DiscoverCabucgayan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Cabucgayan.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Cabucgayan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Cabucgayan
- Holidays to Cabucgayan is an obscure destination situated on the southeastern tip of the Biliran Island that is a perfect place to find the untouched island charm, where the sea welcomes you with its calm waves and the air is filled with the smell of the salt and fresh pine.
- In case you were considering taking a trip to Cabucgayan, Biliran, you will find that this town is not much crowded and this will allow you a chance to appreciate nature without all the commotion of the tourists.
- The geography here is a patchwork of green coconuts, terraced rice fields and green rivers, which flow through wild forest areas all suspended by dramatic mountain silhouettes, which look out into the vast Pacific.
- Tourists tend to comment that it seems like a living postcard as the silent beaches and tiny fishing villages can almost make you feel like you have the option to sit and enjoy your moments in silence along the shoreline.
- The hospitable locals with their primitive lifestyles of agriculture and fishing are keen to share their simple lifestyles that will embrace you with information about the rhythm of the island which will accompany you even after you have gone.
- The minute you are at the door, you will get the feeling that Cabucgayan is not a place to visit but a journey to relax, take a deep breath and get in touch with nature.
- Capital (of the province): Naval
- International airport: No international airport in Cabucgayan
- 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 best thing to be experienced in the town is the clean natural springs, which are crystal clear and fall down the rocky outcroppings into shallow pools that a person can take a quick cool bath in.
- The calm rivers particularly the Mainit River are meandering through the valley of green and are bordered with taller trees that offer the picnickers and hikers with a shade of green cover.
- You will also see the scenic beaches of the town, with their own character--some having only a few wooden shelters on them, and others a long expanse of white sand on which you can walk long and thoughtful walks.
- The local farmers yield an amazing amount of crops, including coconut and rice, root crops like taro and cassava, each of which testify to the agricultural abundance of the area.
- The mountainous landscapes of holidays to Cabucgayan provide sweeping views, which at its heights gives the island its detailed tapestry of rice terrace, farms and gleaming blue sea.
- Lastly, the tiny churches and plazas of the town are a reminder of the strong Catholic religion of the community giving it a perception of continuity and cultural pride that pervades its day-to-day life.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry season, which extends during the month of December up to May, is the time when the sky is very clear and the weather is very pleasant, hence a good time to go explore the waterfalls and natural springs without much rainfall inconvenience.
- The weather in the cooler months of January and February is very favourable with temperatures not oppressive and people can easily go out on day hikes or to walk along the beach without feeling oppressed by the heat.
- October is the month of the colourful fiesta season in the town, where the local parades, street dances, and community feasts offer a way to immerse into the local culture, which will be attractive to the travel enthusiast.
- Travellers ought to be ready to take in the unexpected tropical rains although the falls are full during the wet season that normally occurs between June and November thereby incorporating the dramatic effect on the otherwise serene landscape.
- September and October are particularly fruitful to those who want to see the most attention-grabbing sunsets on the island, where the sun sets gradually on the southern horizon and clouds are coloured pinks and oranges.
- With these holidays to Cabucgayan seasonal differences put into consideration during your trip planning, you are going to see all the natural and cultural beauty of holidays to Cabucgayan, and have an enjoyable stay.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Kasabangan Falls
- This is a multi-level waterfall resting on a rock outcrop giving a thrilling sight of the flowing water crashing in into a natural basin on the lower level.
- The outer space is abundantly vegetated, and it is filled with the giant mahogany and bamboo trees which form a shaded canopy that is ideal in providing a cool reprieve to the hot day.
- The river which supplies the falls is clear and cold so one can have an inviting time swimming, splashing with friends and family during a picnic lunch.
- The rugged land of the falls is a challenge to the adventurous hiker, who walks through narrow tracks between isolated pools and concealed rock formations.
- Local guides will usually tell about the history of the falls, even about the time when the fore-fathers were fishermen, and the region was a natural source of fresh water.
- The evening mist that arises in the water forms a gentle layer in the evening and the falls would become a calm and almost mystical view as the sun sets.
Mainit Hot Spring
- Mainit Hot spring is a relaxing spa of warm water, which naturally flows out of the earth to provide the traveller with a relaxing therapeutic experience.
- The immediate environment is interspersed with rustic wooden benches and stone footways, so that one can be able to rest amidst the greenery.
- When the steam goes up it makes the air smell faintly of some mineral that is thought to be able to heal sore muscles and joints.
- The waters of the spring contain a lot of sulphur that tends to heal the skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis to individuals who are susceptible to these diseases.
- The hot spring is also a good place to have a relaxing dip during the chilly seasons when the sea temperatures are cooler than the warmth of the hot springs.
- The hot spring is frequently the location of informal cultural meeting where the locals sit down to talk and laugh at the storeys; friends are made.
Coastal Areas of Cabucgayan
- The coast line in the town have a range of calm coves and safe bays that are ideal in kayaking and standing paddle boards.
- The mild waves crash softly on the limestone cliffs and form a kind of musical ambiance, which makes the mind calm and invites the meditative moments.
- Even today, local fishermen row their boats in little wooden boats and their trained manoeuvre adds a touch of living history to the seashore scene.
- The sand is warm and fine in the coastal region and thus inviting to the sunbathers and the family picnics that spread all over the coastline.
- The palette of the sky at dusk is oranges, pinks and purples and it is quite a good place to shoot sunset or just have a cool moment.
- It is also referred to as a place of rich marine life where snorkelling is available and exposes the user to colourful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
Cabucgayan Town Church and Plaza
- The social centre of Cabucgayan is the town plaza and here market stalls, laughter of children and clacking of local music instruments are intertwined in a daily routine.
- The area is surrounded by an old fashioned but graceful church that is a highlight of the town due to its strong catholic heritage and communal festivities.
- Tourists can also observe the traditional prayers and processions conducted every Sunday giving them an insight of what spiritual practises are like in the island.
- The stone walkways of the plaza are decorated with hand crafted lanterns that illuminate the night air forming a pleasant ambience that welcomes evening walks.
- In the city, local craftsmen usually instal stalls to sell their handicrafts and woven baskets, fresh coconut products and provide tourists with their special gifts.
- The open space of the plaza is ideal in holding community gatherings, weekend dances and improvisation performances that express the venturant spirits of the town.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Farms & Coconut Plantations
- The countryside is covered with wide belts of full-grown coconuts, the leaves of which are fluttering in the sea breeze.
- The farms use the conventional methods of irrigation in which the water is directed to the root beds using the bamboo sluce of the water of the rivers around the area.
- Tourists are always invited by the locals to see how coconuts are being harvested, with the balancing of small wooden baskets in stilted carts being done with a lot of care.
- The scent of the freshly pressed sap of the palm is floating in the air and it gives a pure flavour of the natural sweet drink of the island.
- Coconut-based delicacies prepared using the palm include fresh coconut water, grated coconut and coconut milk desserts, which can also be sampled by the tourists.
- The plantations are very scenic as people can capture a good photograph and this is mostly when the sun is rising and the rays cast the green canopy a golden colour.
Little Brook and Natural Pools
- A system of small rivers is concealed in the foliage and empties into shallow pools where one can go swimming during hot afternoons.
- The water is so clear and it is possible to see coloured fish and small dragonflies playing right under the water.
- Most of these pools are a product of the rainfall and provide adventurous travellers with temporary but spontaneous swimming pools.
- The exotic nature around it is full of tropical plants, which bear a variety of edible delights to travellers.
- The local guides would normally take the visitors on brief hikes to these isolated locations, telling them the myths and legends surrounding the waterways.
- These rivers make the place a serene location where people can be quiet to meditate, tell storeys, or just have a nice view of nature.
Barangay Hills & Viewpoints
- The land is covered with gentle hills giving a different panoramic view of the coastline and inland farmlands of Cabucgayan.
- High up on these hills one has a view of the houses of the town, the red-brick church, and the waves of the Pacific as they roll off in the distance.
- Native grasses and wild orchids grow along the paths leading to the hills and form a natural footpath, which makes one ponder.
- The hills are very attractive during the sunset, as they have a welcoming amber colour and they are perfect when capturing photographs and making silent thoughts.
- The ridges are commonly used by local elders telling storeys of the islands history to help the visitor to have a better understanding of the cultural aspect.
- The observation points are also excellent to see sea turtles which sometimes fly near the coast within the bottom slopes.
Homes and village walks are traditional
- Cabucgayan is built along the lines of its streets, but the houses are of wood, with open porches, and thatched roof, such as those of the rural architecture of the Philippines.
- When walking in such villages, it is possible to see the pace of the life of local families who have to work in their gardens or to dine together.
- Some houses preserve the remnants of the ancestors, including hand-woven fabrics and wooden figurines carved into different shapes reminiscent of the history of the island.
- The pavements of the narrow lanes are also usually laid down with smooth stones, and it is a place that is very pleasant to walk around.
- In the villages, one can occasionally find youth playing the traditional games such as the tumbang preso which give them a pleasant insight into their pastime culture.
- The houses are lit by the mellow light of oil lamps as the day passes and this is a nostalgic sight of the quiet night life in the island.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The devotion of the people towards the Catholic faith has been reflected in the various feasts, procession and weekly masses that mark the yearly calendar.
- Community cooperation is another pillar of living as farmers can share labour when planting and harvesting crops, and fishermen work together to have sustainable yields.
- The Cabucgayan Town Fiesta is celebrated every October and unites the town residents in a happy feast of street dances, songs, and meals combined with local delicacies.
- The old practise of pagkikiyaw, the communal storytelling is still present where the elders sit around a fire and narrate legends of the mountains and the sea to children.
- The artisans of the town have mastered craft in weaving, carving and pottery and created pieces that are not only useful but also beautiful.
- The town is united by respect of elders, hospitality of strangers and a sense of identity that unites members of the whole town thus making anyone visiting the town to be included in the collective.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Cabucgayan is a place that is surrounded by fresh seafood and fish, crabs, and shrimp which are captured by local fishermen on a daily basis.
- Taro, cassava, sweet potatoes are some of the root crops we use as staple foods, cooked into warm stews or prepared into thin, savoury pancakes.
- Coconut is a crucial ingredient, and its copra, coconut milk and fresh coconut water are added to many dishes, both sweets and savoury soups.
- The grilled fish offered in simple carinderia stalls is dressed with a fresh combination of garlic, onions, and local herbs which delivers delicious low-cost meals.
- The classic snack foods are biko (sweet sticky rice), and puto (steamed rice cakes), served with a cup of hot smelling coffee.
- Though the choice of payment in most restaurants is cash, there are emerging restaurants that accept digital wallets, making it simpler to the hi-tech traveller.
Fun
- The greatest attraction that tourists enjoy is a guided tour to Kasabangan Falls where climbers can see the beauty of nature in the form of a pool of water at the bottom of the steep rock ledges.
- Rafting down the serene coves of the coastline of Cabucgayan provides a different view of the coastline and the opportunity to view local marine life at a closer distance.
- The local fishing people welcome tourists to take part in a traditional net-casting exercise, providing an understanding of the olden-day life of the island.
- To the individuals who want to relax and unwind, taking a dip in the Mainit Hot Spring is a refreshing cooling off effect to the sea that is relatively cooler, and the mineral-enriched water relaxes of muscles used to fatigue.
- The town celebrates the October fiesta, with performances on the streets, the local music, and colourful feast that enables the visitors to explore the shared culture.
- Booking world pinoy flights will guarantee a smooth arrival to the closest airport, and local transportation will transport you out to the closest centre of Cabucgayan.
Fashion
- Light breathable garments (cotton or linen) to keep one cool in the tropical sun and bring an extra layer to keep off the cooler evenings in November.
- The comfortable trekking sandals or hard hiking footwear are necessary to visit waterfalls, streams, and rough hills, which cover the town.
- Protection against the intense UV rays includes sunscreen of a high SPF, a broad-brimmed hat, and eye protection that cannot be compromised.
- You will always be hydrated with a reusable water bottle when walking long distances, and a small backpack will carry snacks, first-aid kit and a camera.
- Adhere to the modest mode of dressing within church visits by putting on clothes covering shoulders and knees, in particular on the day of October fiesta.
- As most places to eat and get services in Cabucgayan accept cash, it is prudent to have some of the local currency to use when buying food, transport, and minor items.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The forests on the island harbour a wide range of different bird species including the bright fruit doves and the shy wreathed hornbill, which are observable during bird watch tours.
- Freshwater streams are the habitat of small fish, freshwater prawns and eels where there are occasionally eels, and they provide hateful ecosystems with fascinated eyes in swimming and naturalists.
- The shore also sustains diverse tropical ocean species such as reef fish of all colours and the majestic sea turtles that swim near the shoreline when the tide is low.
- Butterflies and dragonflies swarming seasonally give the landscapes of the island a kaleidoscopic feeling, particularly after rain.
- Sustainable farming is practised by local farmers to ensure that they do not impact the natural habitat of the pollinators like the bees and butterflies, which benefit the fruit crops in the island.
- Holidays to Cabucgayan nightlife provides a special wildlife experience with the sounds of insect, frog, and the nocturnal birds in the background giving a relaxing tune to staring at the stars on a clear sky.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Cabucgayan Town Fiesta is an annual event held every October and is a vibrant expression of religious devotion and community that involves marching, dancing in the streets, and a communal meal.
- The yearly local fiestas of the Barangays demonstrate local culture as each village has its own music, dance, and specialty dishes.
- Holy Week processes invite people to a meditative state, and prayers and devotions are held in the major avenues and along the river.
- The harvest festivals are dedicated to the rich harvest of the island and are characterised by music, dancing and distribution of fresh harvest.
- The ceremony of Sea Blessing which is done in the early morning at the seashores also involves the locals giving thanks to a fruitful fishing season which also attracts the travellers to experience the maritime culture.
- The town is decorated with festive lanterns and colourful banners all year round and every visit to the town is a unique cultural experience because of the creativity and devotion of the town.