Fireflies at Kampung Dew

About 38 km from us, the mangroves at Kampung Dew light up after dark with fireflies. On a good night the trees look strung with tiny lamps.

What you are looking at

Fireflies are soft-bodied beetles of the family Lampyridae, also called lightning bugs or glowworms. The light they give off, usually green or yellow, is mostly used to attract a mate. It is thought the ability began as a warning to predators that the larvae taste unpleasant. Studying how they produce that light has even helped researchers develop LEDs with precise colour output.

Seeing them

The trip is by boat, and it is worth going with someone who knows the river. We can arrange the boat and a guide for you — just let us know while you are staying.