Iwahig Firefly Watching

Iwahig Firefly Watching is a community-managed ecotourism attraction along the Iwahig River in Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The nighttime paddle-boat tour takes visitors through a protected mangrove estuary where thousands of fireflies congregate on mangrove trees. Notable for its dark, quiet river setting, bioluminescent plankton, and sustainable tourism model, it offers an intimate wildlife experience about 30 minutes south of Puerto Princesa City proper.

Visitors take a guided paddle boat ride at night along the calm, dark waters of the Iwahig River surrounded by dense mangrove forest. Guides paddle quietly without motors to avoid disturbing fireflies, which appear as thousands of blinking lights on mangrove trees. The tour includes views of starry skies, reflections on the water, and often bioluminescent plankton glowing when disturbed. The experience is quiet, low-light, and focused on wildlife observation with commentary from local boat guides.