DiscoverCabusao
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Cabusao.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Cabusao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Cabusao
- Cabusao is a small, coastal town squeezed in the Bicol region where the Bicol River flows into the immense San Miguel bay and the air is filled with salt and seaweed.
- The scenery is characterised with expansive rice fields that change to golden in harvest seasons and to emerald in summer early seasons which ensures that the landscape offers a continuous and changing scene that attracts both art lovers and photographers.
- The local fishermen go out with small wooden boats each morning, drop their nets into the sea, full of shrimp, crabs and now and then a tuna, and fill the markets of the town with a fresh lot of produce, that is flavoured of the sea.
- The small scale of the town does not spoil the town spirit; the town is in fact cultivating a small community that showcases its farming and water related trademarks by festivals, dancing and by communal meals.
- Capital (of the province): Pili
- International airport: No international airport in Cabusao
- Nearest commonly used:
- Naga Airport (Pili) – domestic flights
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – for international flights
- 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: Central Bikol, Tagalog, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- San Miguel bay is a safe arena where families can have a play time and the shoreline area offers peaceful places where one can sit and listen to the sound of the waves.
- The vast rice paddies are not a mere source of local economy but also a museum of the traditional practises of agriculture that have been maintained through generations.
- The Bicol River Delta is a natural wetland at the mouth of the river which provides the birdwatchers with an opportunity to see the migratory birds which travel a distance of thousands of miles to rest in the wetland.
- Fishermen come to the town with their haul every morning, and local sellers offer it on the spot, so that a visitor can have a taste of the authentic seaside flavour during their holidays to Cabusao.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry season (November to May) is the most comfortable period to walk through rice fields and have pleasant walks on the coastline as it does not disrupt with heavy rain.
- It is at the time of the rice-harvest, usually in late May and early June, that the fields become golden and the markets of the town become as busy as swax, and a little of the rhythm of the culture that follows this most important agricultural activity.
- Rainy seasons, July to October, are a time of green nature to the view and may result in seasonal flooding, therefore those who intend to see the best of the Cabusao wetlands must consider it.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
San Miguel Bay
- San Miguel Bay is expansive and provides a glowing view where the clear waters collide with the blazing sky in the horizon and provide a beautiful landscape during sunrise and sunset to the tourists.
- It has rich marine life, which forms great chances to the snorkelling lovers who would love to see underwater beauty, such as colourful reef fish, mangrove-dwellers and occasional dolphin sightings.
- In low tide, the beach shows shallow and clear water, which proves ideal to do the light swimming and children to splash in the water without risk.
- Local fishermen usually establish small stands along the bay where they directly sell fresh fish on the boat where people can have access to seafood that was recently caught.
- A row of lanterns and lights illuminating the edge of the water in the evenings make the bay a pleasant place to walk in the evenings and to think over.
- It is also a natural refuge to the numerous bird species and the bay therefore is a pleasant place that birdwatchers can see the resident and migratory birds.
Rice Paddies
- The rice paddies of Cabusao is a living canvas of green that turns to gold with changing of the seasons that presents photographers with a moving landscape to shoot.
- The local ancient methods of farming can be seen in the traditional irrigation channels, often referred to as Sacramento, which is efficient as well as clean.
- Tourists are allowed to stroll in the fields and experience the wet, mushy soil as they get a closer feel of the labour involved in the process of growing rice to serve the area.
- The paddies are lit up in the moonlight in the evenings, which produces a very calm and otherworldly effect that makes one think of reflective meditation.
- Local farmers have a tendency to accept visitors to teach them how to pick seeds, how to plant them, how to harvest them, and make a visit something educational.
- The paddies also harbour many aquatic animals such as frogs, snakes and small fish which breed in the shallow waters.
Bicol River Delta
- River delta is a wetland habitat, a patchwork of fish ponds and mangrove forests, which is important in the ecological environment to philtre water and alleviate erosion.
- The calm waters and rich reeds of the delta make ideal places to relax and meditate on as one melts to the sound of the rustling leaves.
- The birdwatchers will enjoy watching herons, egrets and occasionally the rare water monitor lizard that wanders along the shores of the delta.
- The small waterways of the delta are covered with small motorised boats, which provide the traveller with a unique view of how people move between the fields and fishing areas.
- Seasons alter the colors and texture of the delta as the summer is full of green vegetation, and the winter renders more grounded and painted in a muted palette.
- It is also the home of the amphibians; the frogs that croak at the twilight form part of the Greek of nature in the delta.
Fishing Port
- The busy fishing community is where the day haul is brought at the market first and this makes the day busy and gives the community spirit of Cabusao colourful.
- A whole range of seafood can be seen in the refrigerated compartments, with small shrimps on one end and huge tuna on the other end, so that the visitor can pick and buy what he/she desires to buy.
- The vendors in the area will tend to sell freshly cooked foods on the spot and therefore visitors may get to taste grilled fish or steamed crabs cooked with local spices.
- The docks of the port are paved with wooden crates and nets which provide a beautiful rustic scene to use in photos and leisure walks.
- Their faces, worn yet hospitable, the fishermen are alternating sea tales and asking travellers to become familiar with the daily ceremonies and customs that keep the town alive.
- The reflection of the sky at sunset at the port is very beautiful, and the whole dock is illuminated with gold as it appears almost magical.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Fisherman’s Market
- The first rays of the sun mean the opening of the morning market, which is shown by stalls, arranged by the river, on which there is fresh catch in glass cases.
- Grilled shrimp or boiled crab- Vendors will receive customers with warm greetings with a smile, and will usually provide them with little samples of the scrumptious food in case they want to taste the sea first before purchasing.
- The arrangement of the market is an octopus of stands each with a different type of seafood, prepared octopus and sturdy sea-cucumber so that shoppers can compare and make their choices.
- There is the smell of seaweed, fish sauce, fresh herbs and the air tells the visitor he/she is directly at the ocean.
- The freshly harvested rice is also sold by local farmers, allowing the shoppers to know the whole storey about the path that the rice follows.
- As the day wears away the life of the market is quieted, and the merchants make up their stalls, leaving behind them a reverberation of busy business, which lingers in the sea-air.
Traditional Bicolano House
- The traditional bicolano house which is constructed on the stilts demonstrates local architectural ingenuity which was meant to keep the inside cool during the humid season.
- The thatched roof and wooden beams, made out of local wood, present a warm homely feeling, one that belongs in the tropical climate.
- The interior is also decorated with simple but elegant Bamboo-made furniture, such as showcasing a culture that privileges natural material.
- The open windows in the houses enable free circulation of breezes, and the high floor keeps off the occasional floods during rainy seasons.
- This living museum provides guided tours during which tourists may get acquainted with the everyday rites, family relations and the importance of the communal space in the Bicolano culture.
- The silhouette of the house in the sunset will be a fantastic photo and contemplation background against the sky during your holidays to Cabusao.
Cultural Dance Performance
- Dance performances are held in local community centres, where traditional Bicolano folk dances are performed in colourful costumes and each of the movements is a storey about harvest or about sea.
- The beat of the music made on bamboo flutes and gongs creates the rhythmic effect upon the dancers whose motions are the responses to the flowing of the river and the movement of the rice paddies.
- The audience is not only welcomed to watch but also in the audience where the smiling and spirited energy by the performers make the atmosphere interesting.
- It is followed by the communal dinner at the end of the performance, where guests and performers can enjoy the best local delicacies, which also helps to create the unity between them.
- On the backfront, the dancers train weeks and know each choreography to perfection to portray the pride and commitment of their culture.
- The patterned costumes of the dance are vibrant since they are made of patterned fabrics which have been known to be influenced by the artistic background of the region and a touch of colour is in the evening sky.
Eco-Friendly Boat Tour
- Environmentally-friendly boat tours can move slowly through the Bicol River and enable tourists to appreciate the calmness of the river and the wetlands around it in an uncommon view.
- Onboard guides tell the ecological significance of the delta, why mangroves keep the coastline safe, and why fish ponds support the local environment.
- The small engines fitted to the boats or even manual paddles reduce the environmental impact on the environment yet provide a comfortable sitting to the whole family.
- The small birds, turtles, and every so often, the curious dolphin that is likely to trail the boats can be seen by the passengers, adding to the natural marvel of the view.
- Fishing lovers will also appreciate the tour since it will provide them with a small demonstration of how local fishermen cast their nets in the traditional manner.
- The last destination of the tour is a serene location where the colours of the sky mirror on the water to provide a peaceful atmosphere to reflective journaling or photography.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The community uses Central Bicolano language, which has a melodic rhythm and daily conversations seem to have musical effect.
- There are numerous family events that start with a common dinner with rice and fish, which depicts the strong interdependence between food, people, and sea.
- The festival of the town, which is celebrated on the $13$th of June, and is devoted to St. Anthony of Padua, furnishes the town with colourful banners, and the people with the beat of the drums as they rejoice over their saint.
- School projects are also taught to children on traditional craft, like weaving and basketry, which means that these disciplines will be remembered even by the next generations.
- There are also yearly harvest festivals, which are communal feasts, where families bring foods along that utilise local fish, coconut milk, and freshly picked rice as a way of thanking the earth.
- Elderly respect is very important; the respect is expressed by way of traditions like serving the oldest relative with the first piece of rice before others.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood, caught a few hours after hauling, is the key ingredient of the local food, where fresh seafood includes grilled shrimp and steamed crabs that are spiced with lime and garlic.
- Typical Bicolano cuisines like Bicol Express and Laing with plenty of coconut milk and local chilies, provide the spicy flavour of the local taste.
- The rice cultivated locally is commonly accompanied by a plate of crispy fish slices and each meal is a celebration of the land and its bountifulness.
- As a dessert, dessert carts serve sweet coconut ice cream which is a local treat prepared with freshly picked coconut milk and is an ideal match to the hotness of the tropical day.
- Fresh tropical fruits, mangoes, papayas, etc., are also available in the markets of the town that offers a sweet and refreshing touch to any meal.
- Besides the seafood, the local foods like sweet potatoes and eggplants are prepared in straightforward, delicious means which give due to the traditional modes of cooking.
Fun
- Visiting the markets, the travellers can visit stalls with the regional crafts, fresh products and rare souvenirs and taste local handicraft.
- Photographers have endless possibilities to take pictures of the broad, open rice fields at the dawn or of the vivid colour of the fish market in midday.
- The important thing in Cabusao is relaxing; one can spend a peaceful afternoon over the riverbank and listen to the lapsing water and see the fishermen in the neighbourhood at work.
- Families may spend a day at the beach with some easy points like creating sand castles, shell gathering or catching up on the sunset along San Miguel Bay.
- Hiking trails within the wetlands of the delta offer hiking and opportunity to see the wildlife inhabiting the natural habitat.
- The local people usually hold informal events when the travellers will participate in basic games or simple storeys, which will make them feel a part of them.
Fashion
- Light, airy wear like shirts made of cotton, pants made of linen or loose dresses are necessary to remain cool in the tropical, hot climate.
- The broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses shield a traveller against the intense tropical sun when strolling in the market or the waterfront.
- Sandals or good arch support, comfortable sandals are best when walking a long distance on sandy beaches or trails with rough riverbanks.
- During the visits to the local homes or religious sites, simple and modest clothing, which covers shoulders and knees, is respectful.
- A pouch/small and waterproof bag is used to store personal time on boat tours or fishing port visits.
- When it comes to evening activities, a lightweight and breathable dress or shirt with a loosely fitted skirt is very comfortable, and yet appears good.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The waters of San Miquel Bay sustain a rich marine ecosystem comprising of coral reefs, tiny fish and with occasional presence of the mighty mangrove trees that cover its shore.
- The wetlands of the Bicol River Delta provide a habitat to migratory species of birds and this is mostly seen during the winter seasons when they come in large numbers.
- There are different water birds to be seen by the visitor, egrets, herons and at times the flashy-coloured kingfishers as they fly between the reeds.
- Numerous fish ponds within the delta have also hosted various species such as the tilapia, catfish and the freshwater stingray which is a rare species.
- The mangrove forests also provide a different view of conservation of the ecology as a source of natural water purification and a source of shelter to aquatic organisms.
- The local-led birdwatching tours educate the travellers on spotting the rare species and inform them of the significance of protecting such natural habitats.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The local culture is manifested in the town fiesta on June $13$th, which is committed to St. Anthony of Padua, where the main attractions are the processions, traditional dances, and communal feasts along the streets.
- The rice harvest festival also marks the rice harvest through the use of parades, drum beats and sharing a meal that highlights the appreciation of the community on the generosity of the land.
- Fishing fishermen and locals gather around freshly caught fish cooked on open fires at a monthly event called Seafood Night on the fishing port.
- A cultural fair is organised in the community centre during the rainy season where handmade crafts are displayed by the artisans and folk songs sung by musicians.
- The annual Rive Clean-Up Day welcomes people to take part in the cleanup in the Bicol River Delta to preserve the ecological equilibrium of the town.
- Travellers may also attend the neighbouring Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City in September, which is of immense religious importance and is attended by pilgrims of all the areas.