A trip that’s best suited for nature lovers looking to experience Sabah's wild side – without having to fly out to Sandakan's Kinabatangan. Encounter primates like the Proboscis Monkey, spot Hornbills and also experience Borneo after-dark as you set out once more on a night river-safari offering dazzling firefly sightings & nocturnal wildlife spotting.
However, as much as we hate to disappoint, we are entering a natural habitat where sightings are common, but it is NOT GUARANTEED.
Kawa Kawa, located about 112km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, is accessible in an hour and a half by land. Situated at Kota Belud and surrounded by paddy fields and mangrove forests, the quaint little village of Kawa Kawa is enchanting at first sight. Sungai Tempasuk thrives along Kawa Kawa’s mangrove habitat forming an enticing playground for the Proboscis Monkeys, who swing on the high branches of the trees. This natural oasis, little touched by men and commercial tourism, has not lost its primitive wildness, and is best suited for nature and wildlife lovers.
Here is your best chance to capture shots of the moving animals in the wild. Don’t forget your binoculars and your cameras!
Meet and pick up from your Kota Kinabalu hotel lobby and depart for Kawa-Kawa in Kota Belud. The Journey takes about 1 hour 30 minute along quaint villages, smalls towns and local farming areas.
Upon arrival to the Kawa-Kawa jetty, afternoon tea will be served.
Start your river cruise through spectacular vistas in search of the endemic proboscis monkeys. You may even catch a glimpse of long-tailed macaques, the rare silver languar, water buffaloes, river otters, different species of birds & other wildlife along the river bank.
Cruise back for a traditional malay dinner served at the jetty restaurant. After dinner, transfer to Nanamon jetty to witness fireflies.
As dusk settles in, witness the secret rhythm of fireflies amongst the mangrove trees that lace the Tempasuk River.
Hotel Pickup & Drop off, Land Transportation (Seat-In-Coach), Boat Ride, Meals as Stated and English Speaking Guide
Exclude
Personal Travel Insurance, Any Items Not Mentioned
Reviews
C
Christina Benitez
We had a wonderful time on the Kawa Kawa tour, and Joel made the experience even better. He was friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly knowledgeable. What we really appreciated was that he didn't just point out the wildlife—he explained how everything fits together, from the plants and animals to the whole ecosystem and local environment.
He was happy to answer every question, looked after everyone in the group, and made sure we had the best possible experience. Thanks to his sharp eyes, we saw proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and lots of other wildlife.
Thank you, Joel, for such a memorable evening. We would highly recommend this tour with him!
S
Sharmini M
Booked the Kawa-Kawa River cruise and from pick up to drop off, everything was just great.
We had a wonderful time on the Kawa Kawa tour, and Joel made the experience even better. He was friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly knowledgeable. What we really appreciated was that he didn't just point out the wildlife—he explained how everything fits together, from the plants and animals to the whole ecosystem and local environment.
He was happy to answer every question, looked after everyone in the group, and made sure we had the best possible experience. Thanks to his sharp eyes, we saw proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and lots of other wildlife.
Thank you, Joel, for such a memorable evening. We would highly recommend this tour with him!
Sharmini M
20/12/2023
Booked the Kawa-Kawa River cruise and from pick up to drop off, everything was just great.
Baby Car Seats (for infant aged 0-2) and Child Booster Seats (for children aged 3-11) are available for rental. Please check with your tour consultant for availability.
Binoculars are not supplied. You are advised to bring your own binoculars in order to visually enhance your experience of viewing Borneo's endemic wildlife in their natural habitat.
This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle. Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee. Please inform us when making the bookings.
Amazing Borneo Tours does not guarantee wildlife sightings. Do also note that sometimes the wildlife may be on distant trees rather than the river edge.
Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions, please reconfirm with our staffs. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements.
Amazing Borneo Tours reserves the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries and accommodation reserved should conditions beyond our control render it necessary.
Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.
Why Travel With
Amazing Borneo
Licensed & Regulated
Licensed under MOTAC and recognised by Sabah Tourism, Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism, MATTA, and the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark.
Trusted Team, Proven Reliability
Backed by 15+ years of experience and a dedicated in-house team of 150+ professionals ensuring seamless travel support.
Health-Screened Guides & Drivers
All guides and drivers undergo regular physical and mental wellness checks to ensure a safe travel environment.
24/7 Support & Emergency Response
Round-the-clock assistance with real-time updates and first-aid-trained responders ready to act when needed.
Last-Minute Arrangements
Flexible options for urgent bookings and sudden itinerary changes, backed by a responsive operations team.
Value for Money
High-quality experiences at fair prices, with value-added services included at no extra charge.