As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, peak season now, through ~October 31. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Along the lower Kinabatangan River in Sabah, multiple species of mangrove-associated fireflies congregate on overhanging trees and shrubs, producing dense, tree-sized patches of steady and flashing light that resemble strings of Christmas lights.
Tours use quiet boats to view dozens of illuminated trees per kilometer on most clear nights, especially in the drier months.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Sukau Village Riverfront (Lower Kinabatangan) |
| Bilit Riverbank (Bilit area, Kinabatangan) |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.