DiscoverJovellar
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Jovellar.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Jovellar
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Jovellar
- Holidays to Jovellar, Albay, they begin with a soft invitation: this place of towns that are floating out of the hurley and burly of Mayon, where the skies are clear, and where the landscape is green as a carpet.
- There is a hint of rain and the smell of new pine in the air, and with each breath, one feels that something new is going to be discovered.
- The visitors are welcomed by the serene villages with their houses painted in the warm earth colours showing the golden sunset shade at the dusk.
- The town is heartened by its web of rivers, caves and waterfalls that create the tapestry of nature beauty that reverberates the beats of the earth.
- Those who are coming regularly comment that what makes Jovellar interesting is not the town crowds but the silence of the woods and the winding streams that cut through the hills.
- With the passing of the day, the sky turns a lighter pink, and the silhouette of the volcano, in the distance, is keeping an eye on the visitors to remind them that nature is not dead.
- Capital (of the province): Legazpi City
- International airport: None in Jovellar
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Bicol International Airport (Daraga, Albay) – main airport for Albay; domestic flights and international-capable facilities
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – primary international gateway for long-haul routes
- 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: Bikol (West Miraya Bikol), Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The legendary Quitinday Underground River and Falls top off holidays to Jovellar, Albay and is an underground beauty that beckons adventurous travellers to explore the 150 metre cave and enter a two tier cascade that glistens like liquid glass.
- When booking world pinoy flights, the travellers get transported to a place where a glittering river cuts through limestone, and stalactites shine like stars in the dark light of the cave interior.
- The tranquilly of the hills surrounding provides spectacular panoramas of rice terrace paddies that shimmer in the afternoon sun which is a testimony to the agricultural heritage of the town.
- Tourists have the chance to roam to the serene St. John The Baptist Parish, a rocky-covered structure and a living testament of centuries of devotion and fellowship.
- Near the Sigpit Falls, which is some $300$ metres below, is a lower cascade where the water falls into a still pool, an ideal place to take a cool shower after an adventure-filled day.
- Last but not least, the local market with its stalls of fresh fruits, smoking spices, and even handmade objects made of rattan brings a sensual experience that embodies the spirit of the everyday life of Jovellar.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- During the dry season in the months of December to May, holidays in Jovellar, Albay are the best as the rivers are relaxing to allow safe passage through the underground passages.
- These months are characterised by cool breeze sweeping over the hills which maintain the humidity at a comfortable level so that the visitors visit the site and explore hours without getting tired.
- Conversely, the wet season, which occurs between June and November, is characterised by higher rainfall which transforms the underground river into a crashing torrent thus leading to closure of many tours as a health safety measure.
- It is also in these months that the green canopy that envelops the forests around is most lush and transforms the landscape into a painting of emeralds.
- The rain may occasionally destroy the outdoor plan but it enhances the flora in the area giving the photo enthusiasts a background with ever-changing sceneries.
- There are holidays to Jovellar festivals in the town, with or without the season, and the beat of the drums resounds along the streets, so that no visit would be made without the touch of rhythm and colour.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Quitinday Underground River & Falls
- Raft on a 150 -metre network of caves in a bamboo boat, as the cool water drips through your body, and the stalactites cascade like chandeliers.
- See the two level waterfall falling into a crystal clear pool, a natural reflection of the low light in the cave.
- get the rush of cliff-jumping at the lip of the cliff, when a drop of green water hits the earth in a wave of exhilarating liberty.
- Discover the geological history of Jovellar by guided explanation, and learn how limestone eroded this mystery in the thousand years.
- Take pictures in an environment that is a combination of darkness, light, and water giving pictures that almost appear to be unreal.
- Take a breath of air and the far off cry of the birds as you venture out of the cave to experience the warm air of the dry season.
Sigpit Falls
- Take a little path that meanders through the green rice terraces, and provides a peaceful ride to the waterfall.
- See the river tumbling over a natural bowl, and the mist falling upon your shoulders forming a light rain.
- Interview local guides that give tales on how the falls have played a part in the folklore and everyday life of the town.
- Put your feet in the cool pool at the bottom, a natural cool down spot after a day trekking.
- Notice the types of birds that nest in the area, which provide an additional avian sounding to the soundscape.
- Sit down on the hewn stone bench, and feel the fragrance of pine and the cool fragrance of water.
St. John The Baptist Parish
- Explore a stone-covered church, a symbol of many years of worship, and windows of stained glass, which make the interior of the church warm in colour.
- Hear the echoing of hymnal songs, by some little choir, which sound resounding in the silent shrine.
- Enjoy the lavish woodcarvings with biblical scenes, each with a storey of piety and workmanship.
- Educate yourself about the local culture of pilgrimage that unites families and friends in order to get blessed and be able to reflect.
- venture out into the neighbouring garden, where sweet herbs are cultivated, and small trees, which contribute sweet fragrance to the air.
- Interview parish residents who can present the history of the parish, its importance to the identity of Jovellar.
Local Market & Artisans
- Visit stalls full of fresh vegetables, herbs and rice grown nearby, a treat to the senses.
- Watch weavers spin rattan and vine baskets and transform raw materials into useful and decorative items.
- Go to a fresh local snack of coconut milk (gata) mixed with a splash of chilli (sili) to have a spicy and creamy local snack that is not only easy but also satisfying.
- Interview sellers on how abaca rope is made, and why that is significant to the local economy.
- Purchase souvenirs like painted wooden figurines or pottery hand painted that bears the spirit of the cultural heritage of Jovellar.
- Enjoy the bustling market atmosphere, full of laughter, haggling and banging of the pans, a rhythmic beat directly reflecting the heartbeat of the town.
Reason 05
Discover More
Name Origin & History
- Follow the name Jovellar to a Spanish surname of Jovellanos, uncovering the strata of the colonisation and mixing cultures.
- Find out the origin of the name of the town, which was named Quipia after the river upon which the fields of the town depend.
- Research the local mythology that describes how Quipia River came to be at the centre of the community spirituality and lifestyle.
- Study old maps and documents which demonstrate how the borders of Jovellar have changed and how it has transformed to become tourist-oriented.
- Pay a visit to the small museum which contains the artefacts of ancient times to have the physical associative links with the past.
- Have a talk with the older generation who narrate how the beats of the river defined the workings of their grandparents in their day-to-day lives.
Medical Services Accessibility and Transportation
- Find out that Jovellar has been linked with a network of well maintained roads that connects it with other neighbouring towns such as Guinobatan and Camalig.
- Pick up on local convenience of local jeepneys which can carry tourists, and they provide a good sightseeing tour as they go up and down hills.
- Buried in mind that the closest airport is in Legazpi City which is reachable within $45$ minutes and it is easy to arrive there once a flight has been made out of Manila or any other big cities.
- Know the infrastructure in the town that enables the development of eco-tourism whereby there are eco-campsites and guided trail systems.
- Learn that there is an abundance of hotels and guesthouses of both rustic homestay and modern boutique quality.
- Get used to the fact that going to Jovellar is like visiting a living postcard in which every street corner has a different sight.
Cultural Festivals & Events
- Take the plunge into the Quipia Festival which is celebrated every May to honour the river with native dancing, music and a floating parade of floats that symbolise the history of the town.
- Learn to celebrate the festive atmosphere of the Parish Fiesta, a celebration of St. John The Baptist, and fireworks that illuminate the night sky.
- Cheque out the street dance competitions, in which young dancers present their creativity in bright colours and suit the colourful soul of the town.
- Savour the local food stalls that are present in the streets and have some flavours of the Bicolano foods like laing and bicol express that is as daring as the town.
- Attend community prayers and blessings which unite people of all age groups in a single feeling of gratitude.
- Participate in the annual river cleaning activity, a civic event that shows that Jovellar cares about the sustainability of its natural resources.
Eco Tourism Initiatives
- Understand how the local conservation organisations strive to protect the limestone karst formation on which the caves in which the underground river is located are located.
- Visit educational excursions where tourists learn about the use of water resources in an environmentally-friendly manner and the need to maintain the purity of the Quipia River.
- Work on the days of the beach cleaning which should leave the surrounding ecosystems litter-free and serve as examples of the natural beauty to the future generations.
- Encourage environmentally friendly facilities, solar energy, rainwater collection and use of biodegradable products to reduce their environmental impact.
- Night walks under the guidance of experienced persons will show the wildlife in the night, including the fireflies, the soft calls of the night birds.
- Observe how the society is striving to enhance eco-tourism, whereby all the visitors will be able to go home with increased appreciation to nature.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The main identity of the town is based on the Quipia River that is the subject of festivals, rituals, and everyday life.
- People also use Central Bicolano, in which they sing the songs of their culture and heritage.
- The Catholic faith influences the social events, particularly, the Parish Fiesta of St. John The Baptist.
- During festivals they play traditional dances, including the “Bangalay,” in which they are graceful and they come in bright costumes.
- Storytelling is an important leisure activity and the elders tell young people myths concerning the origin of the river.
- The artistic tradition of the past can be traced in the hand-made products such as woven baskets and carving figures of wood.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Bicolano food is known to be heavy-handed in coconut milk and chilli, which develops pungent creamy tastes.
- The local dishes are full of fresh vegetables that are produced in fertile valleys of Jovellar and which are still fresh in every mouth.
- Rice being one of the major crops would be mostly prepared by steaming and fragrantly, it goes well with spicy or sweet dishes.
- Coconut milk is used to make traditional snacks like kakanin (rice cakes), which are sweet and rather tasting.
- The local bounty is presented by grilling and stewing seafood found in neighbouring rivers.
- There are stalls of street food in local markets where travellers can experience the dishes of puno (bamboo shoots) and humay (vegetable pot) as it offers a complete taste of Jovellar.
Fun
- Rafting through the cave is a special adventure because bamboo is floating under the water which conceals dazzling stalactites.
- The lovers of photography get the interaction of light and dark in the underground rooms, and make the photographs look like they come out of the heavens.
- There are hiking paths that run through rice terraces with panoramic views that make one feel like getting into a painting.
- The boats of local fishermen sail across the Quipia River, and tourists are encouraged to have relaxing rides on them and see wildlife.
- Evening fires in the mountains are very comfortable, and the folk songs are sung by the residents, which are reflected in the valleys.
- Young children can follow the river streams in shallow pools and laughing is an instinctive part of the escapades of the day.
Fashion
- Festivals have traditional clothes in the form of brightly embroidered blouses with elaborate designs based on the area myths.
- The style of wearable hatong (woven bamboo) is worn by women, which is comfortable and stylish in terms of its fusion of both culture and usefulness.
- The clothing of the men is also characterised by hand-stitched jackets that have patterns of rivers and karsts that resemble the town terrain.
- Beach casual dresses are commonly mixed with the locally designed accessories by modern tourists, which forms a combination of comfort and cultural experience.
- Jovellar has a local market that is selling handcrafted jewellery which consists of rattan and shell which are sold as a unique souvenir carrying the spirit of Jovellar.
- Jovellar Street fashion is slightly dependent on the global trends but still based on simplicity and environmentally-friendly fabrics.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The hills are cut by limestone karst structures which make caves, cliffs, and waterfalls which serve as a natural laboratory to geology enthusiasts.
- The transparent waters of the Quipia River sustain a variety of aquatic life and amphibians and aquatic flora that is of local biodiversity importance.
- The rainforest trails are an eye opener that shows the canopy is full of epiphytes, orchids and mosses all species that have adapted to the humid climate in Jovellar.
- The species that can be detected by the birdwatchers include the distant calls of the Philippine eagle and colourful tawid parrots.
- Animals come into the river valleys due to seasonal wildlife migration, which provide close observation.
- Holidays to Jovellar eco-guides take eco-safari tours that focus on the need to preserve these natural marvels as well as enable the tourists to view them in their original beauty.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Jovellar Quipia Festival, which is an annual event in May, is a lively procession, which is used to celebrate the river through floats, music and dancing.
- A community-wide devotion is brought together by the Parish Fiesta of St. John The Baptist, which is a Parish event of fireworks and communal dinners.
- The competition of street dances is a demonstration of the local talent, and costumes imitate river reed, and rocks in vivid colours.
- Festivals have marketplaces of community where Bicolano street food is tasted, where booths abound with fresh products and fish.
- Traditional crafts such as woven rattan baskets and carved wooden figurines illustrating local folklore are exhibited in the cultural shows.
- Smaller events like river clean-up drives are also part of the calendar of the town, and it strengthens the spirit of preserving the natural heritage of Jovellar.