Full Day Bongawan River Cruise With Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing

The "Full Day Bongawan River Cruise" promises an immersive journey through the captivating mangrove ecosystems of Sabah, Malaysia. Travelers can expect to witness the remarkable Proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, as well as a diverse array of wildlife. The tour includes a scenic boat ride, high tea, and a local Malay buffet dinner, culminating in a mesmerizing firefly viewing session. This unique experience offers a well-rounded blend of nature and culture, catering to the interests of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its enchanting sights and unforgettable moments, this tour tempts those seeking an extraordinary adventure.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Kota Kinabalu.

Good To Know

• The "Full Day Bongawan River Cruise" provides a 5-hour experience exploring mangrove ecosystems and offering opportunities to see Proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, evening high tea, local Malay buffet dinner, scenic boat rides, and a magical firefly viewing session.
• The itinerary features a 1.5-hour journey to the departure point, two boat trips for wildlife sightings, a beach photo session, and the firefly viewing experience.
• The tour is recommended by 99% of 12 travelers, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars, and is suitable for those without mobility challenges.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Tour Overview

The "Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing" tour offers travelers a captivating opportunity to explore the lush mangrove ecosystems and spot endemic wildlife in the Kota Kinabalu region of Malaysia.

This highly-rated tour boasts an impressive 99% recommendation rate from 12 previous travelers and an overall rating of 4.5 stars.

The 5-hour experience takes guests on a journey through pristine natural environments, providing chances to see Proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and other local fauna.

With a comprehensive itinerary, the tour includes hotel pickup, evening high tea, a local Malay buffet dinner, and scenic boat rides, culminating in a magical firefly viewing session.

Detailed Itinerary

Starting at 13:30, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour journey from the Kota Kinabalu city area to the tour’s departure point.

Upon arrival at 15:30, guests will be served an evening high tea.

At 16:15, the first boat trip departs for proboscis monkey and other wildlife sightings, lasting until 17:00.

Dinner is provided at 17:10, featuring a local Malay buffet.

After dinner, a beach photo session takes place from 18:10 to 18:50, capturing the sunset and sky mirror.

The final activity is a boat ride for firefly viewing from 18:50 to 19:30 before departing back to the city, arriving at the hotels by 21:30.

Inclusions and Details

The tour includes several noteworthy inclusions for guests.

Coffee and/or tea, a local Malaysian buffet-style dinner, and a knowledgeable tour guide are all provided. Plus, tipping is optional, and personal travel insurance is included.

Pickup is available from Kota Kinabalu City area hotels, though an outskirt surcharge of RM 30 applies. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, and a free cancellation policy applies up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Wildlife and Scenery

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to explore pristine mangrove areas and witness the sightings of endemic wildlife, including the rare and fascinating Proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques.

Travelers can also spot monitor lizards, an iconic reptile species, during the scenic boat rides through the lush mangrove forests and rustic villages.

As the sun sets, the experience becomes even more magical with the enchanting firefly viewing along the river.

The combination of the diverse flora and fauna, coupled with the serene and picturesque surroundings, makes this tour a truly immersive and delightful experience for nature enthusiasts.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have consistently reported positive experiences with the wildlife sightings and firefly viewing on this tour.

Guests have praised the engaging and attentive guides, who provide informative commentary throughout the excursion. The simple yet delightful local dining options have also been well-received, offering an authentic taste of Malaysian cuisine.

Plus, the tour’s beautiful sunset views and enjoyable overall atmosphere have contributed to a truly memorable experience.

To enhance wildlife observation, visitors are recommended to bring binoculars.

Tour Duration and Schedule

This full-day Bongawan River Cruise spans around 5 hours, offering an immersive exploration of the region’s mangrove ecosystems and wildlife.

The tour begins with a 1.5-hour journey from Kota Kinabalu city to the river. Once there, guests enjoy an evening high tea before embarking on two boat trips.

The first trip focuses on sighting proboscis monkeys and other primates, while the second allows for firefly viewing as the sun sets.

After a local Malay buffet dinner, the tour wraps up with a beach photo session showcasing the stunning sunset and sky mirror.

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour offers pickup services from hotels within Kota Kinabalu city, though an additional surcharge of RM 30 applies for guests staying in outskirt areas.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges, it provides an opportunity to explore the region’s natural wonders and observe its unique wildlife in a comfortable and accessible manner.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This ensures travelers can easily adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties. This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility, making the tour more accessible and accommodating to a wider range of travelers.

Whether due to unexpected schedule changes or simply a change of plans, the generous cancellation terms allow customers to book with confidence, knowing they can cancel if needed.

This flexible approach enhances the overall customer experience and demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photos Allowed During the Boat Rides?

Yes, photos are allowed during the boat rides. The tour overview states that the itinerary includes scenic boat rides through lush mangrove forests, allowing travelers to capture photos of the wildlife and beautiful scenery.

What Time Do We Need to Be Ready for Hotel Pickup?

The tour itinerary indicates that hotel pickup is scheduled from 13:30 to 14:00, so travelers should be ready and waiting at their hotel lobby during this 30-minute window to ensure a timely departure for the river cruise.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally set, but the operator may be able to accommodate minor customization requests if notified in advance. Guests should inquire about flexibility when booking to understand the options available.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes coffee/tea and a local Malaysian buffet dinner, so outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. The tour operator provides all necessary meals and refreshments.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. The maximum capacity is 30 travelers, and the activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Sum Up

The Bongawan River Cruise offers a captivating nature experience that immerses visitors in the stunning mangrove ecosystem. Travelers will delight in spotting Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife, savor a delectable local Malay buffet, and witness the enchanting glow of fireflies at dusk. This 5-hour adventure provides an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and culture, making it a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.