Maribojoc Fireflies
We returned in the afternoon again at Abatan River by sunset, this time to navigate the 8km northern route to Maribojoc village. We were supposed to kayak all the way but since we had little time, we decided to take the motorized bandong (a small boat with cogon roofing) up river with Buzzy in tow from behind on board his Mango Float. Midway, we saw the full moon rise and lend its soft light on the river and surrounding mangrove trees. There was tranquility in the air only interrupted by the steady hum of our boat engine. We reached the Maribojoc Mangroves and stopped on a towering aged mangroves where the fireflies seem to congregate, attracted by its unique scent that appeals to them. Even with the moon in full spectrum, the undulating light from the mating dance of the fireflies mesmerized our senses. I had a tricky task of capturing this natural light-show and had so many attempts with only a few ones I liked. Those ones I had captured is but a fraction of what can be seen. I’ve been to several firefly tours but it’s only here where I saw the unison of motion, like a wave, enveloping the tree. Wrapping and circulating along the branches. It was magnificent. We watched the show for about an hour before we left. Even on our way back to the Visitor Center in Cortes, we saw several trees aglow with these fascinating fickle and flickering creatures. A magical night indeed.
Essential Info
The Bacong River Butterfly Kayak Tour (7–11am minimum of 2 pax at Php 2,100 each) and Abatan River Firefly Kayak Tour (4km, maximum 4 hours, minimum of 2 pax at Php 2,100 each) can be booked through IslandBuzz Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Tours.
Contact Buzzy Budlong at [email protected] or call +639275683799. Visit www.islandbuzzsupandkayak.com
For the Abatan RiverLife Tours visis www.riverlife.ph
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
