Written by Fadhil, LangkawiGo.
Kilim Geoforest Park is the mangrove and limestone river system on Langkawi’s north-east coast, and it is where every Langkawi mangrove tour starts. This Kilim Geoforest Park guide walks you through each stop, with photos from our own boats and the small details that save you time and money on the day.
“When the boat starts moving, you feel the fresh wind on your face and the splash of the water, with nature all around you. On a sunny day it is stunningly beautiful. Coming to Langkawi without visiting Kilim would be a real loss.” – Fadhil
On this page
Quick facts
- Where: Kilim Geoforest Park Jetty, north-east Langkawi. Free parking next to the jetty.
- Time on the water: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the package.
- Private boat start times: any time from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Sharing boats leave at 10:30am.
- Extra costs on the day: Bat Cave entrance RM2 per person, torch rental RM1, and lunch if you eat at the floating restaurant.
- Best time to go: 9:00am, before the 10:30am boats arrive.
Before you board: book first, then the jetty
The most common mistake we see is turning up without a booking. Walk-in guests pay the walk-in rate, get no advance booking price, and often wait a long time for a free boat. Book your Kilim boat online first. There is no deposit, and your voucher shows up straight away.
On the day:
- Park for free next to the jetty. Come a little early.
- Show your voucher at Checkpoint 3.
- Pay at the jetty to Fariz or Haziq, our jetty team. They handle everything until you board the boat.
The jetty area has souvenir shops and stalls selling hats, sunglasses and waterproof phone pouches. There is a food court for breakfast, toilets (RM1 per entry), showers and a surau. If you do not want to walk to the boats, a buggy ride costs RM2.
Stop 1: The floating restaurant and Fatimah the stingray
The floating restaurant sits on the river between the limestone hills. You can order fresh seafood here and pay at the counter, so it is a good place for lunch.
Look down into the pens and you will see stingrays and groupers. One friendly stingray is called Fatimah. Feeding her is free, and you can try it yourself and even touch her.
Kayaks are also available near the restaurant. If you want a longer paddle with a guide, see our mangrove kayaking tour with local guide Roy.
Stop 2: The Bat Cave
The boat drops you at a small jetty, and a short walk leads into the cave. The bats sleep during the day, hanging from the cave ceiling. Entrance is RM2 per person, paid at the door.
- Rent a torch for RM1. Your phone light is not strong enough to see the bats on the ceiling.
- Photos are fine, but no flash.
- Keep your voice down inside. The bats are asleep.
- Keep bags zipped. Cheeky macaques hang around the area.
Stop 3: Crocodile Cave
There are no crocodiles here. The cave takes its name from the rock formation, which looks like the shape of a crocodile. You can only go inside at low tide. At high tide you see it from the boat.
Stop 4: Monkeys on the river bank
Long-tailed macaques gather on the river bank on the way to Tanjung Rhu, climbing over the mangrove roots. On every trip you can watch them from the boat.
On the Private B package, your boatman can arrange a short monkey feeding session on request. We usually give them drinking water. If you would rather just watch, tell the boatman and he will keep it to monkey watching.
Stop 5: Eagle watching
This is the part most people remember. The boat slows down in an open stretch of river and the eagles circle overhead, then swoop down to the water. The number of birds changes from day to day, so every trip is a little different.
Tip: set your phone to burst mode or video. The dive happens in under a second.
Stop 6: Gua Cherita (on request)
Gua Cherita is a limestone cave on the coast, with a boardwalk over clear green water. The water here is a known spot for jellyfish, so keep an eye on the surface. Gua Cherita is available on request with the Private C package. Tell your boatman at the start if you want to go.
Stop 7: The Andaman Sea and the Kilim sign
The river opens to the Andaman Sea, with small limestone islands on the horizon. All around Kilim you pass rock formations shaped by the sea. On the way back the boat stops below the white Kilim Geoforest Park letters on the cliff. This is the photo everyone takes, so have your camera ready.
Which package covers what
| Package | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing 2 hours | 10:30am – 12:30pm | RM69 per person (4+), RM89 (1–3) |
| Sharing 4 hours, with lunch set and Tanjung Rhu swim | 10:30am – 2:30pm | RM120 per person |
| Private A, 2 hours | start 9am – 4pm | RM300 per boat, up to 10 |
| Private B, 3 hours, adds beach swim and monkey feeding on request | start 9am – 4pm | RM400 per boat |
| Private C, 4 hours, adds Dangli Island, Gua Cherita on request | start 9am – 4pm | RM450 per boat |
Every package includes the boat, boatman, life jackets and the floating restaurant stop. For a group of 5 or more, the private boat costs less per person than sharing. See every stop and book on the Kilim mangrove tour page: no deposit, pay at the jetty, free changes up to 2 hours before.
What to bring
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and water.
- A waterproof bag for your phone. Spray from the boat is normal.
- Cash for the Bat Cave, torch, toilets and lunch.
- Mosquito repellent.
Common questions
How long do you need at Kilim Geoforest Park?
Two hours covers the main stops. Choose 3 or 4 hours if you want a beach swim, Dangli Island, Gua Cherita or a slow lunch.
Can I just turn up at Kilim Jetty?
You can, but you pay the walk-in rate and may wait a long time. Booking online first is cheaper and your boat is ready when you arrive.
Is Kilim good for kids and older parents?
Yes. You stay seated on the boat for most of the trip, and life jackets come in every package. The only walk is the short path at the Bat Cave.
Can you kayak in Kilim instead?
Yes. If you prefer to paddle through the quieter channels, see our mangrove kayaking tour.
