1 - 13 and they all had a great time.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Shresta Saha (@senoritasaha)
Review Date: 30 Mar 2026
Review Body: Smooth experience. Hotel pick up and drop off. English speaking guide. Met people from the UK and Czech Republic. Loved the river safari. Got to spot many proboscis monkey. Fireflys in the night sky was magical. The night sky is so clear - I have never seen this many stars in one night. 100% recommend. This was the highest go my trip. MUST DO experience if you are in Kota Kinabalu.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Cornelius
Review Date: 08 Apr 2026
Review Body: Well organized. Be prepared for a longer drive, but this is clearly stated before. Great Nature experience, especially seeing the fire flys up in the trees
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Malika Menard
Review Date: 11 May 2026
Review Body: Everything was perfect and a really good service!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Singrif
Review Date: 30 Nov 2025
Review Body: Great service, good communication.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Robert Pecoraro
Review Date: 08 Mar 2026
Review Body: We had a nice time visiting the Klias River. It was a long drive from Kota Kinabalu and back, but we were rewarded with some good wildlife viewing, including a Crocodile, proboscis Monkeys, Macaques and some birds. After a nice dinner, we went out and viewed fireflies on the river. It might be nice to spend a couple of days in that area, since the wildlife seems to be abundant.
Review rating: 4
Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Proboscis Monkey + Firefly river cruise
Itinerary Description: 1:00 PM - Hotel Pick-Up in Kota Kinabalu ~ Please state the name of your hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Your tour begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. You'll be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable guide who will accompany you throughout the day.
2:30 PM - Scenic Drive to Klias River
Enjoy a picturesque drive as you head towards the Klias River, located approximately 2-3 hours away from Kota Kinabalu. Along the way, you can soak in the stunning landscapes of Sabah, passing through lush forests and rural villages.
4:30 PM - Arrival at Klias River
Upon arriving at Klias River, you'll be welcomed at the tour base. Take a moment to relax and enjoy some light refreshments before the adventure begins.
5:00 PM - Klias River Cruise / Proboscis Monkey Viewing
Embark on your Klias Rivercruise adventure. You'll board a comfortable boat that will take you on a serene journey through the mangrove forests along the Klias River. Keep your camera ready as you might spot various bird species, monitor lizards, and other wildlife.
6:00 PM - Back to base camp & dinner served
After your encounter with the Proboscis Monkeys, enjoy a delicious local dinner at the tour base. Savor the flavors of Sabah's cuisine while sharing stories of your wildlife sightings with your fellow travelers.
7:00 PM - Firefly Cruise (weather dependant)
As darkness falls, embark on the second part of your adventure - the Firefly Cruise (15-20 minutes). Board a boat equipped with dim, non-intrusive lighting to witness the enchanting spectacle of thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. This magical light show is a highlight of the tour.
8:00 PM - Depart back to Kota Kinabalu
After an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters and natural wonders, it's time to head back to Kota Kinabalu. Your guide will ensure you return safely to your hotel, concluding your Klias Rivercruise + Proboscis Monkey + Fireflies tour by around 9.30 PM to 10:00 PM.
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Klias River Cruise | Proboscis Monkeys & Fireflies
Enjoy the magic of Borneo on a wildlife cruise.
4.9
|7 Reviews
Group size
Up to 85 guests

DURATION
8 hours

Booking type
Join-in trip

MEET UP
Free pick-up

Group size
Up to 85 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
Scenic river cruise with proboscis monkey viewing and firefly spectacle.
Escape the busy streets of Kota Kinabalu and immerse yourself in the magic of Borneo’s wildlife on the Klias River Cruise. This isn’t just any river tour—it’s one of the best ways to see Sabah’s iconic Proboscis Monkeys and a breathtaking firefly display in one trip. This boat trip is great as it takes you deep into the mangroves, where you have a higher chance of spotting the peculiar Proboscis Monkeys—known for their quirky noses and playful nature. As night falls, enjoy one of nature’s most mesmerising light shows as thousands of fireflies twinkle in the trees, creating a scene that feels almost magical. This is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful escape from the city. If you want to experience Borneo’s wildlife up close without a strenuous trek, this is the ideal adventure for you.What to ExpectScenic drive through lush forests and rural villages on the way to Klias RiverRelaxing river cruise to spot birds, monitor lizards, and other local wildlifeUp-close encounter with Proboscis Monkeys in their natural habitatDelicious local dinner at the tour baseFirefly boat cruise where thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove treesHassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off from Kota KinabaluGood to KnowPick-up is included for hotels within a 5 km radius of Kota Kinabalu city centreFor outskirt hotels (Karambunai, Tuaran, One Borneo, and areas within 20 km of the city), there is a MYR 50 surcharge per personLight refreshments and dinner are provided, but lunch is not includedExpect some mosquitoes near the river—bringing insect repellent is a good ideaThe journey to Klias River takes about 2–3 hours, so bring a book or headphones for the rideAmenities/FacilitiesComfortable boat seatingLife jackets provided
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Proboscis Monkey + Firefly river cruise
Show Details
What’s Included
Return Transfer from hotels in Kota Kinabalu City Center only (5km radius)
OUTSKIRT HOTELS PICK-UP & DROP OFF SURCHARGES
Additional charges of MYR 50 per pax are applicable for outskirt hotels pick-ups. Outskirt Charges are applicable for Hotels in areas of Karambunai, Tuaran, One Borneo, Inanam, Penampang, Putatan, and within 20km radius of Kota Kinabalu City Centre.
River Cruise
Simple High Tea (Coffee, Tea, Local Snacks & Fruits)
Dinner
Not included
Lunch
Available Add-ons:
Show Details
Who you’re supporting

Women-led Wonder
Show Details
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Free pick-up from Please state the name of your hotel in Kota Kinabalu City Center (5km radius)(Please state the name of your hotel in Kota Kinabalu City Center, Malaysia (5km radius))
- 01:00pm
- Notes: Please state the name of your hotel
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & Ends
Daily
01:00PM - 09:00PM
Suitability / Accessibility
- Vegetarian food available
- Halal food available
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.Minimum Participants
If there are fewer than 4 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.
What to Pack
- Binoculars
- Cap
- Insect repellent
- Long Trousers
- Raincoat / Umbrella
- Recommended Attire:-
- Recommended Things To Bring:-
- Shoes / Sandals
- Sunblock
- T-Shirts
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Meet your host
Olivia has been helping travellers explore Kinabalu since 2010. A true Sabah local, she knows the ins and outs of the area and is always ready to sort out any last-minute hiccups. She doesn’t lead the trips herself, but she’s the one making sure everything runs smoothly – from organising logistics to sharing insider tips on Kota Kinabalu. Super organised and incredibly reliable, Olivia is the kind of person who makes things happen. Whether it’s finding forgotten hiking boots or handling unexpected changes, she’s got it covered. Guests appreciate her quick responses and genuine care, making every adventure stress-free. With Olivia behind the scenes, you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Experience: 16 years
Speaks: Fluent English, Chinese, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 98%

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