Iwahig Firefly Watching | Puerto Princesa

Iwahig Firefly Watching is an eco-tourism activity located along the Iwahig River in Puerto Princesa City. It offers a nocturnal experience centered on the observation of fireflies in their natural mangrove habitat.

Visual Characteristics

The experience takes place in complete darkness on the Iwahig River. Visitors travel in small, non-motorized paddle boats. The primary visuals are the bioluminescent flickers of thousands of fireflies clustered in the mangrove trees along the riverbanks. On clear nights, the natural light from the stars and the occasional presence of bioluminescent plankton in the water add to the visual environment.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Iwahig Bridge, Puerto Princesa South Road, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan.

Access: The staging area is located near the Iwahig Bridge, approximately 30–45 minutes south of the city center.

Transport: * Tricycle/Private Vehicle: Standard transport from downtown Puerto Princesa.

Tour Van: Often booked as a dedicated evening tour package that includes round-trip transfers.

Entry: Requires an entrance fee per boat (usually accommodating 2–3 passengers). Reservations are highly recommended due to limited boat availability.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The project is a community-based sustainable tourism initiative managed by local residents and the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. It was established to provide alternative livelihoods while protecting the river's mangrove ecosystem. The abundance of fireflies indicates a healthy environment, as these insects require clean water and undisturbed mangroves to thrive.

Key Highlights & Activities

Paddle Boat Tour: A silent, guided 30- to 45-minute boat ride along the brackish water of the Iwahig River.

Stargazing: Guides often use laser pointers to identify constellations and planets visible in the dark sky, providing an educational astronomical component.

Bioluminescent Plankton: Depending on the tide and water conditions, visitors can see glowing plankton in the water when disturbed by the paddles.

Mangrove Education: Guides explain the symbiotic relationship between the fireflies and the specific mangrove species (primarily Sonneratia alba) they inhabit.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The staging area includes a briefing shed, a basic waiting area, and public restrooms. There is a small restaurant nearby that serves local Filipino dishes, often utilized by tour groups for dinner before or after the boat ride. 4G/5G cellular coverage is available but may be weaker near the riverbanks.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Daily from 18:00 to 22:00.

New Moon Phase: The best time for viewing fireflies, as the lack of moonlight makes their bioluminescence appear more vivid.

Dry Season (November to May): Preferred to avoid tour cancellations due to rain or heavy river currents.

Rules

No flash photography or use of bright artificial lights (including phone screens) during the tour.

Maintain low noise levels to avoid disturbing the wildlife and other visitors.

Wearing life vests provided by the operators is mandatory.

Do not attempt to catch or touch the fireflies.

Nearby Landmarks

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm: 2.0 km West.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center: 4.5 km North.

Puerto Princesa City Center: 15 km North.