The Kuching Wetlands National Park is home to some of Borneo’s most iconic wildlife, including two members of the Borneo Big Five – proboscis monkeys and estuarine crocodiles. With regular sightings on boat trips through the wetlands, and the chance to see endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and various bird species, a visit to this incredible national park is a must for wildlife lovers. As one of the best wildlife experiences in Kuching, these trips are a brilliant inclusion on any Borneo itinerary. Discover all you need to know about boat tours and the amazing wildlife in this guide to the Kuching Wetlands National Park.
How to visit Kuching Wetlands National Park
The Kuching Wetlands National Park is a 45-60 minute drive north of Kuching. No public transport runs to the national park, but most boat tours include return transport from Kuching and the surrounding areas.
Boat Trips in the Kuching Wetlands National Park
As soon as you arrive at the jetty, you will board a boat and set off in search of Borneo’s incredible wildlife. Boat tours generally last around two hours, and the weather may influence which areas you visit.
Your trip will take you through the waterways of the wetlands, along the coasts of various islands, and by the mainland. The landscape is beautiful, from the wetland’s mangroves to the towering mountains in the distance.
Boat tours run twice a day, in the mornings and evenings, and can be booked in advance via the Klook website. The trips include return transport from Kuching, and in some cases a dinner on the boat.
Click here to book a morning cruise via Klook, or alternatively, if you want the chance to see fireflies, then click here to book an evening cruise!
Wildlife in the Kuching Wetlands
Boat trips in the Kuching Wetlands National Park offer the chance to encounter some amazing Bornean wildlife. Along with Bako National Park, it’s one of the best places to see proboscis monkeys near Kuching.
Other animals commonly seen at the Kuching Wetlands include Irrawaddy dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, long-tailed macaques, and mudskippers. The wetlands are also home to wonderful birdlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, and various kingfisher species.
If you opt for an evening tour, then you will also have the chance to see fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees – but only if it hasn’t been raining.
Tips for visiting the Kuching Wetlands
Morning tours – For morning cruises in the Kuching Wetlands expect a pickup time around 8 or 9am.
Evening tours – Evenings are considered a better time to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies, but of course there are no guarantees with wild animal encounters.
What to bring – Although you don’t need a lot for boat tours in the Kuching Wetlands, we would recommend bringing the following: a camera, binoculars, a waterproof jacket, water, sun cream, and mosquito repellent.
Postponed in bad weather – In cases of bad weather, tours may be cancelled or postponed. Make sure to provide the correct contact details at the time of booking so that your operator can let you know if your tour isn’t going ahead.
Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!
Like this guide to visiting Kuching Wetlands National Park? Pin it!
