The Bongawan Wetland offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant natural world of Sabah. Set out on a shared tour that promises an unforgettable experience, from spotting the iconic Proboscis Monkey to witnessing the mesmerizing display of fireflies. As you learn about this enchanting landscape, prepare to be swept away by the serene beauty of the mangrove-lined river and the remarkable diversity of wildlife that calls this wetland home. With a thoughtful itinerary and a focus on sustainability, this tour invites you to explore the wonders of Bongawan and uncover the hidden gems that make this destination truly special.
Key Points
- This full-day tour offers the opportunity to observe Proboscis Monkeys in their natural habitat and witness the enchanting display of fireflies in the mangrove forests.
- The tour starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu City hotels to the Bongawan Wetland Jetty, followed by a 45-minute river cruise for wildlife viewing.
- Dinner is provided at the jetty, and the tour includes a scenic sunset experience at the beach before the second cruise to see the fireflies.
- The tour is priced at $55.39 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and an overall customer rating of 4.1 out of 5.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entry tickets, and the services of an experienced driver and guide, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Bongawan Wetland: Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies Shared Tour is priced from $55.39 per person.
This 1-day tour lasts for the entire day and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour starts with pickup at 2:00 PM from hotels in Kota Kinabalu City, followed by a 1.5-hour journey to the Bongawan Wetland Jetty.
Activities include a river cruise for wildlife viewing, dinner at the jetty, a scenic sunset, and a second cruise to witness the enchanting fireflies.
The tour ends with drop-off in Penampang or Kota Kinabalu.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sabah.
Itinerary and Experience
Upon pickup at 2:00 PM from their Kota Kinabalu City hotels, tour participants embark on a 1.5-hour journey to the Bongawan Wetland Jetty.
Once there, they’ll enjoy a 45-minute river cruise for wildlife viewing. After the cruise, they’ll have dinner at the jetty, followed by a scenic sunset view at the beach.
The second cruise takes them to witness the enchanting fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees. The total travel time, including both cruises, is 110 minutes each way.
Participants are then dropped off at locations in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu.
Wildlife and Scenic Highlights
Participants can spot unique wildlife, including the iconic Proboscis Monkey, during the river cruises. These curious and long-nosed primates inhabit the mangrove forests and can be observed in their natural habitat.
Other monkeys, such as Silvered Langurs, may also make an appearance. The tour also offers a chance to see various reptiles that thrive in the wetland environment.
Beyond the wildlife, the tour provides breathtaking views of the sunset over the Bongawan Wetland, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
The highlight of the experience, however, is the enchanting display of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees, creating a mesmerizing and magical sight for all who witness it.
Inclusions and Requirements
The Bongawan Wetland tour package includes several key components to ensure a memorable and seamless experience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets, and the services of an experienced driver and guide. Guests should come prepared with the following:
| What to Bring | Reason |
|---|---|
| Passport or ID card | For identification purposes |
| Personal medication | In case of any health needs |
| Motion sickness prevention | For the boat rides |
| Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses | To enhance comfort during the tour |
These inclusions and requirements help create a well-rounded tour that allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Bongawan Wetland.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
According to the provided information, the Bongawan Wetland tour has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 68 reviews.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the enchanting wildlife sightings, including the iconic Proboscis Monkeys. Many highlight the breathtaking sunset and mesmerizing firefly displays as tour highlights.
However, some customers have concerns about the boat positioning, which may have affected their wildlife viewing experience.
Tour Duration and Cancellation
The Bongawan Wetland tour lasts for a full day, with a total travel time of around 220 minutes. Guests can enjoy a free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, enabling visitors to secure their spot without any upfront payment.
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The tour starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu City to the Bongawan Wetland Jetty.
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After the first river cruise and dinner, guests experience a scenic sunset view at the beach.
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The second river cruise focuses on the enchanting firefly display before the return journey to the drop-off locations.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
The tour initiates with pickup from hotels in Kota Kinabalu City at 2:00 PM.
After a 1.5-hour drive, the group arrives at the Bongawan Wetland Jetty. Following the wildlife viewing cruise and dinner, the tour continues with a scenic sunset experience at the beach.
The second river cruise offers the enchanting sight of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees.
Afterward, the tour wraps up with drop-off locations in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu, ensuring a convenient end to the day’s adventure.
Travel Time and Activities
After the pickup from hotels in Kota Kinabalu City, the tour requires a 1.5-hour drive to reach the Bongawan Wetland Jetty.
Once there, the experience begins:
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The first river cruise lasts 45 minutes, providing opportunities to spot unique wildlife like Proboscis Monkeys, other monkeys, and various reptiles.
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Guests then enjoy a dinner at the jetty, followed by a scenic sunset view at the beach.
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The second cruise takes visitors to witness the enchanting fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees.
In total, the round-trip travel time is 110 minutes each way, with drop-off locations in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Yes, children are allowed on the tour. The tour information indicates it is a shared tour, suggesting it’s suitable for families. However, there may be age or activity restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour group size is not explicitly stated. However, it’s described as a "shared tour," suggesting it accommodates multiple travelers rather than being a private excursion. The exact group size may vary depending on demand and availability.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the Bongawan Wetland tour. However, a dinner is included at the jetty, so bringing a full meal may not be necessary. Snacks and water are recommended to have on hand during the excursion.
Do I Need to Book in Advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book this tour in advance. The tour description states that customers can "Reserve now & pay later", allowing travelers to secure their spot ahead of time without immediate payment.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges?
The tour price covers all the essential inclusions like hotel pickup/drop-off, entry fees, and tour guide services. There are no additional fees or charges beyond the listed price per person.
Recap
The Bongawan Wetland tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the enchanting wildlife and natural beauty of Sabah. Guests can spot the iconic Proboscis Monkey, observe mesmerizing fireflies, and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the mangrove-lined river. With a scenic drive, river cruises, and a delightful dinner, this shared tour provides a memorable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
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