
Kawa Kawa River Cruise
Experience Borneo's enchanting wildlife and a magical firefly spectacle on a serene river cruise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for monkey sightings

Kawa Kawa River Cruise
Best Time
Best chance for monkey sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Borneo's enchanting wildlife and a magical firefly spectacle on a serene river cruise.
"The firefly show is a must-see, truly magical for all ages!"
🎯 Patience for Monkeys
Wildlife sightings can be challenging; be patient and enjoy the journey.
✨ Fireflies are a Must
The evening firefly show is a highlight, especially for kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Proboscis Monkey Spotting
Kawa Kawa River
Catch a glimpse of the unique proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat along the riverbanks.
Magical Firefly Cruise
Kawa Kawa River
Witness a dazzling display of fireflies illuminating the night, a truly enchanting experience.
Jungle River Scenery
Kawa Kawa River
Admire the lush greenery and natural beauty of the Borneo jungle from the unique perspective of the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife
Manage Expectations for Meals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience for Monkeys
Wildlife sightings can be challenging; be patient and enjoy the journey.
✨ Fireflies are a Must
The evening firefly show is a highlight, especially for kids!
🍽️ Meal Quality Varies
Food quality can be inconsistent; consider alternatives if dining is a priority.
🚤 Boat Traffic
Expect multiple boats, which can sometimes affect wildlife viewing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience for Monkeys
Wildlife sightings can be challenging; be patient and enjoy the journey.
✨ Fireflies are a Must
The evening firefly show is a highlight, especially for kids!
🍽️ Meal Quality Varies
Food quality can be inconsistent; consider alternatives if dining is a priority.
🚤 Boat Traffic
Expect multiple boats, which can sometimes affect wildlife viewing.
🐒 Friendly Staff
Staff are passionate about monkeys and may offer extra help.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Kawa Kawa River Cruise to be a pleasant experience, particularly for the magical firefly show which is a hit with families. While some praise the friendly staff and delicious treats like fried bananas, others note that wildlife sightings, especially monkeys, can be challenging due to distance and boat traffic. The quality of included meals also receives mixed reviews.
"The Kawa Kawa River cruise allows you to see the jungle. We can admire the beauty of nature, but observing monkeys is a bit difficult because they are far away and there are quite a few boats that sail. In the evening, you can go to a firefly show - a great option for children, who are delighted with it."
Robert Obłój
"Whether it's because of the location itself or because it's overtrafficked, there's really not much to see in the jungle in the daytime from the river here. Other tours deeper inland on Borneo offer amazing experiences this doesn't come close to competing with. I'd also avoid any package that includes a meal here — food offered up was pathetic."
Kevin Lee Selzer
"The overall experience was pleasant, with decent management and hygiene standards. Seeing proboscis monkeys was a delightful bonus."
Paul TW
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kawa Kawa River Cruise is typically accessed via organized tours from Kota Kinabalu. Many packages include transportation, often a van or bus, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Some homestays in the nearby Kotabelud area also offer packages that include transport to the river.
Yes, you can drive to Kawa Kawa River. The journey from Kota Kinabalu takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the Kota Belud road. Parking is usually available at the departure point for the cruises.
Booking through local tour operators in Kota Kinabalu or directly through your accommodation (like homestays in Kotabelud) is common. Many offer packages that combine river cruises with other activities.
Public transport directly to Kawa Kawa River is limited. It's more convenient to book a tour that includes transportation or arrange a private transfer.
The travel time from Kota Kinabalu to Kawa Kawa River is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices for the Kawa Kawa River Cruise vary depending on the package and what's included (e.g., meals, specific wildlife viewing times). Expect prices to range from RM 100-200 per person for a basic package. Booking through a local agent or homestay might offer better deals.
It is highly recommended to book your Kawa Kawa River Cruise tickets in advance, especially during peak season or if you want to secure a specific tour operator. This helps ensure availability and can sometimes get you a better price.
A typical ticket often includes river cruising for wildlife spotting (monkeys), a firefly tour, and sometimes dinner. Some packages may also include afternoon tea or snacks. Always check what your specific booking covers.
Yes, there are various packages. Some focus solely on the river cruise and fireflies, while others might include meals, transportation from Kota Kinabalu, or even combine it with other local attractions.
The cruises typically operate in the late afternoon and evening. The monkey spotting tours usually start around 4-5 PM, followed by dinner and the firefly tour which begins after sunset, around 7 PM.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main wildlife attraction is the proboscis monkey. You might also spot other monkeys, various bird species, and if you're lucky, monitor lizards or crocodiles. The highlight for many is the spectacular firefly display at night.
Yes, Kawa Kawa River Cruise is generally very suitable for children. The firefly tour is particularly enchanting for kids, and seeing monkeys can also be exciting for them.
Wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Insect repellent is a must. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are recommended as you might do some light walking.
Yes, you can take photos and videos. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash photography, especially during the firefly tour, as it can disturb the insects.
A typical Kawa Kawa River Cruise tour lasts about 3-4 hours, including the river cruise, dinner, and the firefly viewing. This doesn't include travel time from Kota Kinabalu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many Kawa Kawa River Cruise packages include dinner. Some might also offer afternoon tea or snacks. It's best to confirm with your tour operator what meals are included in your specific booking.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. Some visitors found the meals to be delicious, particularly mentioning fried bananas and homemade cakes. Others have described the food as disappointing.
It's advisable to inquire about dietary options when booking your tour. While some places might accommodate, it's not always guaranteed, so advance notice is crucial.
There are usually facilities at the departure point where you can purchase drinks and sometimes snacks. However, options might be limited, so bringing your own water is a good idea.
If your package doesn't include dinner or you're unsatisfied with the food, you might need to eat before or after the tour. Local eateries in Kota Belud or restaurants in Kota Kinabalu offer more choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for jungle scenery and wildlife. The evening is perfect for capturing the magical glow of the fireflies.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, avoid using flash during the firefly tour as it can scare them away. Be respectful of other visitors and wildlife.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the firefly tour. A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing distant wildlife. A tripod might be useful for firefly photography, but consider its portability on the boat.
Use a tripod for stability, set a long exposure (e.g., 10-30 seconds), and a wide aperture. Shoot in manual mode and experiment with ISO settings to balance light and noise.
Yes, there are opportunities to photograph proboscis monkeys, especially if you have a zoom lens. Patience is key, as they can be quite active and sometimes distant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother, consider bringing snacks and drinks, as food quality can be inconsistent. Ensure children wear comfortable clothing and have insect repellent applied. The relatively short duration of the tour and the engaging nature of the activities make it well-suited for shorter attention spans.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
To maximize your experience, consider booking a tour that emphasizes wildlife spotting and perhaps offers insights into the local ecosystem. Be prepared for varying levels of success with animal sightings and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. The evening firefly display is also a remarkable natural phenomenon that appeals to anyone who appreciates the wonders of nature.
📸 Photography Buffs
Bring your camera with good low-light capabilities and consider a tripod for steady shots of the fireflies. Remember to disable your flash during the firefly tour to avoid disturbing them and to capture their natural glow. Patience and experimentation with settings will yield the best results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: Monkeys and More
It's important to manage expectations regarding wildlife sightings. While the river offers a natural habitat, it's not a zoo. The presence of multiple tour boats can sometimes make animals wary. Some reviewers suggest that tours deeper inland on Borneo might offer more consistent and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Nevertheless, the thrill of spotting these creatures in their natural environment remains a significant part of the Kawa Kawa River experience.
The Enchanting Firefly Spectacle
To best enjoy the firefly show, it's crucial to minimize light pollution. Avoid using bright flashlights or camera flashes, as these can disrupt the fireflies' behavior and diminish the overall experience. Many tour operators provide guidance on how to best observe and photograph the fireflies. The sheer number and synchronized blinking of these insects create a truly unforgettable natural light show that is a must-see for any visitor to Kawa Kawa River.
Navigating the River Cruise Experience
When planning your visit, consider the time of year. While the river is accessible year-round, the dry season might offer slightly more predictable conditions. Be prepared for the tropical climate by wearing light clothing and bringing insect repellent. The overall experience is often described as pleasant, with friendly staff contributing positively to the atmosphere. Some visitors have noted that the river can get crowded with multiple boats, which might impact the tranquility of the experience. Booking in advance is generally recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit