In short
- Kayaks cost PHP 1,750 to PHP 2,000 and offer a quiet, eco-friendly trip.
- Motorboats cost PHP 1,200 to PHP 3,800 depending on group size.
- Both tours spend about 30 to 45 minutes on the water.
In this article
Your choice of transport changes how you experience the Abatan River at night. Kayaks let you paddle quietly into narrow mangrove tunnels. Motorboats keep you dry and require less physical effort.
What is the motorized bandong boat tour?
The bandong is a traditional motorized boat that takes groups down the main river channel.
This is the most common way to see the fireflies. Prices range from PHP 1,200 to PHP 3,800 per boat, depending on group size. Rates change depending on how many people are in your group. You sit comfortably while a guide navigates the 30 to 45-minute route. It is a dry ride, but the engine noise is present.
How does the kayak tour work?
You paddle a solo or tandem kayak through the water with a local guide.
Kayaking provides a silent, non-invasive way to watch the fireflies. Expect to pay around PHP 1,750 to PHP 2,000 per person. You launch from a dedicated slipway and can enter narrow mangrove tunnels where motorboats cannot fit. You will likely get wet, so you need water shoes and dry clothes.
Which tour option is right for you?
Choose the boat for comfort and group travel, or the kayak for a quiet, active experience.
If you want to take photos or stay dry, the motorboat is easier. If you want to hear the sounds of the forest, book the kayak.
| Feature | Motorboat (Bandong) | Guided Kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | PHP 1,200 - PHP 3,800 | PHP 1,750 - PHP 2,000 |
| Water Time | 30-45 minutes | 30-45 minutes |
| Physical Effort | Low | Moderate |
| Noise Level | Engine noise | Quiet |
Is it easier to take photos on a boat or kayak?
The motorboat provides a more stable platform for photography.
Taking photos of fireflies is difficult on moving water. The bandong boat offers seating where you can try to brace your camera. In a kayak, you must paddle and balance, making photography harder. Remember that flash photography is strictly prohibited on all tours to protect the fireflies.
Are both tours safe at night?
Yes, both tour types follow strict safety rules and include guides.
You must wear a life jacket at all times, whether on a boat or a kayak. Local river guides accompany all trips. The Abatan River estuary spans roughly 1,000 acres, and the guides know the safe routes. You will likely participate in the 'Palina' smoke ritual before boarding either vessel.
Do I need to pack differently for a kayak?
Yes, kayakers need to prepare for water splashes.
If you choose the kayak, bring a dry bag for your phone and valuables. Wear water shoes or strapped sandals, as your feet will get wet at the launch point. Bring extra dry clothes to change into after the tour. Boat passengers can wear standard comfortable evening clothing.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the kayak tour on the Abatan River?
Guided kayak tours generally cost between PHP 1,750 and PHP 2,000 per person. Prices can change based on the platform you use to book.
Can I bring my camera on the kayak?
Yes, but you should bring a dry bag to protect it from splashes. Keep in mind that flash photography is strictly banned on the river.
How long does the tour last?
You will spend between 30 and 45 minutes on the water for both the kayak and the motorized boat tours.
