Klias Wetlands
Located on the Klias Peninsula is the Klias Wetland, a Mangrove Forest Reserve. The Klias River is one of the cleanest rivers in Sabah with abundant vegetation and wetland swamp wildlife.

A river cruise here will be rewarded with sightings of the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey, macaques, crocodiles, moniter lizards, tree snakes, birds and a spectacular fireflies display.

The tree-dwelling proboscis monkey normally hunt for food in the evenings. Crocodile are usually sighted at night. where you will see their eyes reflecting the light of your torch. Crocodiles in Klias are not known to be aggressive as there is plenty of fish the river. Usually regarded as the star attraction of Klias Wetlands, are the volume of fire flies at the Klias River. On a good day, you will be able to sight fire flies from 6.30 - 7.00 pm onwards. The best sightings are usually when it is not full moon.


River Cruise
Strongly recommended that you take the night cruise which usually starts at 5.00 pm and ends at 7.30 pm, which will give you a good sighting of monkeys, birds, Borneon bats and fire flies. A typical visit starts at the Kota Klias jetty, which is built alongside a traditional Malay kampung where you can have an original feel of how the local folks live.

River fishing is also popular at Klias. You can rent or charter a boat from the Klias River and enjoy a day of good river fishing. Many city dwellers come to Klias for fishing during the holiday seasons.


Accommodations
If you plan to stay overnight after the Klias trip, you can stay at Tempurong Resort, which is just 20 minutes' drive from Klias. The resort, in traditional tropical architecture, has cozy, clean rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water showers. From the timber deck of the main building you enjoy a majestic view of the South China Sea.


Getting There
Located 110km south of Kota Kinabalu, Klias is about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu City. You may want to arrange your visit with a local tour operator.

 

Weston Wetlands
One of Sabah's hidden treasures, Weston Wetland is a eco retreat getaway for the nature-lovers.


A scenic river cruise here offers sightings of wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, macaques, monitor lizards, giant mudskippers, smooth skin otters, flying foxes and snakes. Along the way, you may even learn crab-catching the traditional way


A hike along the nature trail will lead you to many exotic pitcher plants growing wild. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic view of the wetlands. When the fireflies light up the trees, illuminating the stillness of the night.

There are also two highly different water villages here - two communities: the Bisayas' and the Bruneian Malays'. The first one is right in the thick of the vast wetland while the other at the waterfront of the Weston town.


Accommodations
The lodge is an establishment built in the heart of Weston's swamp area, offering plenty to see and do. Lodging is basic and dormitory-style; a wooden �longhouse' with double-decker bunks in 5 rooms with common bathrooms. All the rooms have mosquito netting and ceiling fans.

There is also a lounge built on stilts over water into the river front with a adjoining jetty. At night, when all the lights are off, the fireflies are clearly seen lighting up the surrounding trees. Inspired by local building materials, the Kingfisher Lounge is where you can have your beers while watching the amorous fireflies dancing their twinkling courtships.


Getting There
Weston is at the mouth of Padas River, about 120km in the Southwest of Kota Kinabalu. You can also reach by 20 minute car journey from Beaufort.
If you are going for whitewater rafting in the Padas River � just conveniently upstream of where Weston is � You will be glad to avoid the tiring journey back to Kota Kinabalu immediately after your joyful battles with the rapids; and enjoy, instead, whatever Weston has to offer.