The night cruise
The boat runs slow with a handheld spotlight working the banks: paired red-orange points resolve into crocodiles, a white blaze into a roosting egret, a heavy shape on a low bough into a buffy fish owl. Civets thread the branches; at Abai, the route adds the firefly display trees. It's shorter and stranger than the day cruises, and photographers should know the truth — this is an eyes-first outing.
The night walk
Guided lodge-trail walks trade the river for the forest floor: western tarsiers and slow lorises found by eyeshine on low trunks, sleeping birds at arm's length, stick insects, frogs and the invertebrate parade headtorches reveal. Sturdy shoes, long trousers, repellent — and the discipline to keep lights off animals' eyes when the guide says so.
Frequently asked questions
Which lodges offer night cruises?
Selected lodges only — Abai runs the firefly night program; confirm night-cruise availability when booking if it matters to you.
What will I see on a night cruise?
Crocodile eyeshine, roosting birds, owls and civets — plus fireflies on the Abai mangrove route.
Are night walks included in packages?
Some — the Tanini 3D2N includes two guided night walks; other lodges offer them as scheduled or add-on activities.