River Cruising
RIVER CRUISING
For nature lovers who wish to experience wildlife adventure as an alternative to trekking, river cruising is the perfect choice. In Malaysia, there are many rivers and mangrove areas where wildlife viewing is possible from the water. Riverine and mangrove habitats are home to large amounts of indigenous flora and fauna; and by nature many animals are drawn to water sources for drinking and cooling.
Whether for serious exploring or just a leisurely outing, a river cruise is an escape to another world. Glide beneath large overhanging trees with the rustle of animals, the call of birds and look out for creatures below the surface.
Be rewarded with scenic hill views or spectacular limestone formations on the way, and end the cruise at a waterside stop for a meal amidst the splendour of nature.
WILDLIFE CRUISING AROUND MALAYSIA
There are navigable rivers in all parts of Malaysia as well as swampy mangroves along much of the coasts. The most suitable for wildlife exploration are those with calmer waters where the observer can look out patiently with binoculars and cameras ready. Cruises can be early in the day, mid-evening or night depending on the type of fauna targetted for viewing.
‘Sungai’ is the Malaysian word for river, and one of the more established sites for cruising is Taman Negara in Pahang. The approximately 2-hour upriver cruise from the Tembeling Jetty to Kuala Tahan offers nature lovers the opportunity to observe wildlife such as monkeys, monitor lizards, kingfishers as well as buffaloes along the banks. The park is home to more than 14,000 species of flora.
Sungai Kilim on Langkawi Island is where tree crabs, iguanas and macaques are seen among the trees and mangroves. A thrilling highlight is watching the eagles swoop down on the feed thrown into the water.
Sungai Selangor, just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its firefly colonies that flicker together like festival lights.
A similar fireflies cruise is found in the Santubong area in Sarawak and Kampung Ibok in Terengganu.
In Sarawak, there are also riverine or coastal cruises outside Kuching where one can watch crocodiles along the riverbanks or venture a little further out of the estuaries to see dolphins.
CAVE ATTRACTIONS
Borneo, with its dense jungles and sparse population, is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. River cruising on the Kinabatangan in Sabah, one of the longest rivers in Borneo offers some of the best opportunities to observe Bornean fauna. Of specific interest is the rich primate family; this is one of only two areas in Asia with 10 primate species. These include those endemic to Borneo such as the proboscis monkey, maroon langur and the Bornean gibbon.
Klias Wetlands is home to the unique Proboscis Monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques, Silver Languor Monkeys as well as a host of birds and riverine creatures. Sign up for a cruise in this mangrove forest reserve and watch out for feeding primates. As night falls, you might catch a glimpse of beautiful lights displays as fireflies converge at riverbank trees near the jetty.
The Sukau river village area is located on the boundary of an important protected area in Sabah, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
As a protected wetland site in Sabah, Kinabatangan is a conservation area for species such as the orang utan, Borneo elephant and other wetlands animals including Storm’s stork and the Flat-headed wild cat.
RIVER CRUISING TIPS
Some river cruise boats have canopies while some don’t in order to afford unobstructed views, especially local boats. Bring along sun cream or a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. Binoculars are most handy and zoom cameras will afford sharp photos. Insect repellant is useful for evening and night tours.
Cruises at estuaries or coasts depend on the tides. For example, crocodiles are easier to spot at low tides when the mud banks are exposed. Check with the operator for exact departure times for your preferred cruise.
Observing wildlife needs patience, a keen eye, common sense, good timing and luck. Monkeys, crocodiles, dolphins, fireflies and so on are wild creatures, therefore sightings are unpredictable. Hiring a knowledgeable guide will increase your chances of seeing what the lesser trained eye might miss, since tropical animals are masters at camouflage.
Lastly, river cruises are rarely done midday, as it gets too hot for both human and other wildlife.
SITES FOR RIVER CRUISE
- Sungai Merbok, Kedah
- Sungai Kilim, Langkawi
- Sungai Kerian, Penang
- Sungai Juru, Penang
- Sungai Perak, Perak
- Sungai Selangor, Selangor
- Sungai Kenaboi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
- Sungai Timun, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan
- Sungai Linggi, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
- Sungai Melaka, Melaka
- Taman Negara, Pahang
- Sungai Cherating, Pahang
- Sungai Kuantan, Pahang
- Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Jerantut, Pahang
- Sungai Semantan, Temerloh, Pahang
- Taman Tamadun Islam, Terengganu
- Marang Safari Cruise, Marang
Terengganu - Pulau Warisan River cruise, Terenganu
- Sungai Dabong, Kelantan
- Sungai Kinabatangan, Sabah
- Sungai Klias, Sabah
- Sungai Garama, Sabah
- Weston Wetland Park, Sabah
- Santubong, Sarawak
- Sungai Korok, Tasek Gelugor, Penang
- Sungai Nanamun, Sabah