Kota Kinabalu isn’t just about lush rainforests and mountain views; it also offers a fantastic range of boat tours and cruises that showcase its rich natural beauty from the water. Whether you’re eager to spot proboscis monkeys on a river safari, watch fireflies flicker in the mangroves, or enjoy a sunset dinner over the South China Sea, this city has something to quench every sailor’s thirst. For example, the Klias River Cruise & Fireflies Tour stands out for its combination of wildlife viewing and a magical firefly display—an experience that feels like stepping into a nature documentary. Meanwhile, the Full Day Bongawan River Cruise offers a more relaxed, multi-hour journey through pristine mangroves. With options ranging from half-day excursions to luxurious sunset dinners, Kota Kinabalu’s waters are calling.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of boat experiences—from wildlife safaris and island visits to snorkeling trips and scenic sunset cruises. Some tours focus on eco-tourism, like the Klias Wetlands and Klias Wildlife Safari, offering wildlife sightings and firefly spectacles. Others emphasize leisure, such as the Sunset Dinner Cruise or the Kawa Kawa River Fireflies, for those seeking relaxation and scenic views. And for the water lovers, the Fun Snorkeling & Island Visit offers a full day of marine adventure.
1. Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour
This all-day tour combines wildlife spotting with an enchanting firefly show. Starting from Kota Kinabalu, your guide takes you to the Klias Wetlands, where proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and silver langurs make regular appearances. The highlight is the evening river cruise, which begins with a Malaysian buffet dinner in a village-style setting. Afterward, you’ll cruise through the mangrove swamp to witness the fireflies’ flickering lights—more magical than any Christmas display. Rated 4.5/5 based on 102 reviews, this tour offers a well-paced experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Perfect for nature lovers and those wanting an immersive wildlife experience, it’s a full 9-hour adventure that balances wildlife encounters with a peaceful river journey. The wildlife sightings are frequent and the fireflies are spectacular, making it a top pick for eco-tourism fans.
Bottom Line: If seeing proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat while ending the day with fireflies lighting up the night sounds perfect, this tour delivers.
2. Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies
This 8-hour river cruise is a hidden gem with a focus on wildlife, photography, and unique scenery. The tour starts with a visit to the Floating Mosque, providing a striking photo opportunity. Then, you’ll explore Cocoa Kingdom and sample Sabah’s best chocolates, adding a sweet touch to the day. The main event is the proboscis monkey viewing and the iconic fireflies spectacle at night. Rated a perfect 5.0/5 by nine reviewers, it’s praised for top-notch service, expert guides, and the chance to see the monkeys up close, as some even approach to take bananas. This tour is well-suited for travelers interested in nature, culture, and photography, with a flexible itinerary that allows for relaxing beach stops and scenic moments.
Bottom Line: An excellent value for those who want a comprehensive day combining wildlife, cultural sights, and magical fireflies.
3. Fun Boat Snorkeling and Island Visit from Kota Kinabalu
For around $92, this full-day snorkeling tour takes you to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast. The itinerary includes two snorkeling spots, where you can swim with vibrant marine life, and a relaxed lunch on Pulau Gaya, with its beautiful beach. Rated 4.5/5 based on 34 reviews, the trip features hotel pickup, transport, and entrance fees included, making it a convenient and flexible option for water lovers. The tour is perfect for families or anyone wanting to experience Sabah’s underwater world without diving gear. Be prepared for busy, lively spots, but the clear waters and lively fish are well worth it. It’s an active yet relaxing way to spend a day on the water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts seeking an all-inclusive day of marine exploration with easy access from Kota Kinabalu.
4. Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise
This 6 to 8-hour experience is perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Starting with a welcome drink and high tea, you’ll search for proboscis monkeys and visit the Monkey King family in the mangroves. The tour includes a sunset at the Superview Beach and a magical firefly cruise. Rated 4.0/5 from nearly 100 reviews, it offers a good balance of wildlife sightings, sunset photography, and fireflies at night. The guides are knowledgeable about the local ecology, making the experience both fun and educational. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy combining wildlife and scenic photography, especially at sunset.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting a compact, visually rich experience with wildlife, sunset, and fireflies all in one day.
5. Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise – Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies
A longer, more immersive option, this 8-hour 30-minute tour focuses on the Klias Wetlands, famed for proboscis monkeys and fireflies. Starting with a river safari and a Malaysian buffet dinner, you’ll experience the shy proboscis monkeys in their natural environment. The evening cruise reveals fireflies illuminating the mangroves, a truly mesmerizing sight. Rated 4.5/5 with 21 reviews, this tour is praised for its wildlife sightings and scenic beauty. It’s best suited for travelers wanting an in-depth, relaxed experience with multiple wildlife encounters and a hearty local dinner included.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive, leisurely wildlife adventure with fireflies and good food, this is a solid choice.
How to Choose
When selecting your boat tour in Kota Kinabalu, consider your interests and the time you have available. If wildlife viewing is your priority, the Klias River Cruise & Fireflies Tour or the Klias Wildlife Safari deliver excellent chances to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies, especially in the evening. For those who love snorkeling and marine life, the Fun Snorkeling and Island Visit offers a lively, full-day adventure with clear waters. If you’re after a romantic sunset or dinner, the Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner or the North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise provide memorable evenings on the water. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer shorter options like the Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies or the Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies River Cruise.
Booking early is wise, especially for tours with limited availability or peak season. Think about your preferred pace—do you want a full wildlife day, a relaxed sunset, or a snorkel trip? Matching your interests with these options will help you make the most of Kota Kinabalu’s fantastic waters.
To sum it up, Kota Kinabalu offers a diverse array of boat experiences that highlight its natural beauty and wildlife. For a wildlife-focused adventure, the Klias River Cruise & Fireflies Tour or the Klias Wildlife Safari stand out for their immersive wildlife sightings and spectacular fireflies. If marine activities are more your style, the Fun Snorkeling & Island Visit provides a lively, sun-soaked day on the South China Sea. And for those seeking a romantic or scenic evening, the Sunset Dinner Cruise and North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise are perfect for winding down with breathtaking views and good food.
No matter your style or budget, these tours give you a chance to experience Kota Kinabalu from a different perspective—by water. Be sure to plan ahead and book early to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons. Now, get ready to enjoy Sabah’s waters and wildlife—you won’t regret it.