Evening Wetlands Wildlife Cruise

What You'll Do - Evening Cruise

Watch for Irrawaddy dolphins, shorebirds, monkeys as you cruise through the flooded mangrove forest of Kuching Wetlands National Park on a half-day evening wildlife excursion from Kuching. Explore a fascinating estuary where two rivers (the Santubong River and Salak River) meet that’s home to diverse species of plants and animals, traveling by cruise boat for up-close views.

For the evening tour, the boat will wait until nightfall to venture further into smaller tributaries of the swamp to witness the flashing fireflies that congregate in the mangrove trees, at times, much like a Christmas tree. The sharp-eyed boatman will also search for the Estuarine Crocodile in the dark, which are often seen during low tide. Their eyes shine a bright red color when hit by the light of a torch. At the end of the tour, return to the boat jetty for transfer to your hotel.

After departing Kuching, we’ll enjoy a 35-minute drive to a local Malay village located within the Kuching Wetlands National Park. Board our boat and cruise along the mangrove river towards the South China Sea on the look-out for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin (sightings are dependent on tidal conditions). The Irrawaddy or snubfin dolphin inhabits the estuaries and shallow coastal areas and the Santubong area remains one of the best places in Sarawak to view this unusual looking marine mammal. When seen, they swim and dive around open waters less than 30 meters deep. Visitors will need a keen eye to spot the dolphins and they are best seen when they frolic near local fishing boats that are hauling in the catch!

The boat will continue to cruise along tributaries of the Salak River Delta for the opportunity to spot Proboscis monkeys and crocodiles and learn about the wildlife and vegetation that make up this complex mangrove ecosystem. The heavily silted mangrove swamp is also a haven for water monitor lizards, otters, mudskippers, mangrove crabs, prawns, edible jellyfish, shellfish, and more. A range of birdlife, including kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, and other shorebirds can also be found there. The swamp sustains many different species of trees, the most important being the black and red mangroves, locally known as “Bako’.

NOTE: The evening cruise may take more time if the guide decides to carry on longer for more opportunities to spot wildlife. Therefore, you may need to be prepared to arrive back in the city a little later for dinner, though light refreshments are provided on board the cruise.