DiscoverCaibiran
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Caibiran.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Caibiran
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Caibiran
- Holidays to Caibiran, Bilaran, a small town at the inland area of Biliran Island, is surrounded by rising hills and fertile agricultural lands that provide fresh country air into the lungs of any traveller visiting the place.
- The rivers flowing in the town are clear and cool and they provide natural pools that have sparkles and visitors can immerse their feet and the stress of city life dissolves.
- In Caibiran, agriculture dictates the beat of the daily living, as farmers work on the coconut palms, corn stalks, and root crops, making the air around Caibiran be filled with the earthy smell of them.
- The neighbouring communities are also known to be very hospitable and strangers are greeted with easy smiles, shared meals, and a feeling of belonging such that a newcomer feels at home.
- Due to the fact that the tourism remains humble, Caibiran provides a unique opportunity to visit a real island paradise where people do not crowd and the rhythm of life is slow.
- To the traveller who longs to be out of town, the serene environment of Caibiran offers the ideal venue to reflect, explore and experience the real cultural experience.
- Capital (of the province): San Jose de Buenavista
- International airport: No international airport in Culasi
- Nearest commonly used: Evelio B. Javier Airport (San Jose, Antique)
- 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: Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The smooth hillsides of holidays to Caibiran hills offer spectacular outlooks of golden rice fields, fertile coconut trees and the blue horizon in the distance of the coastline of Biliran.
- There are also clear and shallow rivers which cut through the villages and novices come to collect water, to bathe or just sit along the banks and hear the water trickling softly.
- Waterfalls within the outlands in barangays form misty pools, which shine under the afternoon sun, and present a natural marvel in those who are ready to take a short walk.
- The parish church is a house of worship, and the morning prayers are smelling of colourful lanterns and incense in the air.
- Town plaza events where music and dancing are done and so is the food sharing of meals show the pulse of the community life of Caibiran and its high level of bayanihan.
- The farmers traditional markets are full of fresh products (corn, root crops and local fish) and the traveller can experience the real tastes of the island.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry season that occurs between December and May provides clear rivers, sunny days and is thus best suited to swimming, hiking, and farm tours.
- The chilliest months of January and February are pleasant enough to take a long walk and explore the trails without the unbearable heat that may be experienced in summer.
- In April and May, there are colourful fiestas, with decorations on the streets and processions, folk songs, and common feasts, in honour of town saints.
- The holidays to Caibiran scenery is coated with a dense green during rainy season and the waterfalls are full to give nature lovers a dramatic focus.
- Late May or early June will present the tail end of fiesta festivities to the traveller before the rains come and combine the cultural buzz with the natural scenery.
- Due to the mild tropical climate allowed by the Caibiran region, temperatures do not often go above 30 C so that outdoor activities are always enjoyable all year round.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Caibiran Parish Church
- The plain style of the church is a reminder of the modesty of the native religion, where the stone walls and a simple bell tower that rings at dawn are used.
- Pews made of wood and painted pictures on the inside inviting contemplation, the smell of incense lulls aimlessly wandering spirits.
- The court of the chapel is usually involved in community interactions, and the neighbours tell their storeys and eat under the banyan trees.
- On the yearly fiesta of the town, the church grounds are turned into a bustling square with stalls, music, and dancing, as a demonstration of the local traditions.
- Neighbouring island pilgrims call here to implore blessings and pray before they set out on their expeditions.
- The church history is traced back to the early 20 th century, and stained-glass windows of the church have storeys of faith and strength that can be related by the visitors.
Caibiran Town Plaza
- The gravel path in the plaza offers time to walk around, and one can take a moment to observe the scenery of the hills around.
- There is a fountain in the middle of it supplied by a small stream that gives one a splash of coolness when he/she wants to take a few minutes off the heat.
- According to the cultural essence of the island, there are vendors along the edge, selling fresh coconuts water, local pastries and handmade crafts.
- The elders in the community normally sit on benches and narrate past events, come up with legends that bring a better aspect to the life of the visitor.
- The design of the plaza is open and this design promotes impromptu groups and hence it is an ideal place to find other people travelling as well as locals.
- In the evening, lanterns are put up around the entire plaza, which illuminates the plaza in a warm and welcoming way that gives night strolls a nice adventure.
Natural Springs & Rivers
- The crystal-clear springs are sourced out of underground aquifers, which make up pure water that is safe to both swim and drink.
- On the river banks there are plenty of green vegetation that has various small birds and frogs and it provides a relaxing environment to take a quiet stroll.
- The traveller is able to walk in the shallow waters experiencing the coolness that is in contrast to the hotness of the day in the tropics.
- The mineral composition of the springs is reported to possess medicinal qualities on the skin and thus the springs are the preferred local spa ritual.
- These natural wonders have been known to be visited by guided tours to explain how they were formed geologically and their ecological significance.
- The trail around it is an easy hike and there are places on the trail where one can take a rest and observe the flow of the water.
Barangay Hills and Countryside Views
- The terraced rice fields and the scattered coconut groves are viewed with expansive vistas of the barangay hills which are gently sloping.
- The town is visible with its rooftops and the remoteness of the shoreline of the Biliran Island.
- The farmers in the area mark the harvest by gathering at the hills and enjoying songs and dances in the honour of the harvest.
- Butterfly gardens are scattered throughout the hills, with colourful species fluttering in a green background.
- Foot paths allow tourists to wander along the ground at their leisure, as trees give shade to them against the sun.
- The hills are painted in orange and pink at the time of sunset, and this provides a perfect backdrop to photography lovers.
Reason 05
Discover More
Outlying Barangays Waterfalls
- Dense trees surround hidden waterfalls that provide cool pools to take a cool dip and get an opportunity to listen to the falling water.
- The road to every fall is a little adventure, which leads through bamboo and shrubs which convey the natural beauty of the island.
- The visitors are likely to have a glimpse of the local wildlife like small birds, frogs, and at times, deer, which enhance the sense of wonder.
- The area that surrounds the falls is perfect picnicking ground and has benches and shaded areas where the families can have a chance to relax.
- The local guides give the legends on the origin of the falls citing how the falls are said to be blessings of the sea spirits.
- As the waters flow they produce a light spray, which cools the air, and even the hottest afternoons seem cool.
Coconut and Corn Farms
- The extensive expanse of coconut trees makes them flower with sweet smells that bees enjoy, and the palms give some shade and a feeling of peace.
- Corn fields are characterised by rows of golden stalks waving in the wind, which are the signs of the planting and harvest seasons.
- The farmers take visitors to pick fresh fruit, sample fresh coconut water, and hear how they traditionally husk and dry.
- There are simple wooden fences that border the fields which adds a rustic appearance that is representative of the agricultural history of the island.
- The farms also play a key role in the local food security and the staples supplied by these farms nourish the local population all year round.
- During the nights, the farms are lit with lanterns, which provides a rather quiet and almost fairy-tale nighttime walks.
Village Walks
- As one walks along the village one can encounter the old wooden houses with thatched roofs which are themselves unique in colour and design.
- Small streets are covered with markets, where fresh products, hand-woven garments, and local delicacies are displayed, and it is possible to taste them.
- People usually meet and welcome a traveller with a pleasant greeting of a Kumusta and share good storeys and smiles.
- This community centre is the centre of cultural activities of the village where dancers demonstrate traditional dances to the native music.
- The children play around open courtyards in pursuit of one another and this makes the village more attractive with a lot of laughter.
- There are yellow lanterns in the streets during the time of sunset, and the village is transformed into a wonderland of lanterns.
Small Creeks and Freshwater Pools
- Little streams cut across fields with their transparent waters offering natural pools where tourists can wet themselves in the shadow of nearby plants.
- The smooth surfaces of the pools also reflect the sky, which provides an opportunity to reflect and be in the calmness of the life of the island in its hustle.
- The pools are frequented by the local fishermen who tend to rest there after a hard days work taking in the calm nature and the sweet aroma of the nearby flowers.
- There are many insects, birds and little mammals that are housed in the surrounding vegetation, which contributes to the diversity of the ecosystem.
- Their low slopes and shallow waters make them safe pools that children can play in and they are the best pools where families can take outings.
- On bright days, it is clear and one can see underneath the surface to see the beds of stones.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Holidays to Caibiran is very Catholic and reflects in the vibrant christ festivals in which the town patron saint is honoured through processions and prayers.
- Dances, accompanied by traditional folk music in the form of guitars and drums, describe the folk mythology and farming ceremonies.
- Collective farming activities show the community spirit, which is referred to as bayanihan, in which neighbours assist one another in planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
- Oral histories are through storytelling sessions which are usually under banyan trees and these transfer myths and lessons to young generations.
- Local artisans have displayed local patterns of handcrafted textiles as the local colours of nature and the seasons in which these textiles are woven.
- Even such simple practises as having dinner together after a working day create a feeling of belonging and respect to each other in the town.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Freshwater fish caught in the transparent rivers of the island is normally grilled or stewed, and it is accompanied by boiling rice and sweet potatoes.
- Corn, root crops, and coconut are some of the crops that are cultivated by farmers and are the main ingredients in local food like corn porridge and coconut rice.
- Fresh mangoes, banana and papayas are available in the markets in the Island which can be eaten out right or they can be used to prepare refreshing fruit beverages.
- Conventional cooking involves wood-fired stoves and this gives the stews a smoky taste which locals can hardly resist.
- Fried foods such as palm heart, which has been roasted, and fried cassava are the snacks that give fast energy to the travellers going about to explore the rugged terrain.
- Small carinderias that cook their meals at home tend to have local fermented fish sauces, which impart a distinctive umami flavour.
Fun
- Rivers, springs and waterfalls swimming are a cool experience and an opportunity to experience the purity of nature.
- Hiking across hills and farmland can enable the visitors to see the agricultural system and scenic views of the island directly.
- This involves attending local fiestas where one gets a glimpse of colourful traditions, including folk dances, traditional music and shared dinners.
- Amateurs can have the chance to shoot the light and shadow play within the old church and calm plazas of the town.
- A trip to coconut farms will be a practical experience of harvesting and processing, which will enhance the understanding of the local livelihoods.
- Waltzing down village streets will give one a glimpse of the daily life of the people where locals take people in with heartfelt smiles and wide open arms.
Fashion
- Breathable cotton or linen garments are light and can help keep you cool as you pass through humid valleys and riverbanks.
- Rough hiking shoes with a good grip are always needed in the rugged trail and a slippery bank of a river so they can be always safe in any adventure.
- When entering churches or taking part in cultural events, modest, covering the shoulders and knees, clothes are respectful.
- Outsourcing: Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can save the skin against the strong tropical sun, particularly during physical activities.
- This insect repellent made of natural components helps to keep the mosquitoes and other bugs away but does not harm the environment.
- The thought of carrying a reusable water bottle and a small first-aid kit makes it comfortable and ready when exploring long distances.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The farmlands and hills are home to numerous types of birds, including colourful kingfishers and small tanagers which fly in and out of the trees.
- The rivers serve as homes to fresh water fish, turtles and invisible aquatic animals that survive in the clean waters of the island.
- The outskirts are inhabited by small mammals like field mice, bats and occasionally deer which add wildlife to the quiet rural scenery.
- The management of the insects and spiders by the lush vegetation forms a balanced ecosystem, which promotes the biodiversity of the island.
- The migrations of birds in seasons are also an added colour and sound to the daytime, mainly in the dawn and the dusk.
- Being in a quiet place with the smallest noise possible, to appreciate nature, promotes conservation and uplifts the traveller with a sense of belongingness to the land.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Caibiran fiesta of the town, which is organised in April or May every year, includes processions of religious activities, folk dances, and a common feast, highlighting the local taste.
- The fiestas of the Barangays are celebrations of patron saints of the respective communities with unique music, games, and a fireworks show.
- Processions of the Holy Week attract people to the church, and faithful people are involved in reflective rituals and cultural traditions.
- The agricultural bounty of the community is celebrated with parades and thanksgiving during harvest festivals which are usually celebrated after the main crop harvest.
- Local craft, food and souvenirs are sold by local entrepreneurs in every event, and this results in a vibrant market that draws tourists to other islands.
- Such festivals give a truly real-life understanding of the social structure of Caibiran and how religion, society, and gratitude are all connected in the daily existence.