Firefly watching is the evening activity that fills the gap after a day of touring around Puerto Princesa. The linked tour collects you in the late afternoon, usually at 5.30 pm, for dinner followed by a river boat ride through the mangroves, where fireflies cluster in the trees and flash in the dark. The tour lasts about four to five hours, uses an air-conditioned vehicle, includes dinner and all fees and has a maximum of 15 travellers. It is rated 4.3 from 22 reviews from guest reviews. The itinerary stop is a firefly watching place near the city, and the boat moves quietly so that you can see the lights without scaring them.
The experience is about patience and darkness. After dinner you board a small boat, and the guide steers into mangrove channels where the fireflies gather. The best displays often come on moonless nights, and the show length varies. One reviewer said the display lasted only about half an hour, so set your expectations for a calm, short spectacle rather than a long show.
Review themes are mixed in a useful way. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, the dinner and the firefly views, while a few mention a disorganised start or a late return to the hotel, so build a little slack into your evening and avoid a tight flight the same night. The pick-up time can change with weather and traffic, which the operator warns about.
Bring insect repellent, because the mangrove is full of mosquitoes, and wear long sleeves. Turn off phone lights and flash photography, since light disturbs the fireflies, and a phone camera will not capture them well. Tours may be cancelled in heavy rain. This is an easy add-on to a Puerto Princesa stay, and it suits families, couples and anyone who wants a quiet evening in nature.
What to expect
The experience
A late-afternoon pickup, dinner, then a quiet boat ride through a mangrove river to watch fireflies.
Best time
An evening without heavy rain, ideally on a darker night with little moonlight.
How long
About four to five hours, starting around 5.30 pm.
Tips
Wear long sleeves, bring repellent and keep phone lights and flash off during the show.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a quiet evening in nature after a day of sightseeing.
- Families
- Good for children who can stay calm and quiet on a boat in the dark.
- Couples
- A gentle, romantic end to the day.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Underground River day or a Honda Bay trip earlier in the stay.
- Time needed
- One evening.
Good questions
What does the firefly tour include?+
Dinner, an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes, with a maximum of 15 travellers. Pick-up is usually around 5.30 pm.
How long do the fireflies glow?+
The display varies, and one reviewer reported about 30 minutes. Expect a calm, short spectacle rather than a long show.
Can I take photos?+
You can, but flash and phone lights disturb the fireflies and phones rarely capture them well. Enjoy the view with your eyes.
What should I wear?+
Long sleeves, long trousers and insect repellent, since mangroves attract mosquitoes. Closed shoes help on the boat landing.
Is the tour affected by weather?+
Yes, heavy rain can cause changes or cancellation, and the pick-up time may shift with traffic and weather. Ask about refund terms.
