Drift silently through enchanting mangrove forests as thousands of fireflies and bioluminescent plankton light up the tropical night.
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Escape the city for a night in nature witnessing hundreds of fireflies with dinner included.
Glide through the serene Iwahig River to witness thousands of fireflies lighting up the night.
Experience Puerto Princesa's rich biodiversity on a quiet 4-hour firefly watching tour.
Enjoy a romantic bay cruise with sunset views, dinner onboard, and magical firefly sightings.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Escape the bustle of Puerto Princesa city center for a mesmerizing evening in nature's own light show. The Iwahig River Firefly Watching tour is one of Palawan's most celebrated ecotourism experiences, taking you on a tranquil paddle boat cruise through protected mangrove forests. As your expert boatman guides you silently down the river, you'll witness thousands of fireflies (locally called 'kitu-kitu') pulsing in unison among the trees, creating an effect often compared to living Christmas lights. Look down into the water to see the blue glow of bioluminescent plankton, and gaze up for a clear view of the constellations, often pointed out by your guide with laser precision. This low-impact, sustainable tour supports local conservation efforts and offers a peaceful, romantic, and educational night out for all ages.
We exclusively book with DOT-accredited Iwahig community operators who adhere to strict safety and environmental standards
Browse hundreds of recent, authentic reviews from travelers who have experienced the magic firsthand
Your booking supports sustainable community-based tourism that protects the delicate mangrove ecosystem and firefly habitat
Secure your slot instantly on your mobile device—essential during peak dry season when slots sell out fast
We prioritize operators using small paddle boats (3-4 pax) for a quieter, more personal connection with nature
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Dry Season (November to May)
Dark colored clothing|Shorts or light trousers|Flip-flops or water shoes|Light jacket (can get breezy)
Established as a community-based ecotourism project to protect the Iwahig River ecosystem.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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Real experiences from real travelers
Truly a highlight of our Philippines trip. The silence of the river and the synchronized flashing of the fireflies was enchanting. Our guide was so knowledgeable about the stars too.
Very peaceful. The fireflies were like Christmas lights. The dinner was simple but tasty Filipino food. Highly recommend booking in advance.
The boat ride was lovely. We saw many fireflies and even blue plankton in the water. The van ride from the city was a bit bumpy but worth it.
We booked the Iwahig tour. Pickup was on time, guide spoke good English. The river is very dark so you see the lights perfectly.
Great for couples. It's very quiet and dark. Mosquitoes were okay but bring spray. The buffet dinner was decent.
Don't miss this. It is rare to see so many fireflies. The guides respect the nature very much.
The fireflies were amazing, but there were many other boats waiting. Still, the guides tried to keep it quiet.
The bioluminescent plankton was a surprise bonus! Magical experience overall.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The best viewing is during the new moon phase (no moon) when the sky is darkest, making the fireflies and plankton glow brighter. The dry season (November to May) offers the calmest waters.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (Dec-April), as the Iwahig River has a daily limit on visitors to protect the ecosystem.
Yes, most standard packages include a buffet dinner, usually served at a restaurant near the river or at the eco-park visitor center before or after your boat ride.
Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing. Dark colors are preferred to avoid distracting the fireflies. Shorts and flip-flops/sandals are best as your feet might get a little wet getting into the boat.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it disturbs the fireflies. You can take photos without flash, but you will need a camera with good low-light capability (high ISO/long exposure).
Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels within the Puerto Princesa city center (approx 15km radius) is typically included in the tour price.
Tours still operate in light rain. However, if the Coast Guard deems the river current too strong or weather too severe, the tour will be cancelled and you will be offered a full refund or reschedule.
Yes, it is a family-friendly activity. Children aged 3+ usually enjoy it, but they must be able to sit still in the boat for about 45 minutes.
Yes, since it is a mangrove area. We strongly recommend applying insect repellent before the tour (but avoid spraying it while on the boat to protect the water).
The actual paddle boat cruise on the river lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the current and sightings.
Not at all. The river is very calm, shallow in many parts, and the paddle boats are stable. You are also required to wear a life vest at all times.
The Iwahig River tour is the original and most famous option, managed by the local community. It is known for having the densest population of fireflies and a very organized system.
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