Sicsican River Firefly Watching
Experience the enchanting glow of thousands of fireflies on a tranquil boat ride along the Sicsican River in Puerto Princesa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak season for fireflies
Sicsican River Firefly Watching
Best Time
Peak season for fireflies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the enchanting glow of thousands of fireflies on a tranquil boat ride along the Sicsican River in Puerto Princesa.
"It's amazing to see those fireflies during our visit, truly magical!"
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your spot for this popular tour, especially during peak season. Some find it pricey, so plan accordingly .
✨ Embrace the Magic
Let yourself be mesmerized by the natural light show; it's often described as feeling like a Disney movie .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magical Firefly Spectacle
Witness thousands of tiny lights flicker through the trees, creating a Disney-like, magical forest ambiance. Pure enchantment awaits!
Tranquil River Cruise
Glide along the Iwahig River on a small wooden boat, enjoying the serene natural surroundings as dusk settles.
Ecologically Sensitive Area
Experience a well-organized, educational tour that emphasizes nature conservation and responsible tourism practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Firefly Magic
Value for Money Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your spot for this popular tour, especially during peak season. Some find it pricey, so plan accordingly.
✨ Embrace the Magic
Let yourself be mesmerized by the natural light show; it's often described as feeling like a Disney movie.
🌿 Respect Nature
This is an ecologically sensitive area. Follow your guide's instructions to protect the fireflies and their habitat.
🍽️ Inform About Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions, let the staff know in advance to ensure they can prepare a suitable meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance
Secure your spot for this popular tour, especially during peak season. Some find it pricey, so plan accordingly.
✨ Embrace the Magic
Let yourself be mesmerized by the natural light show; it's often described as feeling like a Disney movie.
🌿 Respect Nature
This is an ecologically sensitive area. Follow your guide's instructions to protect the fireflies and their habitat.
🍽️ Inform About Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions, let the staff know in advance to ensure they can prepare a suitable meal.
📸 Capture the Moment
While photos can be tricky in low light, try to capture the magical ambiance. Some creators share stunning forest firefly videos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the Sicsican River firefly watching as a magical and unforgettable experience, likening it to a fairy tale. The sheer number of fireflies and the tranquil river cruise are highlights. However, some find the tour to be expensive for the time provided, questioning its value for money.
"A good experience of you havent see fireflies before..it is of a smaller size but December is the best season as you can see more. Can see some stars too but unfortunately the sky wasn't so dark during my trip."
Quah Ewe Teik
"It's amazing to see those fireflies during our visit , but definitely I won't comeback because too expensive it's not worth paying 1k for 45 minutes tour. 1k for an entrance fee would be applicable for foreigner since for them 1k is a bit cheap.
Looks like you are seeing a Christmas tree with Christmas light.
Appreciate the staff tho. It's not value for money."
WINNIE david
"A really nice tour! We were more than impressed by the service and especially by the many fireflies. The location is newly renovated and a nice place to come down. We also had a fabulous dinner. Everyone goes out of their way. Thank you very much for this unforgettable evening!"
Eva Klinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sicsican River is located near Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Many city tours include the Iwahig Firefly Watching as part of their itinerary. You can arrange transport through your hotel or a local tour operator. The journey typically takes you along the Iwahig River.
Yes, the Iwahig Firefly Watching is a common and recommended stop on Puerto Princesa city tours, often done in the evening after visiting other attractions like Mitra's Ranch or Baker's Hill.
Most visitors opt for organized tours that provide transportation. This is convenient as it includes pick-up and drop-off, and the guides are knowledgeable about the best times and routes.
Public transport directly to the specific firefly watching launch point might be limited. It's generally more practical to join a tour or hire a private vehicle for ease of access, especially for an evening activity.
The travel time from Puerto Princesa city proper to the Sicsican River launch point is typically around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location of your accommodation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reviewers mention the tour can be around 1,000 Philippine Pesos (PHP) for a 45-minute experience, with some feeling it's expensive, especially for locals. Foreigners might find the price more reasonable.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season (like December), to ensure availability and potentially secure a better time slot.
The price typically covers the boat ride along the river, the guidance of a boatman/guide, and the opportunity to witness the fireflies. Some tours might include a simple dinner or snacks.
While specific package details can vary by tour operator, the core experience is the boat tour. It's best to inquire with local tour providers about any additional inclusions or options they offer.
The cost is generally for the organized boat tour itself, which includes access to the river for firefly watching. There might not be a separate, explicit 'entrance fee' for the area, but rather a fee for the guided activity.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The best time is in the evening, after sunset, when the fireflies are most active and visible. Dusk is ideal for sightings.
The tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, providing ample time to enjoy the magical display of fireflies.
Wear comfortable, light clothing. It's advisable to wear insect repellent and perhaps a light jacket as it can get cooler by the river at night. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.
Yes, you can take photos and videos, but be mindful of the low light conditions. Using flash can disturb the fireflies, so try to use settings that allow for good low-light capture.
Yes, it's generally a family-friendly activity. Children are often mesmerized by the fireflies, and the boat ride is usually calm and safe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some tours offer dinner as part of the package, often a simple meal prepared by the staff. It's advisable to inform them of dietary needs in advance.
Yes, Puerto Princesa city has numerous restaurants offering various cuisines. You can dine before heading to the river or after returning from the tour.
If dinner is included, it's often local Filipino dishes. Some reviewers mentioned the staff went out of their way to prepare a new vegetable dinner when needed.
It's best to communicate your dietary preferences when booking the tour. As one reviewer noted, the staff were accommodating and prepared a separate vegetarian meal.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring personal snacks or water, but be sure to dispose of any trash responsibly to maintain the natural environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a tripod if possible, a wide aperture (low f-number), and a high ISO. Experiment with longer shutter speeds, but be mindful of boat movement. Many creators share tips on capturing these moments.
Modern smartphone cameras with good low-light performance can capture decent shots. Look for 'night mode' or manual settings to adjust ISO and shutter speed. Videos often capture the ambiance well.
It's strongly advised against using flash photography as it can startle and deter the fireflies, disrupting their natural behavior and diminishing the viewing experience for everyone.
Focus on capturing the overall magical ambiance of the river illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. Close-ups of individual fireflies can be challenging but rewarding if successful.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on photography for personal use, but always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment. Avoid using excessive artificial light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a smooth experience, consider booking a tour that includes transportation from your accommodation. This simplifies logistics, especially with children. Inform the tour operator about any dietary needs in advance if a meal is part of the package, as the staff are known to be accommodating. While photography is possible, focus on enjoying the moment together rather than stressing over perfect shots. The memory of the twinkling forest will be a cherished one for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider combining the firefly watching with other free or low-cost city tour attractions in Puerto Princesa, such as Mitra's Ranch or Baker's Hill. This way, you can experience multiple sights without incurring excessive transportation costs. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. The magic of the fireflies is the main attraction, and focusing on that core experience can make it a memorable and budget-friendly adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Fireflies
Many visitors find the sheer number of fireflies to be astonishing, likening the sight to a 'Christmas tree with Christmas lights'. The tour emphasizes an ecologically sensitive approach, ensuring that the experience is sustainable and minimally disruptive to the fireflies' environment. Guides are often informative, sharing insights into the insects' behavior and the importance of conservation efforts. This educational aspect adds another layer to the magical experience, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
While the visual spectacle is the main draw, the tranquil boat ride along the Iwahig River adds to the overall serenity of the evening. Gliding through the calm waters as the forest comes alive with light creates a peaceful and unforgettable atmosphere. It's a chance to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in the quiet wonder of nature's light show.
Planning Your Sicsican River Visit
When it comes to cost, some visitors have noted that the tour can be perceived as expensive for its duration. While many find the experience worth the price for its unique magic, it's something to consider when budgeting for your Puerto Princesa trip. Inquiring about what's included in the tour package, such as transportation, guide services, and any potential meal inclusions, can help you assess the value. If a meal is offered, remember to communicate any dietary restrictions well in advance, as the staff are known to be accommodating.
For photography enthusiasts, capturing the fireflies can be challenging due to low light conditions. While phones can capture the ambiance, using a camera with manual settings and a tripod can yield better results. However, it's crucial to avoid using flash, as it can disturb the fireflies. The focus should be on appreciating the natural spectacle and respecting the environment, with photography being a secondary, albeit enjoyable, aspect of the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit