Visiting Abatan River's centuries-old mangrove forest is often described as fantastical. The roots and the canopy of leaves reflect crisply on the clear water, lending the river its sparkling emerald hue.
It is now highly encouraged to tour the mangroves on a kayak rather than on bigger boats since the latter often causes the riverbed to erode. Along with the mangroves, the river is home to a rare species of fireflies called Pteroptyx macdermotti which you can see when you join a firefly watching tour in Bohol Island.
How to get there
Abatan River sits about 8.4 KM from Tagbilaran City. To get there, you can rent a private car or ride a taxi/tricycle and go along Tagbilaran North Road. After passing a bridge, you will see the Abatan River Visitor Center on your left, which is the main entry and reception area for travelers interested in exploring the river. You can also join guided tours that include the Abatan River in the itinerary for a hassle-free trip.
Tickets and entry
Visitors will have to pay a certain fee to join a tour along the river while riding a kayak. However, fees are usually included when you book tours in Bohol Island.
Best time to visit
To better show the natural beauty of the river, firefly watching tours usually begin before dark. Cruising along the river at night gives visitors better chances of seeing the fireflies light up the surface of the water and the trees themselves. As for the weather, the best time to visit would be around the months of December to March when rainfall is less likely to happen.
