Rivers are the lifelines to wetland and rainforest ecosystems around the world. Where there is freshwater, life soon follows and here in Sabah, our river systems are teeming with some of Borneo’s most unique and precious wildlife! All along the state’s west coast, you can find relaxing sunset river cruises where you’ll have the opportunity to spot long-tailed macaques, rare silvery langurs and of course the infamous proboscis monkeys - which can only be found right here in Borneo. As soon as the sun goes down, out come the fireflies for a magical display of twinkling lights to lead your way along the river.
Here is our guide to some of the best wetland experiences that you can find around Kota Kinabalu:
Klias River Cruise
The Klias Wetlands, situated within the Klias Peninsula, is the largest protected mangrove forest reserve in Sabah. Known for its large proboscis monkey population, it is a favourite destination among travellers visiting Sabah’s west coast, hoping to catch a glimpse of that bizarre-looking nose!
The journey to Klias Wetlands takes roughly 2 hours by bus, and upon arrival, you will be greeted with high tea before heading out on your first evening cruise. Make sure to be on the lookout for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silvery langurs, kingfishers and birds of prey. As dusk settles, you will enjoy a buffet dinner by the water’s edge before heading back out to watch the fireflies dance along the riverbanks. You may even spot the glowing eyes of a crocodile or two in the moonlight!
Weston River Cruise
The old town of Weston, named after the British civil engineer Arthur J. West, was once a strategic meeting point for shipping and transport during the days of colonial rule. It is now home to the Weston Wetland Park - a lush, unique reserve of mangrove swamp dubbed “The Little Kinabatangan” for its abundance of wildlife.
Just over 2 hours by bus to Weston Wetland jetty from Kota Kinabalu, you will be taken to a riverside lodge by boat where you’ll begin your evening adventure. Some of the incredible wildlife you may find in Weston include proboscis monkeys, silvery langurs, monitor lizards, crocodiles and mudskippers. This is a great place to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the mangroves before heading back for dinner in the river lodge restaurant. A second cruise will see you be treated by the dazzling lights of the fireflies to round off your Weston Wetland experience.
Kawa Kawa River Cruise
For a more intimate and lesser-known river cruise experience, you’ll find the small village of Kawa Kawa about 1hr30mins bus ride to the north of Kota Kinabalu. With fewer numbers of visitors, Kawa Kawa is a hidden gem, offering you a more rugged and untouched experience of Sabah’s mangrove forests.
Making your way to the Kawa Kawa jetty in time for afternoon tea, you can enjoy local cakes such as Pinjaram, before setting off on the sunset cruise along the waterways surrounding Kota Belud. Here you can find proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, water buffaloes and otters lounging along the banks of the river. A traditional-style dinner awaits you at the jetty on your return. Some tours may even offer you the chance to watch the sunset from Nanamun beach - the perfect spot for a sunset photoshoot, before heading out again to catch a glimpse of the fireflies.
Bongawan River Cruise
Located approximately 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu, Bongawan River is one of Sabah’s emerging wildlife river cruise destinations, offering a peaceful mangrove experience away from the busier river systems along Sabah’s west coast. The mangrove forest surrounding Bongawan is rich in biodiversity and provides opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, silver langurs, long-tailed macaques, river otters, monitor lizards and various species of birds while cruising through the waterways.
One of the biggest highlights of the Bongawan experience is the visit to the stunning Sky Mirror Beach during sunset, where shallow reflective waters create beautiful mirror-like reflections against the evening sky. After sunset, guests can enjoy a local Malay-style dinner before continuing with a magical fireflies cruise, where countless fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees along the riverbanks for a truly memorable end to the evening.
Mengkabong River Cruise
Just 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, the Mengkabong River Cruise in Tuaran offers one of the closest and most relaxing mangrove cruise experiences near the city. Flowing through scenic mangrove forests and peaceful waterways, the Mengkabong River is a beautiful location to enjoy Sabah’s sunset colours while cruising through the calm estuary surrounded by nature.
As night falls, the mangrove trees come alive with sparkling fireflies, creating a magical atmosphere along the riverbanks. Guests may also spot wildlife such as monkeys and crocodiles during the journey, adding an exciting touch to this tranquil evening cruise. Its close proximity to Kota Kinabalu makes Mengkabong River Cruise a popular choice for couples, families and travellers seeking a shorter nature escape without travelling too far from the city.
Enjoy the Mengkabong Sunset River Cruise & Fireflies Watching Experience
Binsuluk River Cruise
Located in the quieter and lesser-explored area of Binsuluk, this mangrove river cruise offers a more intimate alternative to some of Sabah’s more crowded river cruise destinations. The mangrove ecosystem here is rich with wildlife, and visitors often have opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, kingfishers, river otters and other wildlife while cruising through the peaceful waterways surrounded by untouched mangrove forests.
As sunset approaches, guests will visit the beautiful Sky Mirror Beach, where reflective shallow waters create stunning sunset photography opportunities against Sabah’s west coast horizon. The experience continues into the evening with a fireflies cruise through the mangroves, where glowing fireflies illuminate the trees in one of Sabah’s most enchanting natural displays, creating a memorable eco-tourism experience close to Kota Kinabalu.
Discover the Binsuluk Mangrove & Fireflies River Cruise Experience
Pandan Pandan Island River Cruise
For travellers looking to combine island activities with Sabah’s famous wildlife river cruises, the Pandan Pandan Island and River Cruise experience offers a unique full-day adventure blending snorkelling, beach relaxation and mangrove exploration. Located in Kota Belud, this experience begins with a boat ride to Pandan Pandan Island, where guests can enjoy reef snorkelling, kayaking, coral transplanting activities and traditional net fishing in crystal-clear waters.
As the day progresses, the experience transitions from island exploration to a relaxing river cruise along the Tempasuk and Nanamun rivers, where visitors may spot proboscis monkeys and other endemic wildlife while enjoying Sabah’s west coast sunset scenery. The evening concludes with a fireflies cruise through the mangroves, creating a diverse nature experience that combines marine life, wildlife and local culture all in one trip.
Explore the Pandan Pandan Island & River Cruise Combo Experience
Kota Belud River Kayaking & Cruise
For those seeking a more active and adventurous river experience, the Kota Belud Mangrove Kayaking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Sabah’s mangrove ecosystem by kayak instead of by boat. Located in Kuala Abai, Kota Belud, this guided kayaking journey takes visitors through scenic mangrove waterways where proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques and Bornean endemic birds can often be seen along the riverbanks.
As the journey continues towards the coast, guests can enjoy beautiful sunset views by the beach before returning for a relaxing firefly cruise through the mangroves after dinner. On clear days, Mount Kinabalu can also be seen in the distance during the daytime portion of the journey, making this experience a great combination of wildlife, outdoor adventure and Sabah’s natural scenery.
Book the Kota Belud Mangrove Kayaking & Firefly Cruise Experience
FAQ About River Cruises in Kota Kinabalu
Which river cruise near Kota Kinabalu is best for proboscis monkeys?
Klias, Weston, Bongawan, and Kota Belud river cruises are among the best places to spot proboscis monkeys near Kota Kinabalu.
Which river cruise has Sky Mirror Beach?
Both Bongawan River Cruise and Binsuluk Mangrove Cruise include a Sky Mirror Beach experience during sunset.
Which river cruise is closest to Kota Kinabalu?
Mengkabong River Cruise in Tuaran is one of the closest river cruise experiences, located approximately 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.
Are river cruises in Sabah suitable for children?
Yes. Most river cruises are family-friendly and suitable for children and senior travellers.
What wildlife can I see during a Sabah river cruise?
Although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, common sightings include proboscis monkeys, silver langurs, macaques, crocodiles, kingfishers, river otters, monitor lizards, and fireflies.
