Dusk is an idyllic time to leave. Hues of red and orange fall upon the still waters, as you slide into the kayak, just as the sun departs the sky. 

It feels kind of eerie, paddling in anticipation under the ambient moonlight. A private guide leads the way, for where you are going is not well known. Humongous pristine mangroves will envelop you, as you eagerly creep along the backwaters of the Abatan River in search of swarming fireflies. 

Soon it’s just you and fireflies in a wonderfully silent piece of the Philippines.