25 Apr 2023
Booked this tour last minute for the next day as our booking of another tour needed to change date. I was so relieved to get instant confirmation as the tour date was also a public holiday.
From there it was totally seamless. Our guide Raymond and team connected via WhatsApp prior evening and live updated timing of pick up and vehicle on the day.
This tour is really three in one, each holds its own. The location is about 1.5 hour from town, the van was full and yet we didn’t feel rushed at all and still managed to get back to hotel on time.
1. Mangrove boat ride - monkeys came on board our boat for interactive experience. Raymond was very experienced, provided us with bananas and seeds to feed the monkeys, guided us beforehand not to have direct eye contact and it worked! Pleasant and amazing close encounter with countless monkeys.
2. Sunset with sky-mirror photography. Raymond doubles up as a professional photographer. The photos he took were gorgeous! Even though we were a full van, he made sure everyone was taken care of and kept taking photos until we are all totally happy with the photos (and the sky was dark).
3. Firefly boat ride - only two boats were on the river and spaced not to impact the other’s viewing experience. Seeing fireflies for the first time was truly awe inspiring. And we got to hold fireflies in our hands! For those of us not skilled enough to catch them, Raymond caught them and put into our hands, made sure we all got to hold fireflies. It’s such an indescribable feeling. I should have spent less time taking photos (as they don’t turn out!) and spend the whole time enjoying this amazing experience.
Thank you Raymond for your dedication in looking after everyone. I would totally recommend this tour! Non physically straining, perfect for family/kids, close encounters with nature.