The Top 10 Spots to See Dolphins in Malaysia (+ Tips For A Smooth-Sailing Encounter!)
Dolphin sightings never get old. They look and sound adorable. And when they jump out of the water and spin, they just tug at my heart!
There’s no need to book a flight somewhere expensive just to see dolphins. We’re lucky because Malaysia is abundant in nature and wildlife, so even from the mainland, you can drive to a place where you can spot these cute marine mammals.
So, we’ve got the best places and tour operators in Malaysia that can show you where dolphins roam! We’ve got tips on what to do, where to go, and what to bring for locals and tourists! Dive in!
Top Dolphin-Watching Locations in Malaysia
Santubong, Sarawak
– Media credit: cplhchen
Location: Santubong, Sarawak
Operating Hours: Tour-dependent
One of the best locations for dolphin-watching in Malaysia is in Santubong, Sarawak, located in Borneo. It’s a stunning place rich in rainforests and wildlife, so it’s fairly easy to see beautiful animals here.
Santubong River, in particular, is where you’ll find the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. In fact, dolphin sighting tours are common here, and you might even find yourself boarding a boat for a chance to see these elusive dolphins.
A visit to Santubong knocks out two tasks in one visit. Aside from dolphin sightings, you can go on a morning cruise (with a tour operator) to see various wild animals, like monkeys and crocodiles.
Pro Tip:
Look for a trusted tour operator that makes trips to Santubong. It’s not the kind of river that you can travel to on your own—honestly, no one would want that either, since it’s home to crocodiles!
Kuching Wetlands National Park
– Media credit: worldwildlifetravel
Location: Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak
Contact: 1800 88 2526, [email protected] (Sarawak Forestry Corporation)
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
Kuching Wetlands National Park can be found in Petra Jaya in East Malaysia, about 15 km from Kuching. It spans 6,610 hectares across the estuary where the Sibu Laut River and the Salak River meet.
It’s one of the top destinations for Irrawaddy dolphin sightseeing, although it isn’t going to be a quick trip. To get to the national park, you must first board a boat that will take you on a journey on the river, which many tour operators offer.
Pro Tip:
Choose a morning boat tour for a higher chance of seeing dolphins. Manage your expectations, though, since there’s still no guarantee you’ll see wild animals.
Kilim Geoforest Park
– Media credit: cobra_langkawi
Location: Sungai Kilim Tourist Jetty Kampung Kilim, Mukim Ayer Hangat 07000 Kilim, Langkawi Kedah
Contact: +604 959 2323, +6011 6545 2323, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
The stunning Kilim Geoforest is a must-visit if you enjoy wildlife and nature. It’s part of the UNESCO Network of Global Geoparks, which, honestly, isn’t all that surprising since it carries geological relics of the past.
It also has an expansive mangrove forest, mysterious caves, and stunning beaches. Fortunately, the park offers boat tours to explore these incredible locations, which include a perk of seeing pods of Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins!
But since it’s in Langkawi, you need to book a flight or a ferry ride from the mainland. The good news is that you can depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Penang International Airport (PEN).
Pro Tip:
If you’re flying to Langkawi, check out Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia for direct flights.
Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
– Media credit: tourismperak
Location: Jalan Taiping – Kuala Sepetang, Kampung Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
Contact: +6012 514 5023
Perak is a treasure trove of natural and manmade wonders. A must-visit when you’re here is the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, a beautiful place for nature lovers and curious explorers who want to learn more about local life.
Just like other mangrove reserves and parks in Malaysia, you’ll need to book a boat tour to spot dolphins. The good thing about visiting the Matang Mangrove is that you can catch a glimpse of Irrawaddy and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins in the coastal waters.
How do you get here? It’s near Taiping, so there’s no need to ride a ferry since you’re on the mainland. The easiest, however, would be to drive or hire a car transport service.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. As Malaysia’s largest mangrove forest reserve, it covers a lot of land, so expect to walk a lot!
Best Dolphin Sightseeing Tours in Malaysia
MareCet Marine Excursions
– Media credit: marecetexcursions
Contact: +6018 337 6882, [email protected]
Best For: Solo travellers, families, and large groups
For locals and tourists who want ethical excursions in Malaysia, MareCet offers exactly that. As a non-profit NGO, their main focus is on the conservation and research of the country’s marine mammals.
And yes, you’ll be joining a boat tour that you can be sure is responsible and humane. The boat will keep its distance, so the dolphins are shielded from possible stress.
Their guided boat trip will cruise along the coastal waters of Matang, where you can see Irrawaddy and Indo-Pacific dolphins. They’ve expanded their reach, offering excursions to other places in Malaysia, like Pulau Sibu and the Straits of Malacca!
Aside from dolphin sightings, you’ll also learn important facts from marine biologists. Overall, it’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family!
Pro Tip:
Follow their Facebook page to keep updated about new excursions. There’s limited availability, though, so book fast!
Borneo Adventure
– Media credit: borneo_adventure
Address:
- 55, Jalan Main Bazaar, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
- KK Times Square, Jalan Coastal, Kota Kinabalu, 88100 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah, 88100
Contact:
- Kuching: +60 82 245175, [email protected]
- Kota Kinabalu: +60-88-486800
Best For: Solo travellers, small groups, and families
Borneo Adventure is a tour operator that provides a customized service. But it’s their focus on a fun and enriching experience that makes them a go-to, as well as their dedication to protecting the environment while providing a wildlife excursion.
If you want to learn about local culture and wildlife, this is THE place to go. Their guides’ knowledge is enriched by information given by nature and wildlife experts.
They offer tours in Sarawak and Sabah. If you want to see Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat, the watching tour will cruise you along the Santubong River and the Salak River.
If you’re a solo traveller, this is also convenient. Pickup and drop-off locations are hotels in the city centre, so they’re easy to go to—or you might already be staying there!
Pro Tip:
If you’re booking for a single person, better contact them for the exact price because there will be a surcharge. That’s because there’s a minimum of 2 persons per booking.
Borneo Travel Network
– Media credit: majestic_leisuretours
Address:
- Lot 1309, 1st Floor, Waterfront Commercial Centre, Jalan Permaisuri, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
- Click here for complete locations in Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, and Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 85 427751, [email protected] (Head office)
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Other locations will have varying hours
Best For: Solo travellers, couples, and families
For those who like day tours, Borneo Travel Network will take you to Santubong River, where the Irrawaddy dolphins are usually found. The guide will take you to known habitats for a higher chance of sightings, although don’t be surprised if there are none.
The tour will last for four hours. It also includes pickup and drop-off, which can be at the hotel you’re staying at.
Pro Tip:
Tourists looking for a convenient booking centre can rent a car and make a hotel reservation here!
Buddyz
– Media credit: buddyzmalaysia
Contact: +012 323 8085, [email protected]
Best For: Solo travellers, families, groups, and tourists who cannot fly to Malaysia
For locals and tourists who aren’t sure where to find a dolphin sightseeing tour, Buddyz is the online platform to click! It will show you all kinds of packages available, giving you faster access to the Malaysian adventure you need!
Different kinds of dolphin tours can be seen here, such as virtual and real-life experiences. If you can’t fly to Malaysia yet, the Virtual Experience of Dolphin Discovery is an educational trip right from the comfort of your own home!
For in-the-field packages, you can take a trip to Langkawi or Matang to catch a sight of these aquatic mammals. Half-day and multi-day packages are available, so there’s something for everyone!
Pro Tip:
Read all the information carefully. The packages will have different tour operators, so the requirements will vary. Some will provide hotel pickup and drop-off, while some will not.
Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism
– Media credit: iamnoraharun
Address: Jalan Sungai Manggis, Kampung Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Contact: 012 5145023, 012 4363272, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 9 pm
Best For: Small groups and families
Kuala Sepetang Eco Tourism offers a dolphin-watching tour that feels more local. They offer different kinds of excursions that will show you a cultural experience.
For a dolphin-searching mission, the 3-hour tour will take you directly to where these adorable ocean acrobats are. If you want more exploration, they can take you to Kuala Sangga, a remote fishing village, which includes passing by a dolphin frequented area.
Pro Tip:
Plan your schedule ahead and make sure you know how to get back to your hotel. Instead of pickups and drop-offs, you’ll have to go to a specified meeting place.
Klook
– Media credit: klookmy
Contact: Klook Help Centre
Operating Hours: 24/7 (online support)
Best For: Solo travellers, couples, groups, and families
It’s no secret that Klook has become a popular platform for travellers looking for easy-to-book attractions. This handy app makes it quick for tourists to book a dolphin sightseeing tour because everything’s in your phone!
The Dolphin Watching Mangrove Cruise will sail you to the shallow coastal waters of Kuching. Plus, there’s a Muslim-friendly packed lunch included, as well as round-trip transfers to and from your hotel—told you it’s convenient!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to check the vouchers in the app to save more money! If you have a favourite travel influencer, see if they have a discount code you can use.
Best Time to Go on A Dolphin Tour
Early mornings on sunny days are the best times to go on a dolphin tour. While these marine animals can be seen year-round, there’s a higher chance of it during the dry months since the wet season results in rougher sea conditions.
What to Expect on a Dolphin Tour
A dolphin sightseeing tour usually lasts two to four hours, depending on the location and tour operator. It won’t be boring, even when you haven’t seen dolphins yet.
A tour guide will provide commentary on dolphins and, possibly, other local wildlife. You need to keep an eye out since it can be tough to see the dolphins if you don’t know where to look—don’t worry, the guide will tell you where they are.
Some tours will include pickups and drop-offs from hotels or somewhere in the city centre. Before booking, make sure you know how to get back to your accommodation or home.
It’s also important to manage your expectations. Dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, even when you book a tour.
Dolphin Species Found in Malaysia
Irrawaddy Dolphins
– Media credit: marecet
The Irrawaddy dolphins are elusive and wander in rivers and shallow water. They’re usually found on the West Coast, as well as the estuary of Sarawak and Sabah.
It’s easy to recognise them, since they look a little like beluga whales due to their round heads. But unlike the white whales, they have no beak and are grey.
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins
– Media credit: marecet
The Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins mainly roam in mangroves and shallow areas, particularly in Langkawi and the Straits of Malacca.
They’re what we call “pink dolphins,” although they really aren’t, but they get a pinkish hue as they grow older. They also have a more slender body and beak, like the dolphins you usually see on TV.
What to Bring on a Dolphin Tour
- Comfortable and light clothing: You’ll be in the water, and the temperature can change drastically.
- Extra clothes and a towel: Extras are helpful in case you need to change. Dolphin tours in Malaysia use small boats, so expect the waves to reach the inside.
- Sun protection: A sunscreen, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses help keep your eyes and skin safe from the sun.
- Insect repellent: Most tours will take you to mangroves, which are home to bugs.
- Water flask: Hydrate, because you’ll be out in the sun for hours! Check if the tour includes snacks, which you may also bring if permitted.
- Waterproof pouch or bag: You can store your IDs, money, and phone to prevent them from getting wet.
How to Choose a Dolphin-Watching Tour Operator
- Choose ethical tour operators that don’t chase dolphins and prioritise the well-being of marine mammals. Remember that dolphins are protected under Malaysian law.
- Pick tour operators who are committed to the safety of both humans and animals. They should provide life vests to each guest and maintain a safe distance from other boats.
- Consider the duration of the tour. If you’re bringing small kids, check out shorter tours.
- Read reviews or ask for recommendations from people you trust, just so you have an idea of how the tour operates.