Mangrove swamps are found in tropical tidal areas such as estuaries and marine shorelines. It helps to stabilize coastline ecosystem and prevent erosion. In the coastal village of Klias near the town of Beaufort, there is a sizable area of mangrove forest that support wildlife that lives in this vegetation. Amongst the key attraction of wildlife spotted here are the Proboscis monkey and firefly.

The Proboscis monkey or long-nosed monkey has an unusually large nose, reddish -brown skin colour and a long tail. It is endemic to Borneo and is found mostly in mangrove forests and on the coastal areas of the island. They are the primate world’s most prolific swimmers, frequently leaping from tree limps and hitting the water with a comical belly flop. They live in organize harem groups consisting of a dominant male and two to seven females and their offspring. Various groups often congregate near water at night to sleep.

Fireflies are commonly reported to congregate in large numbers in mangroves. When the right conditions align, a dry, moonless night with calm winds, it is the perfect setting for dazzling displays of fireflies. These light shows are produced by small soft bodied flattened beetles which belong to the species Lampyridae. Malaysia is home to a unique genus of fireflies, the pteroptyx, whose synchronous flashing for mating purpose lights up entire trees. They produce different light patterns depending on the species, life stages and sex. They depend totally on the mangrove ecosystem. Adult fireflies depend on the riverside vegetation and communicate to the females to mate as they swamp their chosen branches. Threes such as Nibong palms and ferns, Nipah palms, other mangrove plants are among the diversity of plants that support their population. 

The tour as designed below is perfectly suited to see the mangrove swamp, Proboscis monkeys and fireflies in one evening.

Important Information

• Bring along your camera to capture the wildlife and the rainforest.
•  Wear cotton T-shirt, short, trainer and cap as it would be rather humid at the river.
• Bring along a raincoat as it could rain heavily without notice.
• Bring along mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are found at the river.
• Most dinner at the river is seafood based, and if you are allergy to seafood, do let us know.

Itinerary

1400 hours, depart your hotel in Kota Kinabalu for the village of Klias near the town of Beaufort. Upon arrival, boat trip to cruise the river in the mangrove forest for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife in the wilderness. After dinner, return to the river to observe fireflies lit up like Christmas tree along the river bank. Return to Kota Kinabalu and drop off your hotel by 2130 hours. (dinner include)