[2025 Beaufort Attraction] Travel Guide for Klias Forest Reserve (Updated May)

The Klias Wetland Cruise is located in the Beaufort district about 125 km southwest of Kota Kinabalu. It takes about 90 minutes by car from Kota Kinabalu to Kurias. This local attraction is a vast coastal wetland of 130,000 hectares. It serves as a floodplain for the Padas River and has a network of rivers. As part of the Klias Forest Reserve, much of the mangrove and peat swamp forest is protected. Habitats include near-coastal mangroves and further inland riverine and wetland forests. The Klias Wetland is home to a sizeable population of proboscis monkeys. Other wildlife includes estuary crocodiles, otters, cercopithecus, monitor lizards, proboscis monkeys, and various birds including hornbills. Klias is usually visited as a day trip from Kota Kinabalu. This tour includes a river cruise to see wildlife in the wetlands. The highlight of these cruises is seeing groups of proboscis monkeys congregating on the riverbanks in the evening. About 800 proboscis monkeys live in the wetland rivers and streams as it have a high density in Klias and you can see many herds on boat trips. #staycation #awesomepic

Hidden in the mysterious tropical jungle, the Klias Wetlands is a great place to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies thanks to its unique ecological environment and precious wildlife resources. Although it is far from the city, it is still a popular destination. In the morning, when the sun shines on the pier, a faint tea fragrance fills the air. Here, you can enjoy a cup of authentic afternoon tea and feel the tranquility and beauty of time, as if time has slowed down. After a short break, we took a boat along the Klias River to explore the mysterious world of the mangroves. The Klias River is like a green ribbon, winding through the dense mangroves. Flocks of birds soar over the river, silver leaf monkeys jump and play among the branches, and proboscis monkeys quietly drink and forage by the river. These precious animals bring endless vitality to this primeval forest. As night falls, fireflies twinkle like stars in the mangroves, adding a romantic touch to the mysterious forest. The mangroves seem to have turned into a giant Christmas tree, with fireflies like decorative lights on the tree, adding endless poetry to the quiet night. In such an environment, we can't help but be amazed by the magic of nature. The Klias Wetlands is not only an ecological treasure, but also a beautiful witness to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Here, we can observe the living habits of various wild animals up close and feel the magic of nature.

🔍 Hey guys! Today I'm going to share with you my recent amazing experience - a trip to the mysterious and charming Klias Wetland! 🏞️ This green gem hidden in the heart of Borneo is definitely worth a spontaneous trip. Let's go! 📍 Address: Klias Wetland, Sabah, Malaysia ⏰ Recommended visiting time: It is recommended to go in the evening, so you can enjoy the sunset and fireflies! 🌳 In this natural paradise that has not been eroded by commercialization, my friends and I joined a river cruise. It felt like we were in a National Geographic documentary, so real and dreamy! 🛶 The beauty of the Klias River is simply unforgettable. The clear water reflects the color of the sky, and it becomes golden as the sun sets. 🐒 During the first cruise, we were lucky to encounter small crocodiles, macaques, and super cute proboscis monkeys! The guides, Jamil and James, are like walking encyclopedias. They know everything about every creature on this land. These two guides are very friendly. No matter what questions we ask, they will patiently answer them and occasionally tell us some interesting ecological knowledge! 📸 The boat slowly moved forward, and occasionally docked to let us observe the wildlife up close. I remember that in order to take the best photos, we all became the "photographers" of the monkeys! It was so much fun! 🍽️ Dinner was served by the river. It was delicious and hearty, very satisfying. The firefly cruise in the evening was another surprise. Thousands of fireflies flickered with faint but warm light, like the gentlest stars in the night sky, lighting up the entire forest. ✨ 🚌 The transportation from the hotel to the destination is very convenient, about 2 hours by car. The air conditioning in the minibus/van is very good, very comfortable. During the entire trip, I was impressed by the service attitude of the Only in Borneo Tours team, especially Miss Marilyn, who communicated very smoothly and timely on WhatsApp. 💖 In short, if you are planning a unique trip, then Klias Wetland is definitely a great place to go. Trust me, everything here will leave a deep impression on you.

A nature forest on river cruise tour

Catch the Probocis monkeys in action in the wild. Also may get to see other animals and birds. The river is calm and life jackets are provided. After watching the monkeys then back to cruise center to have dinner. After dinner will head out to the river again to see fireflies. It’s like watch Christmas tree lighting. They will fly to the boat as well. I enjoyed the tour very much.