Top Kota Kinabalu Day Cruises

Watch for Borneo's extraordinary wildlife on a jungle river cruise and firefly experience from Kota Kinabalu that includes a Malay dinner at a local restaurant. You'll cruise in the late afternoon, the perfect time to spot primates, crocodiles, and birds, then head out after dinner to see fireflies illuminate the river banks in a sparkling display. With pickup and drop-off at hotels in Kota Kinabalu, this Borneo river cruise is a great introduction to the jungled interior of Sabah.

Fish for crabs in a mangrove forest on a full-day tour from Kota Kinabalu to Borneo Kellybays that combines a morning mangrove cruise with a free afternoon in a scenic resort. With optional activities that include kayaking, paddle boats, and banana boats, the day can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want, and you’ll find plenty of space to lounge on Borneo Kellybays’ pristine beach.

Spend some time deep in the jungles and wetlands of Malaysia, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city, on this full-day getaway. Spend the morning visiting the uninhabited Pulau Tiga, the setting of the very first season of Survivor. Explore the jungle, enjoy a rejuvenating bath in a mud volcano, and go snorkeling in the South China Sea. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Klias Wetlands for a cruise through the lush mangrove forests. Look out for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and many more native critters!

Get a look at the proboscis monkey population of Klias Wetland during a river cruise through the mangrove forest reserve outside Kota Kinabalu. The overland journey weaves through the countryside, passing by secluded beaches, villages and rice fields en route. You’ll receive a dinner of local foods with light refreshments before an evening boat ride to catch a glimpse of fireflies decorating the mangrove trees.

Cruise into the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where clear water and great snorkeling are a tempting escape from busy Kota Kinabalu. With included boat transport, BBQ lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers, this excursion to Pulau Manukan takes care of logistics but leaves you free to explore on your own—that means an independent day of sun, sand, and marine life in a gorgeous destination.

Conclude your Kota Kinabalu adventure with a dazzling evening out at sea. Hop onto a spacious custom-built catamaran and get in touch with Sabah’s coastal charisma. Sail pass surrounding islands and into the famous Kota Kinabalu sunset. Includes guided narrations of historical & architectural landmarks that dot the coastline. - Evening cruise from Kota Kinabalu in the South China Sea - Chance to see Sabah's sunset & landmarks from the water - Laid-back & relaxed tour aboard a luxurious custom sailboat - Sights of Gaya Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park - Postcard-perfect views of Likas Bay in the soft moonlight

Explore the marine beauty as well as the nature of Sabah from a different angle like never before. Paddle across the enormous sea, get up close and personal with the marine life and enjoy the true relaxing beauty of Sabah. To make it even better, you will be accompanied with sunset view on your way back to Tanjung Aru Beach. Get that angle right, take the picture, and make everyone else envies your experience.

Look for wildlife at twilight and fireflies after dusk on this convenient door-to-door package that includes not one but two separate cruises with a guide to maximize spotting chances. First, enjoy scenes of rural life as you look for macaques, proboscis monkeys, and water birds on the Tamau River. Next, enjoy a sit-down dinner then head to the Rampayan mangroves for a firefly lightshow (conditions permitting).

There are few better ways to discover Borneo’s rich wildlife than a river cruise through the rain forest, with a guide to improve your spotting chances. Look out for long-nosed proboscis monkeys, rare silvered leaf monkeys, and even crocodiles on this twilight cruise through the Klias Wetlands, where fireflies usually flicker after dark. Wrap up the evening with an authentic Malaysian dinner before you return to your hotel.