After a tiring day hiking to Dalipi River then to DENR Substation in Brgy. Tampayan and a tricycle ride to explore the Lambingan Falls of Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island in the province of Romblon we were back at the Sanctuary Garden Resort resting and waiting for the night to pass.
Dinner then Halo-halo session and it was time for us to leave again to visit the Firefly Watching of Magdiwang River Cruise Association.
After a 10 minute ride on the multicab service of Sanctuary Garden Resort we were on the registration area for the Firefly Watching.
We registered and paid the 10 Pesos per person entrance fee and the 200 Pesos per person paddle boat tour for the firefly watching.
Next we were walking on dark ruins where even the light bulbs were not able to provide enough lumination for us to see the whole place. According to our guides it was a Spanish fortress before. I wish we had time to go back and see it in daylight as I wanted to see the trees that were growing on the side of the walls.
The ruins
We then reached the beach and small boats were waiting for us. The boats were really small that only the boatman and a single guest can only fit in.
Small boat with Jessica
The boatman paddled through the dark night. We passed by under the bridge when I got curious on when did the project started. According to our boatman, it only started March 2012 (2 months before we got there) and they did not know that this could be a tourist attraction. Before, the people there were cutting the mangroves because it was a good source of uling (charcoal).
Later we reached our first firefly tree. There were so many fireflies that it was like a tree with Christmas lights that sparkle in complete random sequence. It was my first time to see something like this up close and personal and it was amazing. But our boat could no longer approach the fireflies so I asked if I could go down and walk closer and the boatman said yes.
The best picture I have of the fireflies
I walked on the muddy shore until I got closer when Dazl and Jessica alarmed me that I am scaring the fireflies away. Woops! Took quick pictures, slowly walked away and back to riding the boat.
Little Mangroves
We moved on to another set of fireflies, each time the group of fireflies were getting bigger and bigger.
And after an hour on the boat we were back where we started and climbing up the steep trail to the top of the bridge we earlier went through.
Texted the driver of the multicab to fetch us and at around 10:20 PM we were back in Sanctuary Garden Resort getting ready for the travel the next day.
P. S. Due to the low light situation it was really hard to see the fireflies. My camera could not capture how beautiful it is. Firefly watching is for your eyes only.
Firefly Watching Details
Operating Hours
From 6PM onwards. They will only start the firefly watching when the tide is high as the paddle boats will not be able to reach the trees or location where the fireflies are.
Contact Number
0919-802-9907 – Teroy Rivero
Rates
10 Pesos per person Entrance Fee
200 Pesos per person Paddleboat Firefly Watching
How to get there
From your lodging in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island ride a tricycle to the Firefly Watching of Magdiwang River Cruise Association. Fare is from 10 Pesos to 30 Pesos per person one-way depending on where you are staying.
In our case the Sanctuary Garden Resort is out of the way from the usual tricycle trail, they provide a multicab service. If my memory is still intact it was about less than 50 Pesos per person, one-way. But I have a feeling it was lower than that. Sorry, I forgot to note the price.
How to get out of there
During the time of the firefly watching tricycle do not usually roam around so you’ll have to ask your tricycle driver to fetch you.
In our case, the multicab driver gave us his number so after the trip we would text him to fetch us.
Notes
- Wearing of lifevest is required.
- They sell some snacks and drinks in the registration area.
Life Vests, drinks and snacks
- They also sell some weaved souvenir items.
Weaved Souvenirs
Other Services of Magdiwang River Cruise Association
Floating Restaurant
Rates
150 Pesos per person Buffet Merienda
250 Pesos per person Lunch/Dinner
Notes
Up to 3 hours. Plus 50 Pesos per person per hour extension.
Fish Sanctuary
Rates
500 Pesos per boat for 2 persons.
250 Pesos each rental of mask and snorkel
Follow my Sibuyan Island, Romblon Series
- Sanctuary Garden Resort in Magdiwang
- Dam, Dalipi River and DENR Substation at Magdiwang
- Lambingan Falls in Magdiwang
- Firefly Watching in Magdiwang
- Journey to Cajidiocan
- Gomot Falls in Cajidiocan
- Late Afternoon Around the Town San Fernando
- Tricycle Tour from San Fernando
- Busay Falls in San Fernando
- Cantingas River Resort in San Fernando
- Dagubdob Picnic Grove in San Fernando
Follow my Romblon Province Series
meron din to sa bohol
Nice! Hindi pa ako nakapasyal ng Bohol. Mapuntahan nga ang firefly watching ng Bohol.