Kuala Selangor fireflies: Day Trips and Tours from Kuala Lumpur

Fireflies are one of Mother Nature’s miracles, and if seeing their flickering lights is on your bucket list, why not head to see one of the largest colonies in the world? Kuala Selangor firefly day trips from Kuala Lumpur provide you with an unforgettable experience, drifting through mangrove forests surrounded by the sparkling lights of thousands of insects.

These excursions are easy to arrange and you can choose to see additional landmarks, such as Malaysia’s famed Batu Caves, along the way.

Here's all you need to know about Kuala Selangor, one of the most exciting day trips from Kuala Lumpur.

How to get to Kuala Selangor from Kuala Lumpur?

The Kuala Selangor fireflies are located in Kampung Kuantan, just under 70 kilometers northwest of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.

From Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor by car

The journey to Kuala Selangor takes just under an hour by car and begins by heading out of the city along the E1 Toll Road. You’ll transfer onto the E25 via the E35 at junction 115 and continue along the route until junction 54 when you’ll merge onto Route 54, which leads you toward Kuala Selangor.

From Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to the Kuala Selangor fireflies by public transport instead. You’ll board bus Line 100 from the Medan Pasar bus stop, which transports you all the way to Kuala Selangor. Here, you can catch a local taxi into the firefly park.

However, seeing the fireflies is a nighttime experience and the final return bus of the day leaves Kuala Selangor at 7 PM. Because of this, you may need to find accommodation nearby and return to Kuala Lumpur the following day.

Guided tour to Kuala Selangor from Kuala Lumpur

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to see the Kuala Selangor fireflies and allow someone else to take care of the transportation details for you. These day trips typically last around 6 hours and include a convenient hotel pickup between 3 PM and 4 PM. Once your adventure is over, you’ll be returned to your accommodation, which makes for a smooth experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Kuala Selangor fireflies day trip is unique, they all feature similar itineraries. After being collected from the lobby of your hotel at a predetermined time by your friendly driver guide, you’ll head out of the city toward Kuala Selangor.

Along the way, you may stop to explore the Batu Caves — one of the country’s most famed attractions. However, you may pass by this monument and instead visit Bukit Malawati.  

Then, you’ll typically be provided with a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant, which is included in the overall tour price, before hopping on a boat ride as night sets in to discover millions of fireflies twinkling on the river.

Once you’ve experienced this memorable moment, you’ll hop back in your vehicle and return to Kuala Lumpur to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Kuala Selangor fireflies?

There are several options for Kuala Selangor fireflies day trips, depending on your own personal interests and travel style.

Guided tours to the Kuala Selangor fireflies from Kuala Lumpur

You’ll begin this day trip to the Kuala Selangor fireflies by exploring the deep history of the hilltop fort, Bukit Malawati. Here, you’ll discover a number of fascinating landmarks, from a mausoleum that houses the remains of the earliest three Sultans of Selangor to a “poisoned” well where legend tells of traitors being tortured.

Moving on, you’ll be awed by one of the largest firefly colonies in the world, illuminating the dense mangroves along the Selangor River.

Day trip to the Kuala Selangor fireflies plus Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur

Alternatively, book a combination Kuala Selangor fireflies and Batu Caves day trip, and make the most of your vacation in Malaysia. You’ll first visit the Batu Caves, a Hindu cave complex, most distinguishable by its golden statue of Murugan —the Hindu god of war — which reaches heights of more than 40 meters.

You’ll then move on to explore the modern Sri Shakti Temple, best known for its intricate carvings of 51 Shaktis. In Kuala Selangor Nature Park, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the reserves’ most friendly resident — the silvered leaf monkey — by hand, before hopping on a boat to discover the area’s thriving firefly colony.

Private tour to the Kuala Selangor fireflies from Kuala Lumpur

If you’re seeking greater personalization than a group excursion provides, consider opting for a private Kuala Selangor fireflies day tour. You’ll benefit from a more tranquil experience without other tourists on your boat and this will enable you to appreciate the special moment properly.

While the excursion’s itinerary is very similar to that of a group tour, you’ll benefit from a more seamless experience, without additional hotel pickups and time spent waiting for other guests.

How much does a day trip to the Kuala Selangor fireflies from Kuala Lumpur cost?

A standard day trip to the Kuala Selangor fireflies costs between US$50 and US$60 per adult, while children between the ages of 3 and 11 cost just under US$50 each. Those under 3 can participate for free and the tour includes roundtrip transportation, as well as a local driver guide, and a seafood dinner.

Combination tours are private and cost US$140 per solo traveler or US$70 for those who book as a group of two or more adults. You’ll pay between US$50 and US$60 for children between the ages of 2 and 11.

Private Kuala Selangor fireflies day tours cost between US$160 and US$170 if you travel solo. However, the price per adult reduces to US$90 each with two or more people in the party. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 cost US$50 each while those under 3 incur no additional charge.

What will you see and do?

The Kuala Selangor firefly colony is located along the Selangor River and is best seen on a clear night, after complete darkness has fallen upon the area. While no one knows the exact number of insects that call this corner of Malaysia home, the colony is one of the largest in the world and attracts a flurry of both national and international visitors.

Fireflies are most commonly found in parts of Asia, as well as the Americas, and are a type of beetle. The critters use their lights to communicate with each other and attract mates.

While there are more than 2,000 subspecies of fireflies, the Pteroptyx tener is the dominant type found in Kuala Selangor.

The insects live in the mangroves of the river and light up for only a few hours every night, until they have found their mate, meaning that early evening is the prime time to take a day trip to the Kuala Selangor fireflies.

When is the best time to see the Kuala Selangor fireflies?

The best time to see the Kuala Selangor fireflies is usually during the warmer and wetter months, which typically occur from March to October. Darker nights (when the moon is not bright) tend to be better for viewing fireflies. The early evening is also the optimal time before the insects find their mate.

What other day trips can you do from Kuala Lumpur?

• Genting Highlands day trip from Kuala Lumpur
• Putrajaya day trip from Kuala Lumpur
• Taman Negara National Park day trip from Kuala Lumpur
• Orang Utan Island day trip from Kuala Lumpur
• Port Dickson day trip from Kuala Lumpur

Travel tips

• Especially during peak seasons or weekends, tours to the fireflies can get filled up quickly. It's a good idea to book your tour in advance.
• Using flashlights, camera flashes, or any strong light can disturb the fireflies and decrease their activity. Keep these to a minimum.
• Bright or white clothing can reflect moonlight and scare away the fireflies. Opt for darker shades to minimize your visual footprint.
• Being near the water, especially in the evening, you may encounter mosquitoes. Bring along insect repellent to keep them at bay.