Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
See local wildlife in its native habitat on this Kota Kinabalu cruise package. Set off in the evening to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies. You’ll also stop off at Superview Beach for a unique sunset photoshoot and enjoy a traditional Malaysian dinner. Perfect for animal-lovers, and those looking for an evening break away from the city.
- Relax with pick up and drop off from select hotels
- Don’t worry about getting hungry, with snacks, drinks, and dinner provided
- Take home a unique souvenir photograph from ‘Sky Mirror’ beach
- Enjoy commentary from your accompanying guide
What's Included
- DinnerMalaysian local food
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Snacks
- Hotel Transfer
- Tour Guide
- Beach Photographer
- Personal expenses
- Outskirt of city extra fee MYR15~25
- Tipping
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
we pick up from any hotel in kota kinabalu city area for free,outskirt of city need surcharge 10-25ringgit pay to driver.
Operating hours.1:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Bongawan
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jacek_K
Malaysian hospitality at his best. Our driver / guide James very polite, kind & friendly thanks to him our travel was very pleasant .
Kalvin our english speaking guide always was there where was needed- keeping us informed at all times. We were very lucky to see big family proboscis monkeys right above our heads & big family macaques, even seen crocodile & monitor lizard. Overall experience highly recommend. Thank you guys for your services. Kind regards- keep good work
Reviews
4.2
based on 113 reviews
Jacek_K, Feb 2026
Malaysian hospitality at his best. Our driver / guide James very polite, kind & friendly thanks to him our travel was very pleasant .
Kalvin our english speaking guide always was there where was needed- keeping us informed at all times. We were very lucky to see big family proboscis monkeys right above our heads & big family macaques, even seen crocodile & monitor lizard. Overall experience highly recommend. Thank you guys for your services. Kind regards- keep good work
EfiF, Feb 2026
Great activity to fill up the day. I enjoyed the experience, got lots of pictures and did many activities
Great guidance by Kelvin
Naoko_M, Feb 2026
Kelvin and Ogni were great guides! They did their best to make our vacation a great experience. The firefly tour was great - that was a once in a lifetime experience.
Just a few tips to fully enjoy the tour;
Bring your own water bottle; there is only a few opportunities to have water during the 8-9 hrs of tour. It is a must to bring your own water bottle.
Bring cash; snack is very light and the dinner is early at 4:30pm, and you cant eat anything until you’re back at hotel at like 9:30pm. My husband and I were starving. Bring cash so that you can buy some snacks and drinks at the beach.
Plan well for the toilet; the ride to the venue is long (1.5hrs) and so is the boat ride. Use toilet whenever you have a chance.
Overall a great experience!!
Ck_C, Oct 2025
The arrangement was seamless, but above all, our guide, James, made the whole adventure one big mass of fun and excitement. I was most impressed by the zeal with which he searched for proboscis monkeys among the trees, telling the boat driver to manoeuvre the boat back and forth for a better position to catch sight of the elusive animal, and the devotion he gave to shooting the most spectacular silhouettes for us (the sky mirror phototaking): he practically sprawled himself on the beach in the course of shooting the pictues. At the end of it I thought of gratuities to show my appreciation, but didn't do it, for I felt that James was doing all this for us as well as for himself ---- he was enjoying his work as a tour guide, which made him the best guide for it us the tour members.
Takeshi_F, Jan 2025
The arrangement was fabulous. The guide explanation of each event was informative.
Also they guided the tour so other guide boats will not interfere with our group with precise timing.
Highly recommend booking from this group.
Abi_T, Dec 2024
Really great time. Communication on collection was perfect. We saw both monkeys which was very exciting. Food was really good! Bird, our guide, was great and so helpful taking photos at the beach and making sure we got the good poses! Fireflies at the end was really nice. Great value for money.
Karen_W, Oct 2024
Tour guides were very professional and took great care of a solo female traveller.
What a memorable and fantastic trip this was.
Highly recommend. Sunset and fireflies were breathtaking.
Nicolas_J, Sep 2024
The guides were super and make a great tour it was jist perfect ! We Saw a lot of animals everything wzs fine
Adam_P, Jun 2024
The fire flies were amazing and the guide did a great job of attracting them to the boat.
The macaques portion was only ok. They gave everyone a piece of banana to hold out for them to take, but they also dumped a whole bunch on the bow (I was in the very back). Not being able to stand made it difficult to even get good pictures of the ones on land, as I had been moved from one side to the other and then the boat never turned for the other side to face the shoreline.
Even though there were 2 people searching for the proboscis monkeys, I was the first to spot one in a tree as we were passing it. I understand that with wildlife, it’s always hit and miss, but there do not seem to be a lot of proboscis monkeys in this area, as there are lots of farms along the river.
The sunset was quite nice, you do need to walk through some water to get out to the oceans edge. We were left to our own devices and told to meet after 40 minutes.
None of the guides told us their names. The one who picked me up for the ride slept most of the way to the river and only asked if anyone needed to use the bathroom at our rest stop.
Note it is about an 1 1/2 ride each way. Though they seem to be building a new road that will make it better. I would say that is 6 months to a year from completion.
There are other river cruises in the Sepilok area that are probably better, but if you are only in Kota Kinabalu this one is ok. Even if it is just for the fire flies
Petra_N, Jun 2024
Excellent trip! It was so beautiful to see monkeys in their natural habitat. Nick and James really went out of their way to make the trip special, and James took great care in helping to capture the best photos at Sky Mirror beach. Fireflies were great too, and the fire display at dusk on the beach was an added bonus. Would definitely recommend!
Marina_K, Jun 2024
The most memorable part is to feed the monkeys from hand and see the fireflies in front of your face. Its one in the life time experience! You do not need binnacles like other companies recommend to take. I did a lot of research before we booked w this crew.
I would strongly recommend to book with them! The crew will do everything in order for you to have this amazing experience. And more, they will take pictures to make it memorable.
hha, May 2024
This tour is available for
solo travelers. The fireflies were beautiful even in the rain. The guide was very nice.
Etosha_K, Apr 2024
Great! Tour guide, James, was very informative. Saw tons of monkeys and fireflies. Yummy dinner. Great photographs taken by tour guide for us.
Peter_B, Mar 2024
Communication from time of booking until being picked up by bus was first rate. After that it felt for the most part that we had a driver but no guide. We received a n informative 5 minute spiel about monkeys and some excitement when watching fireflies but instruction and information otherwise.
Feeding macaques so that they reliably turned up, to the point that they wandered amongst us on the boat felt like a practice we grew out of in the 1980's, understanding that it is not healthy and can lead to aggressive behaviour if not fed as expected. Not much effort went into finding proboscis monkeys... we returned to dinner location well before dusk when sightings were more likely. Time allowed for dinner therefore was excessive.
Virginia_R, Nov 2023
Fabulous trip and despite being the only westerner in a bunch of Koreans it wasn't lonely. The guide Nick Teo made me feel included and the beach pics were great despite the bad weather.
The gangster monkeys in the boat were fun and we got to see the fireflies, tge trees looking like Xmas. Food was fine too
Dafydd_D, Sep 2023
Driver didn't speak at all after picking us up. No idea where we were going or how long it would be. Two guides spoke at the same time in Chinese and English so you couldn't hear anything. Left sitting around for ages with no info most of the time. The mirror photography is just a bit of beach when the tide comes in. There was a massive storm and they said we'd leave the beach if it started raining. Instead they left us for an hour in a tin shack whilst they played on their phones and said nothing. Then the weather got too bad to leave so we had to wait for the vans to be brought to us. Another hour passed and then the guide insisted on getting back on the rickety old boat in the thunderstorm, in the pitch black, to see the fireflies (some of us refused). And then to top it off the driver was speeding all the way back through the rain and flooded roads.
ChernNee_N, Sep 2023
James and Nick were fantastic. Not only they helped to take the sky mirror photos, but they were engaging and friendly: both guys are linguists and their ability to speak a range of languages for the tourists help to build immediate rapport. Shout out to Nick who helped me get in and out of boat as my muscles were sore after climbing Mount K. Thank you guys
Hugo_G, Aug 2023
This was an interesting trip. There is too much dead time in between the two boat trips but we saw plenty on the boat trips. Food was basic Malaysian.
Julia_S, Jul 2023
The tour was very crowed and we were squeezed into mini buses and a boat. It started well with some nice banana snacks. The boat was crowed could not move so was not comfortable. Lots of boats up and down on river so again very busy for any wildlife to be seen. Monkeys cane aboard the boat when enticed with food they became very aggressive taking stuff from bags.
Mirror beach was like another beach it was nice but nothing new. Weather paid a visit with high winds and rain. We went back on boats to see fireflies not to many but good to see. They packed more people on the boat on this trip. We were the only English on trip and kick of communication was given so most of time we just sat and waiting to be ushered somewhere. Not worth the money
Rhea_S, May 2023
Tour guide was really nice and helpful when taking photos at the mirror beach - he was the tour guide and also mini bus driver. Note you are in a group with up to 20 people from leaving the city which was about 1.5hrs from the first place. Food was average, we did not eat very much due to choice and cleanliness. The Malay tea that we thought started the tour was also a juice and some deep fried fish - not what was described in the tour info. If you are vegetarian, make sure you let the tour guide know when they contact you the day before for pick up details.
wj6njjm2st, May 2023
Clear information
Timely pickup
Comfortable ride
Engaging guide
Wholesome refreshments
Fabulous views
Unforgettable experience
I would just add that viewing wildlife, or in this case fireflies, comes with a fair amount of uncertainty, given the dwindling numbers. That said, if you keep the vagaries of nature in mind and just be grateful for all that you do get to enjoy, then this trip is very rewarding.
Patrick_M, Apr 2023
Absolutely amazing experience. Highly recommend doing this - tour guide was friendly and knowledgable.
Hideki_O, Mar 2023
Our guide James is a great photographer.
He took a lot of cool photos for us at Sky-Mirror point.
We could see many fireflies.
Simon_R, Mar 2023
Overall good experience. No message or communication prior to pick up so had to ask reception to call - it turns out they did not have my booking from Viator. They however quickly showed up at the hotel after calling (30 mins late).
Good things - Mirror beach was fun, and fireflies were a real highlight. Dinner was a basic buffet but to be expected as in a remote location. Phots the guide took of us on the beach are great
Things to improve - very long -Packed mini bus and took 1.5 hours to get there and then a lot of waiting around. The boat ride to see the monkeys at the beginning could be cut. We left at 1.30pm and didn’t get back till 9pm. The beach location is very run down - broken benches etc. overall good value just be prepared for a long day
Christiane_J, Feb 2023
Perfectly Organized excursion. Everything Took Place as mentioned in the Description.
Very Kind Guide Taking Care of everyone - of Young of old and he took wonderful pictures to Remember the whole trip.
We really can recommend the excursion!😃
Hironori_M, Feb 2023
Despite the hotel pick-up time change from 14:30 to 13:15 in a short notice, I was able to join this tour. The tour itself was efficient though the proboscis monkey was difficult to have a close look since it is generally too shy.
Amy_F, Dec 2022
This is a scam. They never showed up and the number they provided isn’t even for their tour company. It’s a random guy!!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Please leave us a phone number which can be connected,that would prevent something like this from happening,anyway,we are sorry for your experience.
Jason_R, Nov 2022
The drive to the location was 75min one way from KK. This was not mentioned in the description of the tour. It then poured down once we got there and waited a bit for it to clear. With no sign of it clearing we got back in the van for another 75min van ride. We were told we would get a refund and that the company would contact us. I Haven’t heard from them since. I don’t expect a full refund, they still had to cover fuel and staff wages but a follow up message/email from the would have been appropriate and possibly offer a 25-50% refund.
Victor Tour description should also highlight travel time!!!
rocksure, Oct 2022
The sunset and fireflies were magical.
The driver cruise was forgettable, a few unfortunate monkeys trained to jump on the boat in search of bananas.
Still, worth doing and both the lunch and guides were excellent
Elena_C, Jul 2024
El Trato del guia y de la gente del restaurante genial
Lo que es la excursion muy floja, das dos vueltas en la lancha para ver los macacos y los prosbicides.
Los macacos los ves si o si xq saben q van a recibir comida
Los otros cuestion de suerte
La playa bien
Y las luciernagas lo mejor
From $46.16
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise
113
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$46.16
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Water Tours
- Jet Boat Rentals
- Full-day Tours
- Hop on Hop Off Buses
- Bus Tours
- Cruises & Sailing
- On the Water
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Kota Kinabalu
- Full-day Tours - Tuaran
- Bus Tours - Tuaran
- Water Tours - Bandar Seri Begawan
- Full-day Tours - Bandar Seri Begawan
- Bus Tours - Bandar Seri Begawan
- Water Tours - Kampong Jerudong
- Bus Tours - Kampong Jerudong
Attractions in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Mari Mari Cultural Village Tours & Tickets
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) Tours & Tickets
- Tanjung Aru Beach Tours & Tickets
- Mt. Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) Tours & Tickets
- Kinabalu National Park Tours & Tickets
- Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) Tours & Tickets
- Signal Hill Observatory Platform Tours & Tickets
- Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) Tours & Tickets
- Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya) Tours & Tickets
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) Tours & Tickets
- Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve (Poring Hot Springs) Tours & Tickets
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Tours & Tickets
- Klias Peninsula (Klias Wetlands) Tours & Tickets
- Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan) Tours & Tickets
- Sabah Museum (Sabah State Museum) Tours & Tickets
- Sandakan Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Sandakan Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Tours & Tickets
- Kinabalu National Park Tours & Tickets
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) Tours & Tickets
- Mari Mari Cultural Village Tours & Tickets
- Mt. Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) Tours & Tickets
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) Tours & Tickets
- Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) Tours & Tickets