Bongawan Wildlife River Cruise & Sky Mirror Beach

TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABK-WA11
DESCRIPTION: BONGAWAN WILDLIFE RIVER CRUISE & SKY MIRROR BEACH
REGION: Kota Kinabalu / Beaufort
DURATION: 8 Hours
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Everyday
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Kota Kinabalu City
PICK UP TIME: 14:00 - 14:15 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Kota Kinabalu City
DROP OFF TIME: 21:30 - 21:45 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Cruise along Bongawan River, home to mangrove forests and diverse Bornean wildlife 
  • Spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and rare birdlife in their natural habitat 
  • Capture stunning reflections at Sky Mirror Beach, a photographer’s paradise at sunset 
  • Witness the magical glow of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees after nightfall 
  • Enjoy a local Malay-style dinner by the riverbank for an authentic taste of Sabah 
  • A more serene, lesser-known alternative to Klias with excellent firefly sightings 
  • Perfect for families, friends, and nature lovers seeking a relaxing half-day eco-adventure 

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Bongawan River Cruise / Sky Mirror Beach / Fireflies Cruise

14:00 Hrs: Meet your guide at your hotel lobby or the airport, then set off on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Bongawan River. The journey takes you past small coastal towns, paddy fields, and glimpses of daily village life, offering a window into Sabah’s countryside charm. 

15:30 Hrs: Arrive at Bongawan River Jetty and enjoy a refreshing local welcome drink. Take a moment to absorb the peaceful surroundings; the air is filled with bird calls and the gentle rustle of mangrove trees. 

16:00 Hrs: Board your boat and begin your wildlife river cruise along the Bongawan River. Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys leaping between branches, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and colourful bird species like kingfishers and egrets. Your guide will help point out wildlife and share insights into this unique mangrove ecosystem. 

17:15 Hrs: Enjoy a hearty Malay-style early dinner served by the river. Savour local flavours as you relax and prepare for your next activity. 

18:00 Hrs: After dinner, head to Sky Mirror Beach, where the retreating tide transforms the shoreline into a vast reflective surface. This natural wonder creates the perfect setting for playful, creative photos with your reflection mirrored against the fiery hues of the Sabah sunset. 

18:30 Hrs: As dusk settles, embark on a second river cruise to witness one of nature’s most magical spectacles. Watch as thousands of fireflies flicker across the mangrove trees, resembling twinkling stars or a living Christmas tree lighting up the night. The quiet of the river and the glow of the fireflies create an unforgettable moment of wonder. 

19:30 Hrs: Bid farewell to Bongawan and relax on your journey back to Kota Kinabalu, carrying with you memories of Borneo’s incredible mangroves, wildlife, and night skies – your tour ends here. 

Meals : Hi-tea / Dinner

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Meals 01 Hi Tea, 01 Dinner
Include Meals as Stated, Hotel Return Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Overland Transfers, 01 Wildlife River Cruise, 01 Fireflies River Cruise, English-Speaking Guide and Support Team
Exclude Accommodation, Airfares Not Mentioned, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Juices, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), 8% SST (If Applicable), Guide Tips (Optional), Any Items/Activities Not Mentioned

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

  • Comfortable attire (breathable, cooling) 
  • Comfortable footwear (preferably sandals for beach activities)
  • Cap / hat 
  • Sun protection 
  • Drinking water 
  • Camera 
  • Extra cash (MYR) 

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING

  • Raincoat or umbrella
  • Binoculars
  • Sunblock lotion
  • Sun hat
  • Insect repellent

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • You may wish to bring your own pair of binoculars to enhance your viewing experience on the cruise. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • 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.  Thus, binoculars are provided for aid in sightings.
  • 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.