Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour
4.7
Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour
By Only In Borneo Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-80, max of 30 per group
Duration: 9h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Written guide: English
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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- Sweet delicacy from the locals
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Entry/Admission - Klias Wetlands
What's not included- tidbits may need to buy for own
- Tipping
- Soft Drink
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Can find us with the company sticker at the body of the minivan/Bus Usually the pick up will be start at 1:15PM for hotel around Kota Kinabalu City
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Malaysia, Sabah, MY Sabah Kota Kinabalu 134, Aras 5 邮政编码:邮政编码: 88740
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Jesselton Point Seafood Restaurant, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 233988P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 233988P1
From
$50.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1Pick up start at 1pm from all hotels around Kota Kinabalu city area until finish. Then proceed to Klias for 2hours/132km journey by van/minibus. Klias arrival at 4pm, you get to relax and enjoy hi tea (coffee, tea, and local snacks). 1st rivercruise start at 4.50pm and you will see the icon Proboscis Monkey in its natural habitat and also some sighting of other animals along the mangrove area. You will be serve buffet of local Malaysian cuisine for dinner before embark for the 2nd cruising along the river to watch the magical fireflies flickering through the night. By 7.30pm, you will get on the bus/van for the journey back to Kota Kinabalu city for hotel drop off and mark of the end of the tour.
Top rated
More to explore in Kota Kinabalu
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- amanyee0 contributionsNice place to goThe surrounding is very amazing, full of forest nature, birds noisy & the environment is very interested. The area is very big, got a lot place to goWritten December 9, 2024
- SookFoon0 contributionsProboscis Monkeys - Sadly less monkeys can be spottedONLY IN BORNEO TOURS SDN BHD was the tour operator. Management of tourists and dissemination of crucial information is far from satisfactory. Three others in my group had been on this tour several years ago and they noticed a significant reduction in the number of proboscis monkeys we could see while on the cruise. Global warming and loss of habitat are likely causes of us spotting less monkeys.Written April 6, 2024
- leeshowkee0 contributionsA City That Transverse the Mountain and the SeaThe sunset views were amazing. We enjoyed the bluest sea in the morning from our room and sunset from the rooftop bar at the KK Marriot. The people were gentle and friendly. The seafood is great and we also recommend a trip to the Mount Kinabalu Park.Written May 8, 2023
- bas k0 contributionsDO NOT BOOKDo not book this! They didn’t pick me up and when you call the number you will get someone on the phone who quit this job 3 year’s ago.Written May 8, 2022
- richardkam850 contributionsTaking visitorTo see prboscis monkey, this is the place to be. For a glimpse of fireflies at night provided it's not rainingWritten December 9, 2019
- emma12345620150 contributionsGreat Island Hopping TourWe did the day trip out to two of the islands near Kota Kinabalu. Booking the tour was very easy (we did it via WhatsApp), and we found all the staff to be friendly and helpful. The trip itself was great - everything was taken care of, we just had to turn up. We had time to spend snorkelling and on the beach at both islands. Would happily book with Only In Borneo again!Written October 15, 2019
- takiya270 contributionsCruise at klias is very amazingbest experience for wildlife. i did not expect the variety of natural creatures i have seen in Klias. Monitor lizards, river crocodile and pythons. the Proboscis Monkey are in families. Will definitely recommend.Written August 25, 2019
- gandt270 contributionsGreat CompanyTook a trip out to the Klias River with ‘Only in Borneo’ tours after a recommendation. We were certainly not disappointed! This company is first class! From being picked up from our hotel and returned 7 hours later, we were looked after wonderfully by our English speaking guide, Sam. The journey to the river took about 2 hours ( rather a long time) but the mini bus was clean and very comfortable so not a problem. When we arrived we were offered tea/coffee and light snacks. We then took the cruise on the river, that was beautiful in itself, in search of the Proboscis monkey. Unfortunately we were not to get a good viewing of them and only managed to see them from some distance... but hey! You can’t control nature! Then it was back to base fore a hot buffet dinner which was surprisingly good, before setting out on the boat again to see the fireflies, and they were in abundance! Finally back on our mini bus for the long ride home. A great day out and excellent value for money! Highly recommended! Our group!Written April 18, 2019
- K8ie_travels0 contributionsThey'll promise anything to sell a tourWe booked two tours with OIB while staying in Kota Kinabalu. While the service at the booking office was very friendly, well informed and professional; they couldn't keep up with what they promised. The first tour we did was Mount Kinabalu Park, Raffalesia Flower and Poring hot springs. As other people here already mentioned, all in all it's quite a long drive compared to what you get on the tour. This could be made worthwhile, if the tour guides gave some explanations about the region or Sabah in general during the drive, but they only explain things at the designated destinations. We enjoyed the tour through the botanical garden in the Mount Kinabalu park and seeing the Raffalesia flowers in bloom. The canopy walk and Poring hot springs... not much to see and honestly not worth the drive. The included lunch was good, but there was too little food for everyone and we left feeling still a bit hungry. When we gave this feedback to OIB we were under the impression, they already knew this...? The second thing that didn't work out as promised was a transfer from Poring hot springs to Sandakan... they were helpful with finding a solution, so we gave them the benefit of the doubt and booked a second tour with them: Day trip with sea walking and parasailing at Sapi Island. The boat ride - which needs to be paid separately - was more expensive than when booking it directly with the boat company, and as for the parasailing (also paid in advance) they let you wait around on the island until the seller there finds enough other people to do it. There were actually people who had to return to Kota Kinabalu without being able to do the parasailing! The guide the company sent with us, was absolutely no help with this issue, as he had to leave early to attend to other groups. At least the sea walking was a really nice experience.Written February 26, 2019
- AzulMariana0 contributionsBest thing about KKWe went on the river cruise - Monkey and firefly tour. Having not really been a fan of KK for several reasons we decided to do a tour to go into the real Borneo. From the moment Richard picked us up, we knew it was going to be a great tour. Very friendly, funny and knowledgeable. Drove extremely safe, which helped as my husband gets travel sick easily, but the two hour journey flew by. Food at bass camp was great and they were very accommodating to vegetarians like us. We managed to see two types of monkeys and quite a few of them. The boat seemed well maintained and they had life jackets. Booking with Allay through WhatsApp was super easy. They are based at Jenselton Point inside the terminal. Definitely recommend them.Written January 23, 2019
- DanielNgTravel0 contributionsMonkey and Fire FliesJoin the wetland river cruising tour to see the Proboscis Monkey and Fire Flies. The river cruise itself was very laid back and relaxing, whilst constantly keeping us on our toes in the hope of seeing the famous "shy" Proboscis Monkey (we were lucky to see them on numerous occasions). Even though the Fire Fly experience was not exactly like how i imagined from a Hollywood movie, it was still beautiful and very nice experience. Our guide Richard was awesome, his tour was enthusiastic, humorous and educational. I highly recommend this tour!Written October 9, 2018
- Catherine O0 contributionsKota Kinabalu Park, hot springs and canopy walk tour... Don't do it.We went off on this day trip yesterday, without a doubt the worst day trip we have ever been on, 10 hours, for a guided walk around a poorly kept garden, the tour guide was just speaking from habit rather than any enthusiasm, but then it's hard to get enthusiastic about teeny tiny flowers unless teeny tiny flowers are really your thing. Stopped to take photos of the mountain, met a really nice dog there! Went to the hot springs, which weren't springs at all, just baths with taps, and a small pool full of very noisy kids, it was tacky and plain dull. Canopy walk wasn't really in the canopy at all, another money making tourist trap and trapped we were. Please, don't do this trip, I was ready to get off the coach and walk after 8 hours but no, another 2 hours of crashing boredom was to be endured. For the money you pay you could get a nice place to stay near the mountain and go explore yourself.Written September 26, 2018
- Tengku F0 contributionsProboscis MonkeyGuide Mr Richard was super helpful & informative. Tour was fun, we got lucky to see monkey & fireflies. Tq.Written September 1, 2018
- Twfik A0 contributionsSimply said, One of the best tour for river cruisingI joined in the tour for search of proboscis monkeys in OIB Klias one week ago and my first time to experience a wildlife cruise. It really made my day ! For a person living in a busy city, that I was able to see a serene and beautiful mangrove was far beyond my expectation.The number of monkeys were very near to the riverbank and we even seen a gray haired monkey. Amazing conservation of nature! My guide was Sham, very knowledgeable and we took very good shots in the boat while he was explaining the life in wetlands. The food was authentic Malay and suits my liking. Soto soup was my favorite. So I never felt the 2 hours drive as boring because the rest of the guests were really enjoying in the van, we felt safe despite the different nationalities we have. Kudos to this tour operator. I recommend OIB for future visits in Malaysia.Written August 16, 2018
- avidreader1010 contributionsTerrible Operator, Overbooked Transportation, Lazy Guide, Unsafe DriverMy husband and I did the Klias River (Probscis Monkey/Firefly) Tour with OIB earlier this week. It was our last tour during our trip to Borneo and by far our most disappointing. We had initially booked the tour through a different company so we had no idea what to expect from OIB, but if you have a choice NEVER book with OIB. Things were genuinely so bad that I don't know where to start. 1. The company overbooked the boat ~ There were 37 paying customers + 4 guides for a boat with a maximum capacity of 35 passengers and a comfortable capacity of 20-25. We arrived in several different cars with separate guides but all belonged to the same company and were expected to squeeze onto the same boat. In the end, our group of 8 boarded last and got stuck with having to squeeze a family of 4 into seats meant for 3, 2 of us squishing in next to angry people from other groups, and 2 of us sitting in plastic chairs in the aisle of the boat that one of the guides brought from the picnic/dinner area when it became clear that they couldn't force any more of their paying customers to hold their children on their laps or to sit with one hip in the air 2. Our "guide" was absolutely worthless and didn't do her job ~While on the boat our guide spent the entire time playing on her smart phone. (If I didn't live in a country where I could get sued for sharing pictures of people online, I would attach my collection of her acting like a pre-teen while working.) Other guides quietly told the people sitting next to them interesting things about the wildlife, pointing out animals, etc. The most active thing ours did was to stand in the aisle so we couldn't see anything for the first half of the boat tour. 3. The company clearly cares more about its own commercial success/advertising than the experience of its customers ~One of the guides stood in the front of the boat with a nice camera and dictated when/how the boat moved so that he (not the paying customers) could get the best pictures. 4. The company hires very aggressive/unsafe van drivers ~The driver who took us from Kota Kinabalu to the Klias River Base Camp and back was one of the most unsafe I have ever ridden with in any country. Even at night, he disregarded the speed limit, drove very close to the back of the vehicle in front, passed illegally and cut off the car being passed, and spent most of the trip suddenly slamming on the brakes to avoid causing accidents Bottom line: With a different tour operator this could be a wonderful tour, but OIB was the worst in every regardWritten August 10, 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Brittany M
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Had a lovely time on this river cruise. Klias River is beautiful. On the first cruise, we saw baby crocodiles, macaque monkeys, and proboscis monkeys. The tour guides (Jamil and James) were lovely and happily answered all our questions about the river biodiversity. They also stopped at multiple locations along the river to ensure everyone got to see things. The guides get the boat all the way to the shore, so getting good photos is purely dependent on the monkeys!! The dinner was tasty and plentiful. The second cruise to see the fireflies was also great. We got to see so many! For anyone wondering about the journey, I experienced great communication about pick up from my hotel (Marilyn is on WhatsApp). The journey was 2 hrs each way in a minibus/van with excellent aircon. Overall, I would recommend this one! Thanks Only in Borneo Tours!
Written July 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello there,
Thank you so much for your comments. We are so happy that you enjoyed the tour. Wishing you a great days ahead! Stay safe and stay healthy!
Warm regards,
Marilyn
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK2,509 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Yes, it is a long journey out to this spot on the river mangroves from the city, but it is worth it. Obviously, your enjoyment is affected by what wildlife you see - and the tour company has no control over that. However, it is a nice trip with good buffet and then a very pleasant cruise on the river and the guides are experts who do really well to spot the monkeys especially. We were lucky enough to see several, even though they are quite hard to spot among the treetops.
If you are wanting to see the elusive proboscis monkey whilst in Borneo then I'd certainly recommend doing this tour to give yourself a great opportunity.
The firefly bit wasn't so exciting as hard to photograph but it was still nice to see so many out at one of the bushes as we headed back.
If you are wanting to see the elusive proboscis monkey whilst in Borneo then I'd certainly recommend doing this tour to give yourself a great opportunity.
The firefly bit wasn't so exciting as hard to photograph but it was still nice to see so many out at one of the bushes as we headed back.
Written February 24, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Greetings from OIB Tours Sdn Bhd!
We thank you for your time to write us a feedback and we glad that you have enjoy your trip with us. We hope to see you again in the future, till then take care and have a nice day ahead.
Regards,
From The Management Team
Written February 25, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway37497351161
Kota Kinabalu District, Malaysia4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Everything went as promised, we saw many groups of proboscis monkeys swinging in the trees and eating leaves, also makakis and silver languurs. Fireflies lighted up a couple of trees (when there's rain or moonlight, you won't see the fireflies, but fortunately we had good weather) and it was great to listen to the jungle sounds in the dark, cruising slowly through the river. We also saw hornbills and a water monitor (lizard), no crocodiles showed up this time. Roads to the destination are quite bumpy, but the journey went well. This is an easy option to see some animals even if you can't do any hiking. Thank you to our great guide Mr. Sulani!
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriela R
11 contributions
It was a nice trip. Our tour guide Catty was very friendly and spoke perfect English, the van driver and boat driver were both very safe and friendly. Saw 3 kings of monkeys and fireflies. The food was ok. Nice trip, worth doing!
Written February 3, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Greetings from OIB Tours Sdn Bhd!
We thank you for the feedback and glad that you have enjoy your trip with us. We hope to see you again in the future, till then take care and have a nice day ahead.
Regards,
From The Management Team
Written February 4, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Serjio An
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam8,668 contributions
I made a reservation at the hotel (Le Meridian) counter on the morning of the day.
The 2-hour trip one way in a 12-seater van was not exactly comfortable, and the afternoon tea and buffet dinner after arriving were so-so, but it was still worth the trip.
The fireflies shining from the many trees, just like a Christmas tree, were an amazing experience, something I had never seen before.
The 2-hour trip one way in a 12-seater van was not exactly comfortable, and the afternoon tea and buffet dinner after arriving were so-so, but it was still worth the trip.
The fireflies shining from the many trees, just like a Christmas tree, were an amazing experience, something I had never seen before.

Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you for your comments. We appreciate it.
Have a great days ahead.
Wish you all the best things in life!
Written October 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HonoluluGolfer
Aiea, HI898 contributions
I was picked up first at 1pm. We picked up two other solo travelers and then we ended up at a garage to get a tire changed. Better than on the way. After the tire change we picked up two families. From previous reviews, I knew the ride was 2 hours to Klias River. The minivan was comfortable and I had enough leg room (I am 6’4”) sitting behind the driver. We had tea and cookies upon arrival at base camp and then made our way to the boats. We ended up seeing numerous Proboscis monkeys and a couple of Silver-leaf Monkeys. We also spotted a Monitor lizard. We headed back to base camp for dinner. After dinner, we went back out on the boats to see the fireflies. The fireflies are very sensitive to other ambient light. We headed back to base camp and jumped into the minivans for the ride back to the hotels. It was almost 10pm before I returned to my hotel. They did make a rest stop on the way to base camp and there are toilets at the base camp. There were multiple guides on the boats and they were very helpful answering questions.
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hai there! Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so happy that you enjoyed the tour despite the long journey. May you have a wonderful day ahead sir. And thank you once again.
Written June 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul B
9 contributions
Jul 2022
Great trip on the River Cruise trip - Only In Borneo. Picked up at 2pm for 2 hours to Klias River. River cruise where we saw Proboscis monkeys and greys. Great guides and beautiful slow cruise up the river to see the wildlife in the wild. Also swift houses for bird nests to protect those in the wild being decimated.
Then back for lunch and when dark firefly cruise. Great experience saw them for 15/20 mins then huge downpour so great experience on the river and in the dark.
2 hours drive back smooth operation great funny guide and good value
Highly recommend
Then back for lunch and when dark firefly cruise. Great experience saw them for 15/20 mins then huge downpour so great experience on the river and in the dark.
2 hours drive back smooth operation great funny guide and good value
Highly recommend
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We happy to hear you enjoy the tour of sightseeing Proboscis Monkey and fireflies. Thank you for choosing us.. See you again next time.
Written July 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mamamu
Bordeaux, France55 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Our driver guide was attentive and knew the site and the animals perfectly. His explanations were fascinating. We saw macaques and long-nosed monkeys from afar. And the spectacle of fireflies illuminating the trees.
Furthermore, the meal was excellent.
So it was a great experience. Twins would have been welcome.
Furthermore, the meal was excellent.
So it was a great experience. Twins would have been welcome.

Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YanT
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Amazing experience. We were lucky enough to see several families of proboscis monkeys and despite the moon, also fireflies, monitor lizards, birds and a crocodile! There was a welcome tea with typical sweets and then a dinner, all very delicious. Our guide, Kelly, is charming, always taking care of the group and offering us very interesting information about Borneo and the Klias River. We recommend the visit 100% and would repeat without a doubt.

Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice comments. We are happy that you enjoyed the tour. And i did forward your comments to Kelly. She's happy that you appreciate her works. Hope to see you again in someday. Wish you all the best things in life!
Written October 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JCMandragon
Courteuil, France170 contributions
The site is located about 2 hours drive from KK, towards the south, by minibus (around ten people max). The road is not of much interest, portions were under construction during our visit. Tea or coffee accompanied by very good cakes on arrival were welcome. First boat trip on the river, very beautiful landscape and as promised, you can observe many monkeys in their environment at your leisure. Return to the site for a simple and good buffet dinner, and, at nightfall, return to the river for the impressive firefly show. The staff is friendly, good explanations (in English), this tour is well put together. Be careful, bring mosquito repellent and/or cover your arms and legs.

Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello there,
Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. We are happy you enjoyed the tour. As for the mosquito repellent, we do sell them at Klias jetty for guests who didn't bring it themselves.
Have a good days ahead sir. Thank you once again.
Written June 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.