MY · Sarawak · 1.68°N 110.25°E

kuching wetlands national park

Mangrove cruises for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and fireflies on the rivers north of Kuching.

Best time
March to September is drier. Cruises run all year, but from November to February storms can cut a trip short. The tide decides the route.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kuching (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Most cruises leave in the late afternoon from the Santubong side, 30–40 minutes' drive north of the city, and Kuching operators include hotel pickup.
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MY · Sarawakkuching wetlands national park1.68°N 110.25°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mangrove cruises for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and fireflies on the rivers north of Kuching.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKuching Wetlands National ParkMY, Sarawak
KLkuching wetlands national park
≈ 965 km from KL, as the crow flies

A maze of mangrove creeks on the Salak and Sibu Laut rivers between Kuching and the sea, protected as a national park. There are no trails; the only way in is by boat. Late-afternoon cruises look for proboscis monkeys, then stay out after dark for crocodile eyes and fireflies in the mangroves.

Makan

  1. Buntal seafoodRestaurants on stilts at Kampung Buntal, near the Santubong jetties, for ikan bakar and prawns after the cruise.Map ↗
  2. Sarawak laksaA bowl in Kuching for lunch before the afternoon cruise.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Proboscis monkeysIn the late afternoon they settle into the riverside trees for the night.Map ↗
  2. Irrawaddy dolphinsSome cruises look for them first in the Santubong and Salak river mouths. Sightings depend on the tide.Map ↗
  3. Kampung SalakA Malay fishing village on Salak Island, a stop on some trips.Map ↗
  4. FirefliesAfter dark, the mangrove trees along the creeks flicker with fireflies.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Sightings are never guaranteed, dolphins least of all.
  • Bring insect repellent for the evening, and keep phone flashes off near the fireflies.
  • Crocodiles live here. Keep your hands inside the boat.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.