DiscoverKawayan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Kawayan.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedKawayan HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Kawayan.
Stays AcrossKawayan
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Kawayan
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Kawayan.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Kawayan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Kawayan
- Holidays to Kawayan is a town situated along the mountain backdrop which overlooks crystal clear waters offering the travellers a combination of both mountainous landscapes and waters.
- Its fishing villages have quiet streets which make it seem like one is going back in time yet the islands still provide the simple pleasures of the island life.
- The town boasts of green forests in every part of it which spill into tranquil creeks that make the town a nature lover paradise.
- The setting of the sun on the coast road off the Maripipi Island, Kawayan is the location which attracts photographers in large numbers.
- The easy-going daily routine in this place gives the visitor the chance to properly rest and get back to the beat of the sea.
- The warm-hearted hospitality of the community gives any stranger an impression of a long-lost friend, and, as a result, the memories remain despite the fact that the trip took place a long time ago.
- Capital (of the province): Naval
- International airport: No international airport in Kawayan
- Nearest commonly used: Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Waray, Cebuano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The beach is miles long, and the white sand butts in the turquoise water in an interminable placid stretch.
- In the upper barangays, there are secret waterfalls that make pleasant breaks where people can have a rejuvenating swim in natural pools.
- Coconut palms make green cover which protects small streams and small animals.
- The harbour is calm with traditional fishing boats gently floating.
- The coast highway provides excellent scenery ride passing through dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
- The small churches and old town plazas can be heard with the sound of the city celebrations.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Holidays to Kawayan during the dry season (December-May), skies are clear, and the seas are still, thus beach days and boat trips are perfect.
- The colder weather in January and February is favourable to hiking because the mountains are experiencing cooler winds, and the trails that were covered by bushes are now visible.
- The fiesta season in May and June is the period of the town life, the nights are filled with music, dancing and feasting of the community.
- The morning hours in all seasons will be good to see native sea life swimming near the beach.
- Less insects also come with the dry months and this enables the traveller to enjoy sightseeing the countryside in the countryside farmlands.
- The rainy season however has a lot of green vegetation but the tourists are usually fewer so you have a more peaceful view.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Ungale Beach
- Ungale Beach is an isolated patch of sand onto which the water remains crystal clear even at the top of the high tide.
- The slope of the beach is gentle and therefore the families with children can wade and construct sand castles.
- The sky on the Sunset at Ungale Beach is painted in the colours of orange and pink, and this is a feast to the photographers.
- Local fishermen bring fresh grilled fish to the beach, and you have an opportunity to taste the fresh catch.
- The mangrove forests that surround them offer a natural habitat to the crabs and small birds and contribute to the soundscape.
- The serene setting in the beach is an ideal relaxation to people who would want to avoid the hectic nature of resorts.
Mainit Hot Spring (Barangay Ungale)
- Mainit Hot Spring, is located in the midst of a hillside with the bubbles of mineral water flowing deeply out of the ground.
- The constant temperature of the spring makes it very comfortable to the swimmers of every age to rest and relax.
- There are also stepping stones that are located just outside the door to a natural hot bath that has very soft and cool rocks to lie on.
- The forest surrounding the spring helps to shield the spring against the wind, making it a serene and almost secret place.
- The minerals in the water are said to relax the muscles and give it a better blood flow.
- The hot spring can be followed by a brief excursion to waterfalls that are located close to the hot spring to complete the day of nature therapy in visitors.
Kaangiran Falls and Mountain Streams
- Kaangiran Falls consists of a chain of little cascading waterfalls that provide the forest with a misty effect.
- During the hot seasons the cool pool at the bottom of the falls is ideal in taking a refreshing swim.
- There are birds in the surrounding which are native and their calls contribute to the peaceful landscape.
- The falls lead to a small stream into a quiet mountain, where a person can have a good walk.
- The local guides will be able to reveal to you, unknown rock formations, and the best areas to snorkel in the stream.
- The location of the falls is close to a small village and it is easy to sample the local desserts made of coconuts after hiking.
Kawayan Coastal Road Scenic Viewpoints
- A number of lookout points exist along the coastal road which have panoramic views of the open sea and also the distant islands.
- The meandering nature of the road would encourage the cyclists and the motorbike riders to sightsee at their own time.
- Sunset perspectives are characterised with the appearance of a golden hue that is reflected on the waves, forming a romantic background.
- The road goes past various small fishing villages where the tourists can make rest stops and have fresh seafood.
- Regular rest spots include a bench and a shade and are ideal places to rest and admire the view.
- Photographers wishing to take a shot of the contrast between the earth and sea usually use scenic route.
Reason 05
Discover More
Fishing Villages
- Families living in the fishing villages continue to exploit wooden boats referred to as tubong in their daily catches.
- In the morning markets, it is busy with fish, seaweed and local produce stalls.
- The accounts of the local fishermen provide information on the ancient methods which make the community self-sufficient.
- Tourists will be offered an opportunity to take a short fishing adventure to understand the boat care and orientation in the sea.
- Coconut plantations are all around the villages producing gentle breezes and a sweet smell.
- The quaint, homely houses present the tourists with the hospitality of the rural environment.
Maripipi Island (through Kawayan Port)
- Maripipi Island is a volcanic heaven that will be accessed by a brief boat trip off the port of Kawayan.
- The cliffs of the island are full of grandiose rock shapes that resemble huge green protectors.
- The reefs of Maripipi are the attraction of those snorkelers and divers who want to see colourful marine creatures.
- The island has the hidden coves that offer isolated areas to have a picnic or a sunset bath.
- The rustic resorts on the island are small and this gives the resort a less commercialised option compared to other tourist attraction sites.
- Even the trip over the sea is an unforgettable adventure, as waves break in the clear blue sky.
Rural Agriculture Lands and Coconut Farms
- The terraced farmlands are covered with coconut trees that are taller than the rest forming a natural canopy that cools the ground beneath.
- Coconuts are still harvested by farmers using their hands, whose milk is served fresh within the local dishes.
- As one strolls through the fields we can see patches of both green and gold, particularly in the early mornings.
- Tourists will be able to get acquainted with the principles of sustainable farming that will keep the soil and biodiversity of the area intact.
- Biliran is famed by having numerous small museums in all the plantations, which present the history of the cultivation of coconuts.
- The hilly terrain has breathtaking views of the island hence a popular location when taking sunset pictures.
Mangrove Areas
- The mangrove forests serve as shield to the coastline against the erosion and storm surges.
- A stroll in the mangroves is an experience of mazes of roots, in which fish and crabs take refuge.
- There are many kinds of birds found in the mangroves which include egrets and herons that sit on the trees.
- Guided kayak tour also allows the travellers to sail through the waters quietly and observe the wildlife in the clear shallow waters.
- The region also sustains fisheries within the area through nurseries of numerous marine species.
- In this case, sustainable practises will make sure that the mangroves remain productive to generations of travellers.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The religious life of the town revolves around the old catholic church where daily mass attracts members of the community.
- Conventional dances that are done at fiestas include colourful costumes that are produced in the woven fabrics.
- The family bond amongst members of the community is very strong and hence visitors are usually invited to have a meal at the local households.
- In holidays to Kawayan, artisans make basic coconut items such as baskets, mats and little wooden carvings.
- The yearly celebrating is a combination of prayer, music and community feast, which is a demonstration of local hospitality.
- People have a reverent silence throughout the early morning pagpag prayers, which continue to this day.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The local dishes are centred on fresh seafood which is brought out in the morning and then grilled to perfection on open coals.
- Tinunu is a grilled fish dish prepared in the traditional way accompanied by fresh rice as well as local herbs.
- Kinilaw is a spicy ceviche-like dish that is a combination of tangy vinegar and sweet coconut milk.
- There are desserts made of coconuts, including the so-called barot and pala-pala, which add a sweet end to any meal.
- There are little carinderias on the streets that serve simple, home cooked meals that are like a hug.
- The stalls of the local market also offer ripe tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas and papayas which are just delicious.
Fun
- Visiting the beach and swimming are the best activities that a family or individual tourist can do, particularly along the waters of Ungale, which are calm.
- Cruises to Maripipi Island would also give the visitor the opportunity to physically see volcanic rocky cliffs and untouched reefs.
- The mountain may be hiked through upland barangays, displaying waterfalls, streams and mountain views.
- Dramatic cliffs, sea caves and sunrise colours make the costly photography worthwhile.
- To become part of a local fishing expedition is an actual learning experience on the sea-keeping of the olden times.
- Make the World Pinoy Flights booking and begin your adventure and have a hassle free travel.
Fashion
- On hot days and evening winds close to the sea light breathable clothes are recommended.
- Stylish shoes are comfortable to walk on to avoid rocky ground and bush trails.
- It is also recommended to dress modestly when attending churches and this is a way of respecting the local traditions.
- Small denominations of cash should be stored as ATM machines are not that many in the country.
- The use of sun protection such as, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses protect against the strong tropical sun.
- During the evenings, insect repelled is needed particularly around the mangrove wetlands and waterfalls.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The sea coast boasts of a variety of life forms, big or small, and colourful, coral reefs.
- Mangrove ecosystems are also known to be nurseries of many species thus an exciting place to be visited by birdwatchers.
- The wooded hills are a habitat of numerous birds, such as kingfishers, herons, and tropical warblers.
- The waterfalls are fed by freshwater streams and the water is cool and can be refreshingly swam in.
- The soil in the island is volcanic, making the environment unique and some endemic plants can be found here.
- In a day, the holidays to Kawayan travellers can observe sunrise at the sea, daytime serenity, and sunset at the hills, and get a complete picture of natural beauty.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- In June, a fiesta of St. John the Baptist, the town gives out processions, some cultural performances and collective meals.
- Holidays to Kawayan Barangay fiestas are held all year round with each fiesta featuring local music, dancing and craft exhibitions.
- The Holy Week is full of serious processions and contemplative church services based on tradition.
- Festivals along the coast will embrace the beauty of the sea through the enjoyment of seafoods, boat competitions and fishing tournaments.
- Every event welcomes the visitors to sample the local delicacies and engage in the well-established rituals.
- The colourful scenes, sound, and community nimbleness of these fiestas makes it a must-have experience of the holiday adventure.