While the peninsula is also the jump-off point for Pulau Tiga (setting for the first series of Survivor), most travelers experience the Klias Wetlands on a Klias River safari package from Kota Kinabalu. The typical format starts with an afternoon river cruise, to discover the mangrove ecosystems and spot proboscis monkeys as they come out to hunt food: Some travelers also see macaques, eagles, and flying foxes. After a Malaysian buffet dinner, return to the boats for a night cruise to watch the fireflies.
The Klias Peninsula, an oblong strip of land, juts into the South China Sea about 65 miles (105 kilometers) south of Kota Kinabalu. The local minivan transport stops running in the late afternoon so most everyone books a tour package that includes transfers.
Afternoons are the best time to visit the Klias Peninsula, as proboscis monkeys are most active towards twilight and fireflies come out after dark. Be aware that fireflies won’t switch on their lights during rain or heavy wind.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is the city’s top snorkeling destination: Its five islands are called Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. Borneo Kellybays, about 20 miles (32 kilometers), north of downtown, makes a good family choice for mangrove cruises, with activities including crab-catching on offer. Waterfront dinner cruises are a classic option, while adventurers will love Pulau Tiga, off the Klias Peninsula.
